A new school year has begun and Cal State universities are changing up their math requirements for the incoming freshmen of 2018.

“I actually didn’t know about this, but I struggled a lot in algebra, so in a sense, I’ve seen lower expectations,” senior Cesar Zeledon said. “I feel disrespected because they’re saying that people who might want a challenge, aren’t getting it.”

In June, the California State universities dropped intermediate algebra as a requirement to take a few of the college-level math courses. This new policy allows college students to have more flexibility and choices when it comes to choosing a particular GE course. In the past, over 25,000 freshmen students were required to take non-credit remedial courses in the fall, but now they won’t have to take any of those classes.

However, the admission requirements won’t change because of this new policy. Students will still need three years of common core math, but now students will be tested to see if they need to repeat their intermediate algebra as a remedial course.

The entire CSU system will no longer determine where a student gets placed on their math placement exams. Instead, they will base it off the student’s high school GPA, their grades in college level classes, and other tests like the Advanced Placement exams. Teachers such as math teacher Daniel Cramer have their own opinions and thoughts on the recent changes.

“I understand that math is often preventing students from pursuing the careers they want but I’m concerned that more students won’t take the math classes that will benefit them,” Cramer said.   

There are many positive outcomes due to this new policy. Now, whenever college students take a class, they are guaranteed credit for that class towards their degree. In the Aug. 4 article, “Cal State Univ. System removes math, English placement exams and remedial class requirements” published online on The Blaze, the main reason that Cal States are changing the system is to try and increase the college graduation rate from 19 to 40 percent, by the year 2025. Students who are looking into majoring in math, science, or engineering, still need to take algebra and other higher math courses.  

“In a way I think it’s good, but for the students who are really deserving, they have less of a chance to get in,” senior Kamryne Blake said.