Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Impact of Texas State's Growth

With a record-setting 35,568 students for the 2013 fall semester, Texas State University is among the most diverse universities in Texas.

The school has consistently grown and for 16 consecutive years has set new records for enrollment, according to a press release issued in September. 

Students at Texas State shared their opinion on the persistent growth of the school. The students found both positive and negative effects of the development of Texas State. 

“I have made a lot more friends,” sophomore Shannon Quay said. “The downfall of that would be the competition for classes and the crowding in little ole’ San Marcos.” 

The city of San Marcos is relatively small which can cause traffic on and off campus. The school bus transportation has also been a problem.

“I live in the Heights 2 and the buses are always crowded because we are one of the last stops on my bus route,” said Tyler Stevenson, 21. 

Students also voiced their opinion on the issue of parking on campus, which can be a major problem for students.

“You can’t find parking anywhere and buying a parking permit is just pointless now,” Texas State student Chelsey Kidder said.

James Ottoman, a third semester graduate student, said he read the school had oversold commuter-parking permits by 9,000 permits. 

Although parking at Texas State can be a hassle for students, some find that the growth can help improve the school’s academic reputation. Ottoman thinks Texas State should be a competitive regional school. 

“With more growth comes more funding and more events, more to do,” he said.

With the number of incoming students, San Marcos has been busy building new apartment complexes for student living.

Texas State student, Rhodes Coons believes the number of incoming students is positive and that the growing number of apartment complexes being built is favorable.

“I think it’s good honestly...like they’re building a hell lot more apartments. I mean the last few years they’ve built like 10 new apartment complexes,” Coons said.

Students and parents are recognizing the academic reputation of the school’s programs. President Denise M. Trauth finds it gratifying that so many incoming students are choosing Texas State.

“The new high in student enrollment demonstrates that Texas State continues to be a leading university in the state, and that students and their families recognize our institution offers both an outstanding educational experience as well as an exceptional value,” said Trauth.



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