Four-Year Graduation Plan

How the plan works
Students who elect to participate in Iowa’s Four-Year Graduation Plan will work closely with their advisors to ensure that degree requirements are met and appropriate course sequencing is followed. Only a few degree programs don't participate in this program. They are listed Here.

Students who are interested in the plan (and whose intended major qualifies) usually make the decision to sign the Four-Year Graduation Plan Agreement during Orientation at their academic advising appointment. You may choose to sign up for the plan at any time up until the end of your second semester at the University.

This agreement holds both you and the University responsible for clearly defined actions. If you follow the provisions of the Four-Year Graduation Plan, you will earn a diploma in four years or the University will provide a remedy per the agreement.

Every semester, you and your advisor will check your plan and monitor your degree evaluation to ensure that you are completing your requirements, and to keep track of the number of semester hours you are earning toward your degree. The Four-Year Graduation Plan will serve as a map to your graduation goal.

To graduate in four years you need to:
• Complete one-quarter of the semester hours needed to graduate each year. Some students do this by taking half of their required hours for the year in each semester. Others will take fewer hours each semester but schedule summer classes to make up the difference.
• Be somewhat flexible. Sometimes you’ll have to take a class at a time that may not be convenient, or you may need to substitute an alternate course for one that is unavailable during a specific semester or at a specific time of day.

Many events in your life, however, cannot be predicted. An opportunity for a valuable internship, double major, or significant extracurricular activity may arise, resulting in a decision not to complete your studies in four years.

New interests may cause you to change your goals and your major, or add course work before graduation. Illness can intervene, as can other emergencies. Some majors require additional time to complete a degree and do not participate in the Four-Year Graduation Plan (Nonparticipating Programs).

There is no penalty for withdrawing from the Four-Year Graduation Plan Agreement. Simply fill out a form at the Office of the Registrar. Whether or not you graduate in four years, planning your progress toward your degree will add depth to your University experience and ensure that you are in control of your education.