Some students stay on campus for 'victory lap'

Books, booze and bars are staples in most college students' lives. Students rarely appreciate their freedom until they face graduating and entering the "real world."\nAs winter break approaches and spring semester begins, many students examine the possibility of staying for a fifth year or discover the University's requirements will force them to remain on-campus. \n"I was forced to stay another year to finish up some classes," said John Kretchmar, a fifth-year senior. "The bars and partying have been fun, but I graduate at the end of this semester and I'm ready to get out of here." \nIn addition to graduate school, remaining in college for a fifth year is an appealing choice for those who are not ready to work a 9-to-5 job. Some students even put off graduation to avoid the "real world."\nPat DeGain used his last year of eligibility on the University's wrestling team.\n"I planned to stay five years, and I'm glad I did," DeGain said. "I enjoy the bars and social life more because I'm of age."\nThough another year of college might seem appealing to students, many parents do not view it as cost effective. \n"Why would I pay for another year of college when my daughter could finish in four years?" said Cheryl Lamping, the mother of an IU sophomore. "I am paying for an education, not a party."\nIU provides many resources to keep students on-track with their credit hours. Each school has its own set of advisers who instruct students to take the classes they need to graduate on time. \nSophomore Gretchen Dammel views staying a fifth year as unnecessary. \n"My advisers have done everything to ensure I graduate on time," Dammel said. "I can't imagine staying for a fifth year unless I switch my major."\nThese situations arise when students switch majors or take unnecessary classes.\n-- Contact staff writer Kristin \nFruehauf at kfruehau@indiana.edu.