Finish In Four
The Finish in Four initiative is 蘑菇短视频鈥檚 commitment to providing
students with the essential resources and personalized guidance needed to successfully
complete their undergraduate degree in four years. Through Finish in Four, students
collaborate closely with campus professionals to design a clear, customized roadmap
for success.
We strongly encourage all incoming students to take the pledge and secure their four-year
path!
The Pledge to Finish in Four
Student pledge to Finish in Four:
As a proud student at 蘑菇短视频, I am committed to my academic success and timely graduation. I understand that completing my degree in four years requires dedication, planning, and a partnership with the 蘑菇短视频 community. Therefore, I proudly pledge to:
- Establish a strong foundation by actively engaging in my classes, developing effective study habits, and adjusting
to university life.
- Deepen my knowledge by diving into my coursework and maintaining a strong cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
through utilizing the resources of the Writing and Learning Commons & Math Tutoring
Center.
- Plan my future by meeting with my primary advisor each semester to review a detailed academic plan.
- Engage with the real world by seeking out and pursuing experiential learning opportunities such as internships,
co-ops, or research to apply my classroom knowledge.
- Stay on track to graduate by maintaining good academic standing, completing all degree requirements, and working
closely with my primary advisor to ensure all my courses are in order.
- Be prepared for my career by utilizing the resources of the Center for Career and Professional Development
to build my resume, refine my professional skills, and equip myself for life after
Western.
I understand that this is a partnership, and I will proactively seek support from my advisors, faculty, and campus resources. I make this pledge to honor my commitment to my education, my future, and the 蘑菇短视频 community.
蘑菇短视频 Finish in Four Pledge to students:
- 蘑菇短视频 will provide tailored academic advising each semester, appropriate to your major, including the collaborative development of a comprehensive four-year academic plan.
- 蘑菇短视频 will actively monitor your academic progress and maintain clear, consistent communication with you throughout your entire college career.
- 蘑菇短视频 will offer timely assistance and expert recommendations to promptly address any academic issues or challenges that may affect your progress toward your four-year plan.
Plan for Success
Students who commit to completing their undergraduate degree in four years gain significant
advantages: they graduate with less debt and enter the job market or graduate school
sooner than their peers. This focused path accelerates your success, no matter how
you look at it, Finish in Four is the logical choice. Begin exploring the resources
on this page now to plan your success.
- Meet with your primary advisor regularly
- Maintain at least 15 credit hours towards your degree
- Prepare for Advising Day and review your DegreeWorks evaluation
- Visit the Writing and Learning Commons and Mathematics Tutoring Center
- Volunteer with the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
- Connect with the Center for Career and Professional Development to find jobs on campus and identify upcoming career events
- Get involved and participate in campus activities
- Finish each semester in good academic standing
- Intentionally plan for and utilize summer courses as a strategic component of your comprehensive four-year academic plan
- Actively seek, establish, and complete a for-credit internship or secure a summer job related to your major to gain professional experience
- Complete either a local or international service experience or participate in a study abroad program before graduation
- Take Liberal Studies courses (e.g., English, Math, First-Year Seminar)
- Take introductory courses in chosen or prospective major
- Attend Major and Student Employment Fair
- Utilize the Writing and Learning Commons to adjust to university life and establish good study habits
- Confirm your major or meet with a professional academic advisor to declare a major.
- Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA and 67% completion rate for continued enrollment
- Achieve the 30+ credit hour milestone
- Begin taking core major-specific coursework for declared major
- Continue to complete Liberal Studies requirements
- Meet with your primary advisor to review your academic plan and career goals for the remaining two years.
- Explore a minor or concentration
- Explore study aboard opportunities and meet with Global Engagement
- Join a student club or organization that aligns with your values and interest to connect with peers
- Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA and 67% completion rate for continued enrollment
- Achieve the 60+ credit hour milestone
- Take the majority of upper-level courses (300- and 400-level) in your major.
- Utilize Center for Career and Professional Development to review your r茅sum茅 and cover letter for professional critiquing.
- Actively seek a position of leadership within a student club or organization to build essential professional skills.
- Apply for an internship, co-op, or research opportunity to test your chosen career path through real-world hands-on experience and networking
- Research and learn about graduate school opportunities
- Ensure you are meeting Major-specific GPA requirements
- Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA and 67% completion rate for continued enrollment
- Achieve the 90+ credit hour milestone
- Complete final major coursework and graduation requirements including remaining electives, major-specific GPA, and 25% rule
- Submit the official graduation application and attend any required meetings
- Work with the Center for Career and Professional Development on interview skills and job search strategies
- Attend career fairs or networking events
- Send out tailored r茅sum茅s with cover letters to targeted list of employers and begin the interviewer process
- Submit applications to graduate schools and take entrance exams
- Secure a job offer or gain admission to graduate school
- Graduate on time and successfully transition from student to professional
Essential Tips for Academic Success
Four years can pass quickly. Make every semester count by being proactive and strategic.
Academic Planning & Progression
- Declare Your Path Early: Don't delay! Begin exploring possible majors and career fields immediately. If you start undeclared, commit to declaring your major by the fall of your sophomore year so you can start taking major-specific courses right away.
- Maintain Momentum: Be aware of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. To stay on track, plan to successfully complete at least 67% of the credits you register for each term. Ideally, you should aim to successfully complete at least 25% of the credit hours in your overall academic plan each year.
- Balance Work and Study: If you work while attending school, be realistic about your capacity. It is highly recommended that full-time students limit work hours to no more than 20 hours per week to ensure academic quality and well-being.
Strategy & Resourcefulness
- Be Resourceful: Know the academic support resources available on campus and use them as part of your success strategy. You do not have to figure everything out alone. If you are struggling, immediately speak with your professor or advisor to seek the help you need.
- Monitor Your Progress: Check your grades and DegreeWorks regularly through Canvas and my蘑菇短视频. Don't wait until the end of the semester!
- Act Proactively: Avoid last-minute stress by being proactive. Register for classes as soon as your window opens, immediately resolve any holds on your academic record, and complete financial aid applications and forms well before deadlines. Proactively communicate with your professors as they are here to support you.