university gives guarantee students will complete their degree in four years

"The University of Calgary's new graduation guarantee pledges to pay for tuition costs if first-year students can't complete their degrees on time.  The university is calling its graduation guarantee the first of its kind in Canada. It's open to first-year students enrolled in the faculties of science, arts, social studies and culture and communications.  Students must promise to maintain a full course load, keep up their grades and declare a major by the end of their first year.  They must also meet regularly with an assigned academic adviser before registering for classes to ensure they're on track to graduate on time.  In exchange, the university pledges to ensure required courses are available, have academic advisers advocate for students when scheduling conflicts arise and pay for tuition of any additional courses required beyond the four years of classes."

does anyone think this is absolute bull?  seriously, anyone?  it's definitely a marketing ploy.. full stop.

ensuring required courses are available and advisors advocating for students when scheduling conflicts arise are the responsibility of the university to begin with!  you, as a university, are obligated to provide these services in return for the obscene amount of money we give you every four months.  it is also the responsibility of the student to make sure they are on top of their scheduling - making sure they are following their degree requirements.

what about the students who don't sign this pledge?  when they seek help will the university fulfill their obligation to the student or fall back and say "you didn't sign the pledge.  sorry, can't help you."  will advisors make less of an effort for these students when dealing with conflicts?

i completed all requirements for my four-year honours degree.. within three years in fact.. while maintaining a full time job the entire time.  there were a couple of times there was a conflict, but i worked it out with my advisor.  whether they helped me rework my schedule, find something else that would fit that is of interest, or take it as a distance education course, at least they gave me options.  a required class was full?  the academic advisor made the changes necessary for me to take it.  scheduling, planning, anticipating is all part of life - deal with it.  if kids don't learn now, when will they?