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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.