New program guides students toward prompt graduation

The university is so confident that its students can meet program requirements that it will offer one additional semester of course work tuition-free if students don't graduate within the specified time. The program is called Partners for Academic Commitment to Excellence (PACE).

At universities that form the Southern Universities Group, slightly more than one-quarter of entering students finish their degrees in four years, said Dr. Miriam Shillingsburg, associate vice president for academic affairs. Nationally, the average length of time required to finish a degree has reached six years.

"We're trying to provide support and guidance to ensure that students use their time at the university efficiently to graduate on a schedule that benefits them -- and their parents," Shillingsburg said.

More than 90 students enrolled in the pilot project this fall received priority enrollment and a $100 incentive award from the university. Financial support is provided by the Mississippi State Foundation.

PACE students must have a minimum American College Test composite score of 21 or higher and a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). They also must take a full load of courses and agree to take classes in appropriate sequences.

If remedial work is required, it must be completed in a timely fashion to allow students to continue on schedule through the program, Shillingsburg said.

All PACE students also attend workshops on subjects ranging from time management and study skills to coping with roommates and how to take tests. "Any student is welcome to attend these workshops but PACE students must commit to attend," Shillingsburg said.

Participating students also must commit to two hours of study each week for each credit hour of course work. An average number of study hours for a standard course load would be 30 hours each week.

"We're confident that students who commit themselves to this program will benefit from the support the university is providing," Shillingsburg said. " And we believe that we'll see them graduate in just over four years."

For more information about PACE, call Academic Affairs at 325-3744.