Passage F
        California State University (CSU) campuses are under pressure to boost theirfour-year graduation rates, which in most cases are far below the national average. Anew state Legislature bill set to be introduced next week by State Senator SteveGlazer could make their task easier. If the legislation is adopted, students who agreeto take 15 units a semester and maintain a minimum grade-point average would getpriority registration for popular classes, among other benefits.
        Only about 19% of California State students who enter as full-time freshmen areable to graduate within four years, according to the most recent California State data.Nationwide, the average four-year graduation rate for public universities is 34%,according to U.S. Department of Education statistics. Two CSU campuses havefull-time four-year graduation rates close to or above that average. California Stateofficials say their low numbers reflect the fact that many of their 420,000 studentsare older working adults who are able to attend classes only part-time. In their view,a more accurate measure of student progress would also include the six-yeargraduation rate. Glazer and others said that aiming to get a degree in four years ratherthan five or six would potentially save students thousands of dollars in the cost oftuition, books and other expenses.
        If passed, the bill would give participating students increased academiccounseling that steers them toward classes they need to finish and an incentive toperform well the first time they take a course instead of repeating it over and over.That, in turn, would benefit all CSU students because it would reduce the waitingtime for certain required courses and free up classroom space. Glazer said theprograms required little additional funding. If additional funding is necessary toimplement the program, he would work to secure it. “I am committed to studentsuccess whether that means achieving it in the traditional four-year period or withextra years of work,” Glazer said. “I have a high level of confidence that the programcan be administered well without a big increase in expense.”
        California State administrators have pledged to boost graduation rates at thenation’s largest university system. Last year, Chancellor Timothy P. Whiterecommended increasing the six-year graduation rate for first-time freshmen to 60%and the four-year freshman graduation rate to 24%. California State officials saidthey are analyzing Glazer’s bill, including whether it would entail additional costs tohire more faculty and advisors. The potential for Glazer’s legislation to reducetuition revenue could raise eyebrows. Still, “we look forward to working with him,”said California State spokeswoman Toni Molle.
 Questions 18-20
【題組】18. What is TRUE about California state universities?
(A) All the CSU graduation rates are below the national average.
(B) The California state universities are under great pressure facing the lowfour-year graduation rates.
(C) Keeping students on campus has led to big financial problems among someCalifornia state universities.
(D) Low four-year graduation rates have affected CSU reputation.