While furthering my research I recently came across an article published by College Parent Central listing the many reasons why any particular college student may not graduate in the typical span of four years. I was a little bit surprised by the alarming tone of the piece, which suggested to its parental audience that a prolonged graduation is something to be gravely concerned about. The author writes “We may have seen this coming or we may be taken by surprise. We may understand the reasons or we may not. We may consider the reasons sensible or we may find them ridiculous. We may take the news in stride or we may be angry and upset. If it becomes clear that your student will need more than the perceived “normal” four years to complete her college degree, you and she will probably need to have a conversation.” Obviously, a student’s anticipated graduation date is a topic of conversation that students and parents should engage in, but I wonder if the severity of the situation is being slightly over-dramatized in this article. The piece further explains some of the most common reasons for a five-year graduation plan, citing situations like lack of direction, failing too many classes, having a low GPA, and not keeping track of requirements, Although things like working a part-time job and having to take a leave of absence from school due to emotional stress are briefly mentioned, I see that a lot of the listed reasons are not necessarily outlined in an accepting manner, rather they seem very critical of the student’s actions.
For my final project, I’d like to promote an overall message of acceptance when it comes to this issue, rather than mirroring the tone of the aforementioned article. I think that it’s important for students to know that it’s okay to take their time while finishing their degree, and that it’s a commendable thing to graduate no matter how long it takes you. In fact, students may prove to be even more successful by staying in school in the midst of dealing with other struggles that may come their way.Statistics are proving that this pattern is slowly but surely becoming the norm, so instead of criticizing the ramifications of student’s actions, it’s more probably more productive to just be supportive.
College "Super Seniors" Are Taking Their Time 