For Academic Advisors
Below, academic advisors will find answers to common questions about the Finish in Four Pledge — including program oversight, who to contact, and how appeals and eligibility exceptions work.
Program Oversight
Who do I contact for additional questions?
For additional questions, please contact us at finish-four AT_TOWSON.
Appeals, Exceptions and Reinstatements
When should students make appeals? Who is responsible for reviewing student appeals and following up with students about their appeal?
Students should initiate appeals at the end of the four-year timeframe. Appeals will be handled using the current framework for academic concerns, starting with the major department chair.
Is there a secondary review process for students who do not receive the outcome they hoped for from an initial exception request or denial of tuition payment?
Students can appeal the decision of the department chair using the current framework for academic concerns. The level of appeal after the major department chair is the college associate dean.
If TU agrees to pay a student’s tuition, will TU also pay associated fees, both general fees and fees tied to the specific course the student needs?
TU will only waive the tuition for primary degree-required courses. Students will still be responsible for any associated fees or tuition for other coursework.
Advisor Responsibilities
What are the exact responsibilities of an advisor to ensure TU is compliant with its commitment to students?
Students are responsible for tracking their own Finish in Four compliance. Advisors should support students by answering questions, clearly articulating necessary coursework, and communicating/documenting if they believe four-year graduation is no longer possible.
Will advisors be required to keep notes in EAB Navigate? Will there be specific note templates or guidelines?
Finish in Four will be incorporated into existing FYE Advisor training and resources. The Provost’s designee will work with AARC to provide supplemental training opportunities for other advisors about Finish in Four and best practices in advising documentation. Advisor supervisors will determine if training is appropriate for their advisors.
If an advisor is found at fault for misadvisement that delays the four-year graduation, what are the consequences for the advisor?
As is current practice, the advisor’s supervisor will have discretion about if/how repeated advisement errors are incorporated into the regular performance review and improvement processes.