While most Cabrini students graduate in four years, there are some students who find that extra time is needed to complete all the credits and meet all the requirements for graduation.
For some students, personal situations can delay the graduation process. Also, students who have transferred in to Cabrini from another institution may experience set backs because of which credits did or did not transfer.
Some students, such as Nicole Maiuri, sophomore educational studies major, have been at Cabrini since first semester freshmen year but have experienced set backs within the curriculum. Maiuri is technically a sophomore and half, and supposed to be a junior by now. An experience with a class freshmen year has prevented her from graduating with the rest of her class.
Maiuri was placed in a level 300 faith and justice class during her first semester at Cabrini. This one class changed her entire college career.
“I am extremely mad that freshmen year I was put in a 300 course,” Maiuri said in an email interview. “I had no idea I was failing, it was my first college class, Mondays and Wednesdays at 815. I got C’s on all the quizzes but failed because I did not speak out in class. I am a shy student and it was an intimidating class for my first year at Cabrini.”
Ever since this experience, Maiuri has been working very hard to raise her grade point average. To become an actual education major, as opposed to an educational studies major, and to fulfill her goal of becoming a double major in special education, she needs a GPA of 3.0 so she can complete the necessary fieldwork. However, no matter how hard she works she is still not going to graduate with the rest of her class.
“I would have dropped this class knowing what I know now,” Maiuri said. “I wouldn’t be struggling so much to bring up my GPA. This is ruining what I want to major in, and making it nearly impossible now.”
Dominic Farrello, exercise science major, is technically part of the class of 2011 but is staying an extra year to complete a minor. Farrello also decided to change majors during his tenure at Cabrini, which lead to his withdrawal from some classes.
Farrello applauds Cabrini for their excellent assistance with his decision.
“Cabrini helped immensely when I wanted to change majors and supported my decision,” Farrello said. “They also helped me get the process of changing majors done quickly so I could get started as soon as possible.”
Even though his decision to change majors and acquire a minor has required Farrello to spend more time in school than originally planned, he does not regret his decision in any way.
Not only is he confident that his choice was the correct one for him, he is also excited to take the classes to complete his minor.
This represents a popular trend for students because many come into freshmen year fresh out of high school having no ideas on a major or possible career. By the time junior year rolls around, many students have discovered new passions and have matured into young adults who want to pursuer something they never even knew existed.
This is why many colleges urge freshmen to remain undecided and focus on core requirements. Devoting early years to core requirements allows students to see different fields of study as well as allowing time for self-maturation.
“If I could go back to orientation I would focus as a freshman and not be indecisive about my career,” Farrello said.
