The unit requirement for a bachelor?s degree has dropped from 124 units to 120 units this semester for the California State University system, as recommended by the CSU Board of Trustees. This will affect all students, including those who have already filed for graduation. “This is a Title Five change, which is a state law. Even though it is listed in the catalog as 124 units to graduate, it has changed,” said Cecilia Gray, associate vice president for Undergraduate Programs in Academic Affairs.

Gray said the Board of Trustees recommended the change because it felt the requirement was unnecessary.

“Other schools nationwide have a 120 unit requirement for graduation. The CSU schools all have a 124 unit requirement,” Gray said.

Much discussion led to this decision as legislators proposed this idea to the Board. Gray also said that this may help with the university?s planning of a two-year program. This change is entirely driven by the state legislature.

Bob Buckley, professor of Computer Sciences and Faculty Senate Chair, said the reduction in units will allow students to complete their degrees sooner and might help ease the exploding student populations.

“It?s a small reduction, but I believe it may be helpful,” Buckley said.

Buckley said that approximately 80 percent of the university?s majors have less than a 120 unit requirement, and some majors require more units.

“To fill up the gaps, students would have to take more electives. This is not a reduction in course requirements, but more in terms of time reduction,” Buckley said.

Although the change will benefit students, Buckley stressed that university programs are not being changed.

“There are still major requirements for graduation,” Buckley said.

Associated Students, Inc., President Jason Bryant believes that the reduction will be beneficial.

“It reduces time because the average time spent (working on a BA) is 4.9 years,” Bryant said.