Four Bear Contract

Effective Fall Semester 2004

Purpose

The aim of the four-year graduation plan is to facilitate, through commitments made by the participating student and The University of Montana-Missoula, the student's goal of graduating from the University in four years (may include three intervening summer sessions). The plan is intended for first-time UM freshmen, including freshmen with Advanced Placement or High School Pilot Program credits, but excluding freshmen admitted on provisional, part-time status. The four-year graduation plan is designed for students seriously committed to eight consecutive semesters of full-time study at The University of Montana-Missoula.

Commitments of the Student

1. Take all placement and diagnostic examinations required by the University and the student's major and follow the advisor's recommendations based on the results of the examinations.

2. Each semester, meet with assigned Four Bear advisor, follow a four-year course of study approved by the Four Bear advisor, pre-register during the Four Bear priority registration period, and satisfy all academic policies of the University and major.

3. Be accepted into the ultimate degree major prior to earning 45 credits (the plan is applicable to one major only). See Addendum.

4. Earn at least 30 credits by the beginning of the second year, 60 credits by the beginning of the third year, 90 credits by the beginning of the fourth year, and 120 credits by the end of the fourth academic year. Earned credits are not given for developmental courses (number below 100).

Commitments of the University

1. Provide a designated Four Bear Advisor.

2. Provide a registration priority for the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.

3. Stop the plan's four-year clock in the instance of the student's withdrawal from the University for serious health or family emergency.

4. If the student has met all conditions of the four-year graduation and has successfully completed the required process, pay post-four-year incidental and mandatory fees until the student graduates pursuant to the advisor-approved course of study.

Exceptions and Exclusions

A special six-year graduation plan is available for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The substitute credit-hour commitments are at least 30 credits by the beginning of the second year, 60 credits by the beginning of the third year, 92 credits by the beginning of the fourth year, 128 credits by the beginning of the fifth year, 164 credits by the beginning of the sixth year, and 200 credits by the end of the sixth academic year.

Excluded from the four-year graduation plan are all two-year degree programs.