Although the full-time class load at The University of Memphisis 12 hours, many students are finding they cannot graduate in fouryears without piling on more classes.
Sophomore Omari White, marketing and finance major, said hisstudying habits have changed to compensate for his full load.
"I have 20 hours this semester, and comparing that to lastsemester, it is a huge difference because I have more papers towrite, more studying, and I spend extra outside-time for eachclass," White said.
Department of journalism associate professor Elinor Grusin saidshe advises students to balance their schedules, especially ifstudents are working full-time and going to school full-time.
"Students should learn to level out work, school and relaxationbecause if a student has a full load, he or she may self-destruct,and that is unhealthy," Grusin said.
Sophomore Miranda DeFouw, political science major, said she getsas much studying done as possible to lessen her time in school.
"I am determined to graduate within four years," DeFouw said."Right now, I am taking 16 hours, and it's necessary for me tospend the majority of my time doing so."
The University advises rising juniors to avoid a possible delayin graduation by taking any lower division requirements as soon asthey are available.
Junior Brigitte Fisher, accounting major, said most of her timegoes directly toward her studies.
"More hours equal more studying time and that equals earlygraduation," she said.
Laurie Snyder, college academic advisor said attending collegefull time is similar to a full-time job.
"A student who has 15 hours can take on the responsibility byhaving a part-time job, but one who has 21 or more hours shouldn'ttry work unless it's something like work-study," Snyder said."Students should think of school as a job because if a studentmakes an F, it's like getting fired.
"A degree should be invested in, don't concentrate on how longit will take you to get, worry about getting that degree youwant.
"I would like to let students know that getting a degree is agreat investment, so equal out work, school and own personal timeand focus on how it will effect your life in a good way," Snydersaid.
