S.F. State reduces chaos of classroom crush - Nanette Asimov, San Francisco Chronicle

Chaos level: normal That's how San Francisco State University began the new semester Tuesday, offering students a typically frenetic first day of classes in contrast with the supreme level of chaos at this time last year when frustrated students jammed hallways trying to crash classes they needed. Some students lined the halls Tuesday, but they were mostly early birds trying to get a good seat for their next class. "It just seems like the hallways are a lot emptier than last year," said English major Alexandra Collins, one of those waiting for a class to begin. "At orientation, they said don't even bother to crash - you're wasting your time. You have to sign up for a class you can get into." It's not as if the budget crisis that led to last year's troubles has vanished. The state has cut about $625 million from the California State University system's budget since the 2007-08 school year, and students are feeling the pain with rising tuition and overcrowded classes.