Understanding the Key Factors Hindering Timeliness in Graduation at Westminster College

At Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, there are several significant factors that contribute to students not graduating on time. These factors range from the academic and financial aspects to the personal sacrifices made by students. This article aims to shed light on these challenges, offering both insights and potential solutions.

Changing Majors Often

One of the most common reasons students do not graduate on time is the frequent change in majors. Many students enter college with a specific major in mind, only to discover that it does not align with their interests or career goals. For instance, a student may start as a Physics major and enjoy the coursework during their sophomore year, but by the end of the year decide that a Communications degree is a better fit. While switching majors can broaden educational horizons, it often requires additional coursework, extending the time needed to complete the degree. In some cases, this can result in students spending three extra years in school.

Engaging in Remedial Courses

Another significant barrier to timely graduation is the requirement for remedial courses. Many students are not fully prepared for college-level coursework due to a lack of preparation in high school. For example, a student pursuing a major that requires Calculus might need to take remedial math courses such as College Algebra and Trigonometry before being eligible for Calculus. The time spent on these remedial courses can be quite substantial, as it often involves several semesters, which increases both the financial and temporal burden on students.

Financial Constraints

Financial constraints are a critical factor for many students attending private colleges like Westminster College. The high tuition fees can be a significant deterrent for students and their families. A case in point is a former student who left the institution after just two years due to the escalating cost of tuition. Such financial challenges can lead students to reassess their educational plans or take part-time jobs to make ends meet. While these measures can help students manage their expenses, they often result in reduced course loads, thereby extending the duration of their studies.

Balancing Work and Education

Students who work full-time or part-time jobs are often unable to fit their education into a traditional academic schedule. This can lead to taking fewer classes per semester, which in turn delays graduation. An example is a student who worked full-time at a medical company, enrolling in only two classes per semester to pursue a Computer Science degree. This strategy, while valuable for maintaining financial stability, significantly extends the time needed to complete the degree.

Availability of Upper-Division Courses

The availability of upper-division courses is another significant challenge. Academic programs often limit the number of upper-division courses that can be offered due to faculty constraints. For instance, during the time the author studied Computer Science, several required courses were only offered in certain years. If a student fails one of these courses, they may have to wait until the course is offered again, further prolonging their academic journey.

Retaking Courses

Retaking a course due to a poor performance is another common scenario that can delay graduation. When a student fails a course, they often need to retake it, which can mean forgoing other required courses and extending their academic timeline. This situation highlights the need for better course management and support systems to help students succeed.

Improving Academic Advising

A major contributing factor to these challenges is the quality of academic advising. The Student Advising Center at Westminster College may not provide robust, detailed plans for students to graduate on time. Advisors often focus on helping students fulfill general education requirements, but fail to show them the courses necessary for their major each semester. To improve graduation timeliness, students are encouraged to reach out to professors in their field of interest to create a well-structured plan.

Conclusion

Westminster College faces several challenges that hinder students from achieving timely graduation. These challenges include frequent switches in majors, the necessity of remedial courses, financial constraints, work commitments, limited course availability, and the need to retake courses. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including better academic advising, increased course availability, and addressing financial barriers. By creating a supportive and flexible academic environment, Westminster College can help students stay on track and graduate on time.