When sophomore Jen Wheeler takes her lunch break at Target, she finishes homework.
She gives up her break because she doesn't have time at night to complete her homework.
"It sucks because I could be going out with my friends, but I'm stuck doing homework," Wheeler said.
Like many Chico State students, Wheeler is cramming in 18 units a semester.
With fee hikes looming, many Chico State students are taking more units to graduate as soon as possible.
Chico State students average 13.71 units each semester, which is third highest among California State Universities, said Chuck Worth, director of institutional research. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo averaged 14.1 units and Humboldt State averaged 13.8 units.
The average Chico State student took 13.4 units in fall 2003, while the CSU average was 11.8 units per student, Worth said.
"Generally, urban campuses have lower student workloads because they have many working, part-time students," Worth said.
But Chico State has fewer part-time students now than in recent years.
"Workloads may be going up as an effect of part-time students going down," Worth said.
The rising cost of fees is another reason for increased student workloads.
Bob Hannigan, vice provost for enrollment management, said the average unit load last fall was the highest it has been since the mid-'80s, except for 1997 and 1998 when the average was 13.85 units.
He said he thinks this trend will increase gradually because of planned fee increases.
"As costs increase, students and families focus on degree completion to keep down costs," Hannigan said.
Besides rising tuition, the growing class of first-year students also influences the average unit load, said John Swiney, director of admissions.
First-year students usually take the largest loads because they are taking general education classes, he said.
First-year student Tarik Benbrahim said he is taking 18 units this semester because he took 14 units last semester.
"I need to catch up after last semester," Benbrahim said.
Although he said the stress is enormous, he may take 18 units again, especially since he is thinking about changing majors.
"If it calls for it," Benbrahim said, "then I'll do what it takes."
Senior Erica Pascuzzi also knows what it takes to stay on the graduation track.
She said she tries to get homework done during the day, so she can spend time with friends at night.
Pascuzzi said she is working for CAVE and taking 21 units this semester because she wants to graduate in four years, but it's not too much for her to handle.
"I don't think it's too terribly stressful," Pascuzzi said. "I can get it all done."
Lauren Brooks can be reached at
Be the first to comment on this article!