Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas and Provost
Gayle R. Davis announced on April 30 the creation of an innovative,
multifaceted program that supports students on their road to
graduation.
Grand Finish will include two robust software tools students can
use to enhance degree planning and access to personal support
services. It will also include grant money for students achieving a
specified number of credit hours that shows their timely progress to
obtaining their degrees.
Haas said this unique program underscores Grand Valley’s
commitment to helping students move quickly to graduation, saving time
and money. “I know of no program like it anywhere,” Haas said. “Grand
Finish is my promise to our students and their families to provide
comprehensive support. I know how hard it can be to finish your
degree. We hear you, and we will help.”
Details of the program were presented to the Board of Trustees
by Davis. “We want to be sure we do everything we can to help students
complete their academic programs in a timely fashion,” Davis said.
“Enhancing our support services to students so they have the
information and advice they need to graduate on time is one of the
best ways to reduce the cost of education and move productive
graduates into the workforce or graduate schools.”
Grand Finish will cover students entering Grand Valley in the
fall 2010 semester just as the university kicks off its 50th-year
celebration. Grand Finish grants of $1,000 will be awarded after
first-time freshmen earn 90 credit hours within three years of their
enrollment. Dual enrollment and Advanced Placement credits will be counted.
The program works a little differently for transfer students.
Students transferring to Grand Valley will receive a $500 grant once
they have achieved the 90 credit hours and have earned an average of
30 credit hours per year at Grand Valley following their transfer.
Once students reach the 90 credit hours, the grant money will be
paid over the next two semesters, which are typically the final year
for students. “I think of this as a graduation present from Grand
Valley,” said Davis. “We think that focusing on the finish continues
Grand Valley's heritage of effectively educating a citizenry for
Michigan's future."
Full program details are available online at www.gvsu.edu/grandfinish.
DOWNLOADABLE AUDIO:
* President Haas said Grand Finish takes a systems approach (audio).
* President Haas said Grand Finish is designed to help students stay on track (audio).
* President Haas said Grand Finish saves students time and money
(audio).
