Basic Story: Enrollment at Texas State

Texas State University is on the rise by announcing its 16^th consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment and also having the most diverse student body.
Many students have different opinions about how the changes of enrollment has affected them.
Since the undergraduate enrollment has increased by 22 percent we asked just how some of the currents students feel about all the new bodies joining Texas State.
 “I can’t even walk through the quad now.” Said junior Richard Sabrsula.
Obviously the increased enrollment has had an impact on the students; as you know the quad is the core of the campus and is typically crowded on a slow day and with the increase it will only continue to be more of a challenge. Some students aren’t exactly thrilled about what’s going to happen when more students arrive.
We also asked if the students think the population growth should continue and if it is a good thing.
Senior Frankie Dimento, president of the hide and seek club said, "Yes it should!" Dimento was more than excited about the fact that the increased enrollment could potentially increase the amount of members in his club. Which is already one of the biggest clubs on campus. 
In talking with different students we were interested to see if the size of the school mattered to students when they were looking to first come here.

"No I actually didn't realize how many students came here I just came here for my major." Said Tyler Stevenson

Many of the students responded with no and many different reasons why they came here with only a few saying yes.

“No, I knew several people who went here and absolutely loved it and I decided it was the place for me." Said sophomore Shannon Quay

As you can see the influx of the population at Texas State is going to happen and there will always be positives and negatives. But when interviewing the students you could see that many of them were appreciative of the schools popularity.
"No, let it grow. I want Texas State to be one of the biggest and the best." Said senior Efrain Balderrama
So while the students have mixed feelings about the growth President Denise M. Trauth states, “…it is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing to attend Texas State.” Also saying, “This is 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 out institution offers both and outstanding educational experience as well as an exceptional value.”

Record-setting enrollment for Texas State University

Texas State University is in its 16^th consecutive year of record-setting enrollment.

The university has set a total enrollment record of 35,568 students for the 2013 fall semester. “We take our role in preparing the next-generation work force in Texas very seriously, so it is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing Texas State.” said President Denise M. Trauth.  

A large part of the enrollment increase is due to the incoming freshman class of 5,181 students. Of the 22 percent increase of freshman, 49 percent were in the top 25 percent of their class in high school.

While some students celebrate the enrollment growth others are dealing with the consequences of a larger student body. “Parking has become more difficult and the campus is more crowded.” said senior, Frankie Dimento.

Kelsey Jendrusch, a fashion merchandising major, hopes Texas State continues to grow so the university can compete with bigger schools. "People always try to compare us to the University of Texas and Texas A&M when they really can't since we aren't as big as they are." Jendrusch said.

"As the demographics of Texas continue to shift, it is important that our institution of higher learning adequately reflect the growing diversity of this state, so we are most pleased that our efforts to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State." Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois said.

This is the most diverse student body in the school’s history. Minorities now make up 42 percent of the student body. “The more diversity the better." freshman student Lilly Woldehawariat said.

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.

Texas State: Can You See Us Now? Chris Chaney

Texas State: Can You See Us Now?

Fellow Bobcats agree that Texas State University is “The Rising Star of Texas” and the record-setting 35,568 students enrolled, made up of the most diverse student body in the school’s history gives proof to that statement.

With this being the 16^th consecutive year that Texas State has had record enrollment, President Denise M. Trauth had this to say. “This 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.”

Along with increasing enrollment, Texas State’s student body continues to diversify with minorities making up 42 percent of student population. Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois made comment that “it is important that our institutions of higher learning adequately reflect the growing diversity of this state, so we are most pleased that our efforts to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State.”

Student opinion on the university’s growth vary from person to person. James Ottoman, biology major at Texas State University feels that “growth is a positive thing for any university and that Texas State should be a competitive regional school. With more growth comes more funding and more events.” Similar thoughts were made by student Colby Gober who believes the school should continue to grow to gain credibility. "I think with the increase in number of students it will set the standards higher and Texas State can become a better school.”

On the other hand, Chelsey Kidder, Texas State student, spoke on one serious problem with the increasing size of the university. “You can’t find parking anywhere, and buying a parking permit is just pointless now.” As a fellow student I agree with Chelsey, noticing the parking problem three years ago during my freshman year and over this time the problem seems to have multiplied in severity. “I hate getting around campus,” stated Efrain Balderrama, a criminal justice major graduating in May, expressing that "this is my first semester with a parking pass but I can never find a spot."

Texas State’s increasing reputation will continue to draw potential students but with that increasing size it is expected that the university will run over a few speed bumps on the way to the top. “We take our role in preparing the next-generation work force in Texas very seriously, so it is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing to attend Texas State,” President Denise M. Trauth said. “Go Bobcats!”

Let the motto do the talking..

By: Lindsey Snoga

Texas State University stands by its motto, “The rising star of Texas,” by setting record-breaking student enrollment numbers for the 16^th consecutive year and establishing the most diverse student body in the university’s history.

Last fall, the university gave 35,568 students the ability to call themselves a Texas State bobcat. This is an increase from the 2012 fall semester enrollment of 34,225 students.

