Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the “Finish in Four: Four-Year Graduation Plan” is to facilitate, through a contract between the participating student and Boise State University, a student's goal of graduating from Boise State in four years.

Boise State University ensures that students who agree to and follow the program's provisions will graduate with their Bachelors degree in four years. If the University does not meet its part of the contract, the cost of additional courses will be paid by Boise State University.

Where should questions not addressed in this document be referred?

For more information, students should contact their academic advisor or they may contact the “Finish in Four” Coordinator in the Advising and Academic Enhancement office in the Gateway Center, 2055 University Drive, (208) 426-4049. Email questions to finishin4@boisestate.edu.

When must a student sign up for “Finish in Four”?

Students sign up for the program as an entering new first-time student, no later than the end of the first year of enrollment. It is recommended that students sign up for “Finish in Four” by the end of the first semester of enrollment.

Where can students sign up for the “Finish in Four”?

Students should begin the process during New Student Orientation or by meeting with an advisor the first semester of enrollment to determine eligibility and sign the appropriate paperwork.

Who will advise “Finish in Four” students?

“Finish in Four” students will be advised by an academic advisor in the academic department of major. Undeclared or undecided students meet with an academic advisor in Advising and Academic Enhancement to determine eligibility. A “Finish in Four” Coordinator, housed in Advising and Academic Enhancement, oversees the program.

How many credits should “Finish in Four” students enroll in for each semester?

To graduate within the contracted time, “Finish in Four” students should enroll in 16 to 18 credits per academic semester or 32 credits per calendar year (depending on the course plan created with the academic advisor). Courses can be taken during summer sessions as well.

Are transfer students eligible for this program?

Not at this time. Because the program is currently designed for students to graduate in four years from the start of their first semester in college, in general, transfer students are not eligible. However, if a student has earned college credit prior to high school graduation and is a first-time college student, she/he is eligible for “Finish in Four”.

Can a student enrolled in classes prior to Fall 2008 sign up for this program?

No. However, the student can contact Advising and Academic Enhancement to work with an advisor and develop a four year plan, including current enrollment and previously completed courses. In essence, the student will still benefit from having a plan and completing a degree in four years, but will not be officially enrolled in the “Finish in Four” program.

Can a student sign up for any major on this contract?

Yes, if the student is eligible for the major. Some majors have admission processes, in addition to admission to the university. It is critical that students interested in majors with admission processes and limited numbers of student accepted into the programs meet with an academic advisor early on to develop a plan. See the next question. Majors included in the “Finish in Four” program are listed. Majors included in this program are listed at http://www.boisestate.edu/finish4/programs/locate.shtml

Are majors with an application process included in the guarantee?

Students intending to major in a limited enrollment program such as nursing, should note that successful completion of all prerequisite program requirements does not guarantee admission to a program as a greater number of qualified applicants than can be admitted apply for these programs each year. Failure to be admitted to one of these programs by the sophomore year negates this agreement unless the student selects another major not covered under this section.

Can a student complete a minor (along with the major) on this contract?

Yes. If the credits required for the minor fit within the elective credits of the major, a student can complete both the major and minor in the plan.

What if a “Finish in Four” student needs to take developmental courses or prerequisite courses prior to beginning their four-year plan?

Developmental courses such as English 90 and Math 25 do not count toward graduation credit; therefore, they do not count toward the credit requirements for the “Finish in Four” Program. In addition, some majors, for example majors in Engineering, require that students be ready to take Calculus. If you need to take prerequisite or developmental courses, you may need to take summer courses to meet your credit requirement for graduation and/or you may not be eligible for the “Finish in Four” program.

What happens if a “Finish in Four” student elects to participate in an exchange program and/or internship?

Students are encouraged to participate in exchange programs and internships. Exchange and internship credits approved by Boise State may count toward academic progress under the plan, but must be completed within the four-year agreement period. Students need to contact their advisor to discuss feasibility as early as possible. (Remember, there is no penalty for finishing in more than four years.)

What about summer classes?

“Finish in Four” students are allowed to enroll in summer sessions, which may allow for some adjustment in the fall and/or spring credit load.

What if a “Finish in Four” student takes summer courses at another institution?

Summer transfer credits may count toward academic progress provided the student takes courses accepted by Boise State University in general education, elective credit requirements, or the student's major. Students must complete 30 of their last 36 credits at Boise State. Students are responsible to discuss their plans with their advisor as early as possible to determine how anticipated transfer credits will fit into their degree plan. Transfer coursework must be reported to Boise State in a timely fashion.

What is the procedure if a “Finish in Four” student asks to have the clock stopped?

The “Finish in Four” clock may be stopped during a student's enrollment at Boise State in the event of a serious health problem, family emergency, or approved leave of absence (e.g., church mission, pregnancy). All stop-out situations must be documented and approved by the Program Coordinator in order to stop the four-year clock.

What happens if a student does not fulfill the “Finish in Four” contract?

A student who does not fulfill the requirements of the “Finish in Four” Program experiences no penalty. Any student participating in the program for any length of time will benefit and should continue contact with an academic advisor.

Can a student graduate in less than four years?

Yes! Students may complete their degree requirements as quickly as they wish. Students who enter the University with AP, CLEP, (some) transfer and/or concurrent enrollment credits may still participate in the program.

Can a student voluntarily withdraw from the program?

Yes. Students need to contact the “Finish in Four” Coordinator, in writing, to withdraw from the program. Students will continue to have contact with academic advisors. There are no penalties.

What does a “Finish in Four” student do if she/he cannot get a required course that will result in a delayed graduation?

If you meet all the conditions of the “Finish in Four: Four-year Graduation Plan” but are unable to graduate with your undergraduate degree due to the unavailability of a course, your department and college will try to develop a reasonable and appropriate academic alternative. If the Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies determines that there are no academically acceptable alternatives, Boise State University will pay the tuition for you to take the course(s) required for you to complete your degree program within the next year.