Schedule Planning

Since higher education is expensive and time is valuable, students and parents usually have a timeframe in mind to the path of degree completion. How can students achieve their academic goals within a timely manner? What situation might result in delaying graduation? The best strategy for ensuring that students complete their degree within a specified timeframe is to plan ahead! To that end, students are provided with the Degree Audit Report (DARS) every quarter. The DARS list all requirements needed for that degree and major program. All unmet requirements on the DARS are indicated as "No" and have a minus signs (-). Completed requirements are noted by "OK" and plus signs. Once every item on the DARS indicates "OK," a statement will appear that all degree requirements are met pending final graduation clearance.

Students have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisor each quarter and review their DARS. We recommend that students and advisors make tentative four-year schedules and then develop year-long schedules to ensure that adequate progress is being made. Many courses are sequential and have prerequisites, so it is important to start those requirements early on. The Ohio University Catalog lists all courses and necessary prerequisites. In addition, many majors have recommended four-year academic schedules and these are included in the catalog or on their webpage. We suggest that students consult with their academic advisor about these schedules.

The best laid plans sometimes go awry and students may not complete courses as they projected. Other times, students change majors and have to complete different requirements. When this happens, students should meet with their advisor and see how this impacts their degree completion. New schedules may be needed and timelines may have to be revised. The best strategy for effective schedule planning is to work with an academic advisor and to have long-term and short-term schedules completed.