Increased enrollement

Increased enrollment produces mixed feelings

By Christine Jamieson

Texas State University is in its 16^th consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment, according to a press release issued by the university. The increase has created mixed feelings in students.

With change comes judgment from both sides, and students are speaking up.

Benefits of Growth

With the increase in enrollment, Texas State University has also seen an increase in the number of students in the top 25 percent of their high school class attending, according to university officials. “Of those, a larger number of freshmen from the top 10 percent of their graduating class were among this group than in previous years,” University President Denise M. Trauth said.

Lily Woldehawarai, photo courtesy of Kelby  Keeling

Along with the increase in the size of the student body, the university has also seen a growth in minorities, making the campus more diverse. Minorities now make up 42 percent of the student body population, according to university officials.

"The more diversity the better," freshman Lilly Woldehawariat said when asked if the university should continue to grow.

Not only is the growth providing more diversity, the local economy of San Marcos has been given the opportunity to grow as well. Texas State student, Rhodes Coons has noticed the addition of buildings on campus, and the added housing throughout San Marcos. Sophomore Shannon Quay has approved of the change as well. When questioned of the growth continuing Quay agreed with the progress.

 "Yeah, because there are so many apartments and not enough kids to live in them,” Quay said. “Yes, the population is growing but it is benefiting local businesses and helping build the diversity Texas State is so proud of.”

A larger student body size garners more attention from prospective work places as well. With more graduates entering the workforce employers should take notice, "Yes because that way, when students get degrees from our university, it's more recognized on a nationwide basis,” senior Kate Sincerbox said.

Growing Pains

With the rapid growth of the university, the town of San Marcos has undergone major construction and expansion. While necessary, it has put a bad taste in the mouth of many students and residents alike.

Stephen Torres, photo provided by Jenna Hawkins

Criminal justice major, Clint Krehmeier has grown with the university in the last four years he has attended. “Driving around the town, you can’t help but notice the amount of traffic, and finding parking on or near campus is practically impossible," Krehmeier said when asked how the increased enrollment has affected him.

Parking seems to be a major concern to many students and many feel that if the university is to continue growing, these problems need to be sorted out. 

Junior Stephen Torres, feels that in order for the university to grow, some key infrastructure issues need to be solved. "They should add more buses and more parking so it’s easier to get to and from the campus."

As the student body size has increased, so has crime. According to university police, in 2010, police cited 55 students as minors in possession, in 2012, there were 168 students cited as minors in possession. The increase can be attributed to a larger student body size.

Situated between two major cities in Texas, San Marcos attracts attention from prospective students around the state. With all eyes on "The rising star of Texas," Texas State shows no sign of slowing down.