Friday, August 31, 2001

New Growth
Focus should be prestige, not size

The time has come for the admissions board to cap enrollment.

TCU is risking the loss of its small school feel. Each year the numbers keep going up — 1,426 in 1999, 1,493 in 2000 and 1,515 this year.

Although the increments are small, the effects are starting to appear.

On-campus housing is listed among student opportunities on the TCU Web site, but the strain on our resources is clear, particulary among male freshmen.

According to Residential Services, every bed on campus is full. Several fraternity houses are hosting non-members and residence hall lounges and study rooms have been converted into dorm rooms.

With no additional residence halls in sight, TCU has obviously reached its limit.

The more important issue, however, is the student-to-faculty ratio. Freshman composition courses have increased from 20 to 22 students. At first glance, two students may not seem like a significant increase, but class sizes will inevitably increase until a cap is placed on enrollment.

As the promotional literature says, at TCU, it is about us, the students. But as more bodies are crammed into classrooms, this promise comes up short.

Dean of Admissions Ray Brown said growth is not a priority for the admissions office. Growth is not a priority for the students either.

A record-breaking enrollment is not always something to brag about. At this point it is cause for concern.

In order to retain the TCU experience, action needs to be taken.

Raise admission standards.

Cap enrollment.

Grow in prestige, not size.