Beginning this fall, Heidelberg University is offering peace of mind to incoming students and their families by providing a clear path for the students to complete their degree in four years.
Incoming students and their parents attending the first New Student Orientation today were the first to learn about the new program.
The new Heidelberg Four-Year Graduation Guarantee – which is optional – is an assurance that students will be able to complete their bachelor’s degree in four years. If they fulfill all the requirements of the guarantee and do not graduate in four years, Heidelberg will cover the cost of tuition for necessary coursework as well as on-campus room and board.
Essentially, the guarantee ensures the necessary course sequencing and scheduling to fulfill all degree requirements within four years, according to Heidelberg Provost Dr. Beth Schwartz.
A college education is a big investment for families,” Schwartz said. “The Heidelberg Four-Year Graduation Guarantee is our promise to students and their families that we will help them stay on track to graduate on time and therefore not have to take on the burden of additional costs for a fifth year in college.
“If students work hard and follow through on their responsibilities, we want to assure them that they will be able to complete their degree at no extra cost,” Schwartz added.
First-time, degree-seeking students are eligible to participate in the guarantee, beginning this fall. The guarantee requires them to declare a major by the end of their fourth semester.
While it’s common for students to complete double majors and minors in four years and also to change their major once or more, the guarantee applies to completion of one academic major.
Every student will work closely with an academic advisor in the Owen Center for Academic & Career Support and then an assigned faculty advisor to guide their progress toward on-time graduation, Schwartz explained.
“Communication between a student and their academic advisor is key,” she said.