Record breaking enrollment at Texas State University

By Allison Crawford

Texas State University broke enrollment records for the 17th consecutive year for the 2014 fall semester. According to the  University News Service release, Texas State University has announced the most diverse student body in the school's history.

A recent newsletter from Texas State President Denise M. Trauth said enrollment from the 2014-2015 fall semester has topped 36,000 students, a 3.5 percent increase from last year. This sudden growth has had an effect on many Texas State students.

Texas State has experienced a huge growth in student population and campus diversity. Demographic measurements show that as of last fall, minorities make up forty-two percent of the student population. For a university that prides itself on a diverse population, growth has been beneficial in growing a diverse student population.

Jenna Stephenson, photo by Kiersten Ehr

Texas State sophmore, Jenah Stephenson was asked to reflect on her opinion of high enrollment and diversity. She said high enrollment shows that Texas State is a good institution and it makes more people want to come to the university.

"I like the fact that the school was a small school and I love watching it expand," said Stephenson

"I think it's cool that we're getting bigger," said Jake Maxcy, a Texas State student. "Pretty soon we will be as big as Texas A&M and UT Austin, so I think that's exciting." Maxcy also added that although there is still a small university feel, he believes the university should continue to grow.

Many say that increased enrollment adds diversity, but Reagan Page, a psychology major at Texas State adds that she feels it will also add opportunity. She would like it a lot more if the university continued to grow

"It would be cool and a great opportunity to meet more people," said Page.

While many students see the beneficial side of an increased student population, downsides are also present.

Joshua Hinojosa, photo by Victoria Marin

With a bigger student body comes bigger classes. Texas State junior, Joshua Hinojosa said registering for classes has become more tedious for students to get into the classes they need.

"There is a very high chance you won't even get into the class because of the amount of people who are trying to take it as well," Hinojosa said. Students also report overcrowded trams and longer commute times to and from campus.

Josh Mitchell by Kiersten Ehr

Another concern is that Texas State is not prepared for more students. "There are way too many kids for our campus but I think they need to make our campus bigger," said Candace Jackson, a Texas State junior. Josh Mitchell, a urban regional planning major agrees that things have been more crowded and adds that the university should continue to grow to be competitive with other schools.

Along with more people come minor issues such as parking and overcrowding. "I think the biggest thing has to do with parking," said Caleb Davis, a Texas State student. "There's always, you know, never enough parking for anybody, anywhere on campus."

Texas State University's student body is constantly changing and shaping the face of the university. With new growth and a thriving student population, the possibilities are endless for Texas State University.