Temple introduces initiative to help students graduate on time

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Incoming freshman moved into Temple University on Wednesday as the school introduces an initiative to help student finish on time and graduate in four years.

With boxes and bags the, Temple University freshman rolled in.

These students are part of the Class of 2018 - hopefully. Most freshman don't graduate in four years.

At Temple only 43 percent, or about 4 in 10, get out in four years which is about the national average.

It's a big concern as undergraduate students who take five years or longer become saddled with much more debt.

Which is why the university is introducing the 'Fly in 4 Initiative,' a social contract that is new this year.

Temple students who sign up promise to stay in close contact with advisors and advance in class standing every year.

"They will be meeting with academic advisors through their academic cycle, with graduation check points, priority registration to be able to get out in those four years," said Karin Mormando, Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

In return, Temple makes a promise.

"If students do everything correctly, if they are still here into a 5th year, then Temple will pay that additional charge. Our hope is that they'll never have to use that benefit because we are going to be keeping them on track," said Mormando.

Parents say what's not to like?

"Temple works with the student to get them out in four years, hopefully we don't get a financial burden as a result of it and it's a positive for everybody," said John McHale.

About 70 percent of students in the incoming freshman class have signed up for the initiative.