The student body presidents of Mississippi’s eight public universities have recently introduced the “Finish in 4 campaign,” an initiative that encourages college students to finish within four years.
With only 48 percent of students graduating in four years, the Student Body Presidents’ Council is spearheading a mission to spread awareness on the requirements to graduate in a timely manner. At a recent Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning meeting, the Finish in 4 campaign was officially launched.
Casey Turnage, director of initiatives and enrollment management for IHL, said students do not graduate on time because of a lack of awareness.
“I am so glad that the Student Body Presidents Council chose this initiative. The goal of this program is to help make students aware of their options.  Many students think 12 hours is enough because technically it makes them a full-time student,” Turnage said. “But do the math. 49 percent of students graduate in six years. That costs you money. An additional year of college can cost more than $50,000 in extra tuition, lost wages and related costs. We hope to raise awareness and raise graduation rates. We aim to help students make a real impact during their college experience.”
Taking only 12 credit hours each semester averages to at least five years before earning a bachelor’s degree. A student that decides to take 15 credit hours each semester can expect to graduate in four years.
Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice president at MSU, said the Finish in 4 campaign is a means for students to make smart and beneficial decisions about their college careers.
“I am passionate about students making informed decisions about their college options and scheduling courses that are consistent with their graduation plan.  I think it is great for students to graduate in four years, and I would encourage all students to do so,” Gilbert said. “The Finish in 4 campaign raises awareness about what is necessary to complete a degree in four years and gives the student the knowledge to make an informed decision about their plans for progressing through a degree program.”
The Student Body Presidents’ Council encourages students to utilize their advisers early so they can have a solid understanding of the number of hours required to earn a degree in their major and to take enough hours each semester to earn a degree in four years.
Brett Harris, MSU Student Association president and chair of the Student Body Presidents’ Council, said it is important for freshman to get the message.
“Making students aware that they need to have a plan will help. Telling students as soon as they get here, ‘hey, you need to finish in four years’ will put them in the proper mindset. There are certain circumstances where it’s fine to finish in five or six years, but not always. Having a plan early is important,” he said.
Harris said other developments in the works are having four-year plans already worked out for freshmen and an online syllabus bank that will have all the syllabi for whatever classes are necessary.
“These tools will allow students to better educate themselves so they can be best able to graduate in four years. We are working on many things to better help students graduate on time,” Harris said.
The main points of the campaign are “Know Your Plan,” “Save Money” and “Finish in 4.”
The Finish in 4 Campaign is slowly being introduced to MSU. Students can expect to hear about it at orientations, find pamphlets around campus and even see advertisements on the video board during football games.