Texas State students speak out as enrollment reaches new heights

By: Katie Coleman

With fall 2014 enrollment topping out at just over 36,700 students, Texas State's growth has hit a new record. Nabbing the spot for the state's fourth-largest university, the transition has bred varying support.

On the surface, an increased university enrollment means it has "become a top destination for prospective college students" according to a letter from University President Denise Trauth. Beneath that surface, however, are the students who are ultimately affected.

Talk to any average Texas State student and one would find a variety of ideals and viewpoints, especially given our most diverse student body to date and the "salad bowl" of cultural backgrounds that encompass the campus. In regards to the current enrollment increase specifically, students approached the subject with an assortment of opinions.

Amy Bender
Photo by Andrew Potter

Many students agreed with the higher attendance, each supporting the notion for different reasons. A larger student body would be "positive - more students will equal more diversity and national attention, and in term more students," junior Amy Bender said.

On the matter of educational success, Joshua Hinojosa, junior, felt the increase in attendance would benefit our university's academic standing as a whole.

"The university should continue to grow because it will become a more reputable education center," Hinojosa said.

Josh Mitchell
Photo by Kiersten Ehr

Similar to this opinion, Josh Mitchell, political science major, agreed the growth would allow the university to become more academically vying.

"I do believe the university should continue to grow to be competitive with other schools," Mitchell said. "If we continue to grow we continue to improve on those programs."

Others, including junior Candace Jackson, suggested different alternatives along with the increase, such as the means for a larger campus itself or even the hiring of more professors.

Candace Jackson
Photo by Natalie Walther

"I would like to get bigger,"Jackson said. "There are way too many kids for our campus, but I think they need to make our campus bigger."

Madison Graziadi
Photo by Savannah Ross

"Texas State University should continue to grow," sophomore Madison Graziadi agreed, "as long as the administrators and professors are able to accommodate the growth."

While support for this increase is prevalent, differing voices, such as that of psychology major Elisa Alvarado, expressed a less eager side at the other end of the spectrum.

Elisa Alvarado
Photo by Kimberly Witthaus

"I would prefer if it did not increase in growth," Alvarado said. "Classes wouldn't be as overwhelming and I would be able to find help easier and quicker."

Many students, like Caleb Davis, feel the same and attribute the growth to other daily issues, such as parking availability.

"I think the biggest thing has to do with parking. There’s never enough parking for anybody, anywhere on campus," Davis said. "With the increase, it’s just gotten that much harder."

Both sides have raised strong arguments for backing and for disapproval of the gaining of more potential students. Whether for or against the enrollment increase, campus numbers have expanded. President Trauth recognizes both the positive achievements and negative "space challenges" of the growth according to her update, all of which current students will surely watch intently as Texas State continues to grow.