Provost's Task Force on the Academic Progress of Undergraduates

Satisfactory Progress Strategies Summary

Term Limits
UNC, Berkeley and Virginia all restrict students to a certain number of semesters in which to finish. After eight semesters of attendance, Virginia requires that any further requirements needed to complete a degree be completed in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, summer school, or another institution.

Satisfactory Progress Contracts
Iowa, Wisconsin, Eastern Washington, and Washington State all allow students to sign contracts guaranteeing they will finish in 4 years. These contracts usually apply to specific majors. They require commitments on the part of the student as well as the school.

Minimum Credit Policies
Minnesota and Berkeley require that students enroll in at least 13 credits per semester. UC Davis requires that students complete 39 credits every three quarters, while UCSD requires 36 units every three quarters. Exceptions to these policies can be made for part-time students.

Major Declaration Policies
Most universities require that students declare a major by the beginning of their junior year, or once they have completed the equivalent number of credits. Many place holds on a student's registration if she or he has not declared a major. Virginia requires that students fill out a deferral of major form if they have not declared a major by their fourth semester. Berkeley does not allow a change of major if it will extend enrollment past 130 credits.

Advising Policies
At UNC, in the College of Arts & Sciences, students are required to check their academic eligibility on the web (or by phone if they have no access to the web). Also, at UNC, students are asked to meet with a Senior Team advisor to check on graduation requirements.

Degree Completion Plans
Western Washington requires that students who have completed 210 credits either file for graduation or submit a plan to complete their degree. Arizona requires that students file such a plan after finishing 87 semester credits, but they do not put a limit on how long completing a degree must take.