“This 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 university President Denise M. Trauth in a statement.

While university leaders herald the university’s growth, some students are frustrated with the lack of infrastructure.

"I have made a lot more friends," said Shannon Quay, an education major at Texas State University.

"I hate getting around campus," said Efrain Balderrama, senior at Texas State.

Some students said the scarcity of parking on campus is a problem they face and some say buying a parking permit is a waste of money.

“You can't find parking anywhere, and buying a parking permit is just pointless now," said Chelsey Kidder, a criminal justice major at Texas State.

Biology major James Ottoman said he read a news article that the school had oversold commuter parking permits by 9,000.

“Parking has become more difficult,” he said.

San Marcos is trying to adapt to the influx of newcomers. With that being said should the university still continue to grow? There are varied opinions about the expansion of Texas State and San Marcos.

Ottoman said growth is a positive thing for any university.

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

Many are concerned that with the university continuing to grow the class registration process is going to get more difficult and competitive.

"I have noticed when registering classes are difficult to get in because of the high demand for certain courses,” said Kelsie Frommel, a physical therapy major at Texas State.

Texas State is doing a great job getting their name out in the public. Due to the university being on the rise, more individuals are showing interest in attending.

“We take our role in preparing the next-generation work force in Texas very seriously, so it is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing to attend Texas State,” Trauth said.

In addition to increased enrollment, Texas State’s student body continues to diversify, with minorities making up 42 percent of the student population.

“As the demographics of Texas continue to shift, it is important that our institutions of higher learning adequately reflect the growing diversity of this state, so we are most pleased that our efforts to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State,” Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois said in a statement.

Everything is Bigger in San Marcos

Everything is Bigger in San Marcos.

Hannah Gunn

SAN MARCOS- While Texas State University is growing day by day it’s diversity is changing on campus as well.

Texas State University is going on its 16^th consecutive year of setting an enrollment record, which is an increase form the enrollment of 34,225 for the 2012 fall semester. While the student body of Texas State continues to change the minorities are now making up 42 percent, with the Hispanic enrollment being 12 percent and the African-American being 14 percent.

Unfortunately with all of these changes in the enrollment comes with some negatives like parking, classes and even just trying to get around town in your car.

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

For commuters the parking situation is even worse. They drive all the way from Austin and then don’t have anywhere to park once they get to San Marcos.

“Yes, I do have trouble with parking. I think [Texas State] should build more parking spaces,” said Linsdey Byrnes a commuter student at Texas State Unoversity.

Traffic gets so bad with all of the students and the locals driving around in such a small town. After the clock his five I won’t even try to go downtown or else your looking to double the time of your trip.

“Traffic,” is all TImry Gunter had to say about the increased enrollment at Texas State University.

The increasing of the enrolment at Texas State has surprisingly affected the incoming freshman as well with a record incoming freshman class of 5,181, which was a 22 percent increase since 2012.

“I am a freshman so it hasn’t affected me much although it was hard to get into a dorm because there were so many students enrolling,’ said Carly Joutraw a freshman at Texas State University.

On the flip side the changes happening to Texas State University can also turn out to be a positive thing for the school and the students attending. Texas State University student Colby Gober said he thinks the increased enrollment will set the standards higher and Texas State could become a better school.

“Things are changing and we are no longer quite the party school that Texas State has been known for since it was Southwest Texas,” said Gober.

Even with the negatives and the positives its really cool to see our school grow and thrive to be the best it can be.

“It is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing to attend Texas State,” said Denise M Trauth.

Growing diversity of Texas State University Shelby Coke Story 3

With the population of students growing rapidly at Texas State University so has the diversity of students.

According to the University News Service, enrollment at Texas State recently reached a record- breaking number of 35,568 this past fall semester with minorities making up 42 percent of the student body. This is the 16^th consecutive year Texas State has set an enrollment record.

Many students and faculty feel like this is a positive thing for the university.

“The more diverse the better,” said Lilly Woldehawariat, a political science major.  

“As the demographics of Texas continue to shift, it is important that our institutions of higher learning adequately reflect the growing diversity of this state,” Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois said.

With the student population and diversity rapidly growing, the university has set higher standards, according to student Colby Gober.

“Things are changing and we are no longer quite the party school that Texas State has been known for since it was Southwest Texas," he said.

President Denise M. Trauth agrees with Gober, “Students and their families recognize our institution offers both an outstanding educational experience as well as an exceptional value.”

Even though San Marcos continues to grow, Emilia Parada, a communication studies major, said San Marcos gives her that “hometown feel.” 

Along with the positives that have come out of the rise in the student in population, students have identified negative outcomes.

Parking has become an issue for many students like junior Stephen Torres.

 "They should add more buses and more parking so it’s easier to get to and from the campus," he said.

Parking isn’t the only downside of the rising student population, said physical therapy major Christina Drifka.

"Classes are difficult to get in because of the high demand for certain courses,” she said.

With all of the positive outcomes coming out of Texas State University growing there are also  negatives, but with the diverse culture and record numbers the University will to grow as it has in the last 16 years.