4/5/24

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce its continued commitment to student success through the “15-to-Finish” initiative. With the aim of ensuring undergraduate students persist in their studies and graduate on time, FHSU encourages students to complete 15 credits per semester or 30 credits per academic year, setting them on track to complete their degree within four years.

Drawing on Kansas Board of Regents Strategic Plan and FHSU’s goals for student success, “15-to-Finish” is significant in that it extends beyond expediency and focuses on persistence, ensuring that students graduate.

There are many benefits to adhering to the “15-to-Finish” approach. By staying on track and completing their degree on time, students can lower their overall tuition and educational expenses, decrease student loan debt, and maximize their financial aid opportunities. Additionally, they can fast-track their path to employment or graduate school while establishing early earnings and savings instead of paying further tuition costs.

To support students in achieving the “15-to-Finish” goal, FHSU offers the following recommendations:

• Collaborate with academic advisors to develop a personalized four-year degree plan, ensuring completion of essential courses like English composition and college-level mathematics within the first two semesters.
• Regularly monitor academic progress on Workday.
• Schedule meetings each semester with academic advisors to review degree plans and status.

Recognizing that completing 15 credits per semester may not suit every student, FHSU acknowledges the importance of flexibility and offers alternative strategies based on individual circumstances, such as:

• Working closely with academic advisors to craft customized degree plans for success.
• Utilizing advanced placement, CLEP, and other credit-by-exam options to accelerate progress.
• Enrolling in FHSU summer and intersession courses to reduce academic year course loads.

“FHSU’s mission continues to focus on accessibility and affordability for students – leading to a credential that prepares students to be productive members of the workforce and society,” said Jill Arensdorf, provost/vice president of academic affairs. “Taking an average of 30 credits per academic year puts students on a path to complete their degree in four years, which can lead to an overall cost savings for students.”

 “While this path is not for everyone, we encourage students to have conversations with those in their university support system to make good academic and scheduling decisions.” 

For more information on the “15-to-Finish” initiative and how it supports student success at FHSU, please visit: www.fhsu.edu .