<p>Went to a local presentation for an out of town school last night. Great news! This college is so popular the freshman class will have about 1200 students compared with last year's 8-900! </p>
<p>Or not so good news? This means many 2 people rooms become 3 people rooms. That means in a suite, a bathroom for 4 becomes a bathroom for 6. Granted I've heard the rooms are "decent" size. The admissions person was quick (when I asked) to say the university is putting in place "needs" to accomodate the increase in students - i.e. more washers/dryers, more stations in the cafeteria, more cleaning in the dorms, extra class sessions, etc. She said the impact on class size (students per individual class) would be small. </p>
<p>While I sort of understand it, I'm figuring that this was the Universities way to make up for budget differences in the economy this year - add more students. Not necessarily a bad plan, but none the less, not great either as far as dorms go.</p>
<p>I was sure to point out to my son though, how "great" info can be slanted anyway is necessary. </p>
<p>Anyone else notice this kind of "increase" going on?</p>
<p>Many of the SUNYs (New York State public Us) are putting 3 kids in a room meant for 2. Bunk beds, but only 2 desks and 2 dressers in some and 2 intenet connections (the kids that know, know to bring a splitter). Listen, I understand in today’s economy, the public us want to make room for as many as possible, but for the most part the kids hate it. Room re-assignments go on for months, kids have to be able to move on hours notice. Its dispruptive.</p>
<p>OTOH, smaller less selective privates – would be a concern if enrollment dropping.</p>
<p>They assured us that there will be 3 desks, 3 beds, 3 dressers in all triple rooms. Surely this will be something we will ask to see “in person” when we do another on-campus visit this fall.</p>
<p>It’s not ideal. At many universities, particularly public universities, this is the result of the bad economy. Yield models did not work this year and even though most tried to anticipate the change in yield, it was impossible. It means crowded classes, too few classes, crowded dorms, crowded dining halls, crowded everything . . .</p>
<p>And, it’s made worse by the bad economy . . . we have far fewer dollars from the state than in the past so that means fewer professors, fewer services, etc. </p>
<p>It’s a perfect storm. It will be interesting to see how it all works out. I’m glad I’m not a freshman this year.</p>
The actual classes might ‘be small’ but a key question is whether students will be able to get the classes they need given the additional students. Has the college geared up for this and either hired additional profs or scheduled additional classes with existing profs or both? If not, then the classes might be small but they might difficult for the students to get into which could prolong their stay which could cost the student/(parents) more $$$.</p>
<p>She did indicate “adding more classes” last night, but that would definitely be a question when we are on site. One of the things the University promotes is their very high percentage of students graduating in 4 years - I would think they would want to maintain that.</p>
<p>I suspect this is a state school. If it is I’m pretty sure what school you are talking about ;).</p>
<p>The other thing I would worry about is that this school will become more selective next year to control enrollment. If it’s the school I’m thinking about, it’s become a little less selective in the past few years as another state school has become more selective and more popular. I wonder if the economy has impacted enrollment and made this school much more popular.</p>
<p>This happened at Michigan a few years ago. They over enrolled and the next year it was much harder to gain admission.</p>
<p>So you may not have to worry about overcrowded dorms.</p>