Excess Hours: The Hidden Crisis at UCF

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your coursework? Do you feel like you’re always burning the midnight oil, and never have enough time to relax or socialize? If so, you’re not alone. A recent study by the University of Central Florida (UCF) found that over 70% of students reported working in excess of 20 hours per week outside of class.

This is a serious problem, and it’s one that can have a significant impact on your academic performance, your mental health, and your overall well-being. But what exactly is causing this problem, and what can be done to address it?

The Causes of Excess Hours

There are a number of factors that are contributing to the problem of excess hours at UCF. These include:

1. The increasing complexity of coursework. Over the years, the coursework at UCF has become increasingly complex and demanding. This is due in part to the growing number of students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
2. The rise of online learning. Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years. While this can be a convenient option for some students, it can also lead to increased workload and stress, as students are often required to complete assignments and participate in online discussions outside of class time.
3. The pressure to succeed. Students at UCF are under a lot of pressure to succeed. This is due in part to the competitive nature of the job market, as well as the high cost of tuition.
4. The lack of support. Many students at UCF feel like they don’t have enough support from their professors and advisors. This can make it difficult for them to manage their workload and avoid burnout.

The Impact of Excess Hours

The problem of excess hours can have a significant impact on students’ academic performance, their mental health, and their overall well-being. Some of the negative consequences of excess hours include:

1. Decreased academic performance. Students who work in excess of 20 hours per week outside of class are more likely to earn lower grades than students who work less.
2. Increased mental health problems. Students who work in excess of 20 hours per week outside of class are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
3. Decreased overall well-being. Students who work in excess of 20 hours per week outside of class are more likely to report feeling stressed, tired, and overwhelmed.

What Can Be Done?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of excess hours at UCF. These include:

1. Reducing the complexity of coursework. The university can reduce the complexity of coursework by offering more introductory-level courses and by providing more support to students who are struggling.
2. Providing more support to students. The university can provide more support to students by hiring more faculty and advisors, by offering more tutoring and counseling services, and by creating more opportunities for students to interact with their professors and peers.
3. Reducing the pressure to succeed. The university can reduce the pressure to succeed by providing more financial aid to students, by reducing the cost of tuition, and by creating a more supportive and inclusive campus culture.
4. Encouraging students to take breaks. The university can encourage students to take breaks by offering more opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and by creating a more flexible academic schedule.

Conclusion

The problem of excess hours at UCF is a serious one, but it is one that can be addressed. By working together, the university and its students can create a more sustainable and supportive campus environment.

Additional Resources

• UCF Counseling and Psychological Services
• UCF Health Services
• UCF Success Coaching
• UCF Wellness

Tables

Table 1: Percentage of UCF Students Working in Excess of 20 Hours per Week Outside of Class

Table 2: Negative Consequences of Excess Hours

Table 3: Things that Can Be Done to Address the Problem of Excess Hours

Table 4: Additional Resources for Students