Expected cumulative progress requirement. Among the students who
know what those four words represent, there is almost universal
disdain. The ECP requirement is the university regulation that went
into effect for freshmen who entered UCLA in 2001-2002, forcing
them to complete a minimum number of units each year.
In theory it sounds reasonable, but in practice it hurts many
students.
Students work ““ often for long hours, because they need
the money to pay rent. Students volunteer ““ because they have
to qualify for scholarships and graduate schools, and because they
want to help the community.
Students have numerous other pressures ““ because they are
college students stuck in the middle of a giant rat race.
And for many students, the ECP requirement becomes just another
stressor. Their records are put on hold, they have to meet with a
counselor, and they are told they have to make up for the lost time
and units.
For students who are struggling to pay bills and keep up
academically, the ECP requirement is only detrimental. If UCLA
cares about its students’ welfare, it should ditch the
concept of the ECP.
The Daily Bruin Editorial Board reflects on strengths and
weaknesses of UCLA near the end of spring quarter. Considering news
events, people, policies and trends, the board has compiled a list
of UCLA’s best and UCLA’s worst. The remaining
“best and worst” editorials will run next
week.