Infographic by Michael Uribes / The Collegian

Counting down the days until graduation becomes a game around this time of the year, but few walking in the commencement ceremonies at the end of the semester try to actually count the days it took them to reach that goal.

Most freshmen entering Fresno State for the first time believe that in four years they will be done. Yet, according to the Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning (IRAP) office at Fresno State, only 15 out of every 100 freshmen at Fresno State will reach that goal of graduating in four years. Eighty-five freshmen, however, will not.

If this statistic holds true for the next four years, of the 2,637 freshmen that entered Fresno State for the fall 2007 semester, 2,241 of them will not be walking on the stage to receive their diploma in May 2011.

That 85 percent includes students who decide to transfer to a different school or students that drop out of college altogether, but most just take longer than four years to graduate.

“One reason more students don’t graduate in four years is that the adjustment to college is a little more challenging than many students realize coming in,â€Â said Dean Christensen, interim director of the Office of Advising and Transition Services at Fresno State. “Another reason is that some students simply work too many hours. Again, it often comes down to the question of what’s more important – working or going to school?â€Â

Many students do not have a choice and must work while also going to school. It is finding a balance between the two that will help students survive and graduate in a timely manner. If the goal is to get a degree, it is important to keep that goal in mind, while looking for a job, Christensen said.

Another problem affecting students̢۪ graduation rates seems to be the uncertainty regarding their majors. Changing majors halfway through one̢۪s junior year can postpone graduation even for the most dedicated of students.

Many resources on campus, such as the Office of Advising and Transition Services and the Career Services Office, offer counseling opportunities to help students figure out what they would succeed in or what major to choose for a specific career.

Another suggestion that every student should keep in mind while working toward his or her degree is to go and see an adviser, now a requirement for those who entered Fresno State starting in 2005. The adviser can help students decide what classes to take, and how to avoid mistakes like taking multiple classes that fulfill the same requirement or not taking the necessary pre-requisites for a specific course.

“Thanks to my adviser, I’ll be able to graduate in four years,â€Â said Laura Keenan, a graduating senior at Fresno State. “I changed my major and I thought I had to stay for an extra semester, but she figured it out for me.â€Â

Fresno State wants to change the trend of students who have to stay extra semesters.

“The Students Success Task Force was formed by President John D. Welty four years ago [with the goal of] trying to increase students’ success,â€Â said Chistina Leimer, Director of the IRAP office. “Specifically to increase first-year retention and graduation rates.â€Â