As a larger-than-usual freshman class begins orientation to Ball State University's campus today, administrators need to keep in mind what problems could arise if the freshman class grows to be too large.
In 2002, some students living in residence halls had to share study lounges because there weren't enough rooms to meet the need.
Last year, the Atrium and Noyer Centre were overcrowded at peak hours because of the demand created while Woodworth Plaza was closed for construction, which will continue through the 2006-07 academic year.
Students shouldn't have to deal with hassles such as these.
Students shouldn't be inconvenienced because the university didn't plan ahead to accommodate them properly.
Another potential problem the university might have to deal with is a higher demand for core curriculum and pre-major courses.
Students visiting for orientation often don't receive their first, second or even third choices for their schedules in a regular year. With larger freshman classes, students might be forced to search even harder for classes they can fit into.
It has long been a university pride point that few classes are taught by teachers' assistants . Ball State has to decide if it wants to remain a university of a smaller size and still continue to offer a majority of classes taught by professors. But if enrollment continues to grow, the feasibility of that might decrease.
Overcrowded classrooms can hinder a professor's ability to teach and a student's ability to learn.
Before any of these problems become uncontrollable, Ball State must look ahead and be sure it's providing students with the services it and the students paid for.
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