Texas State University saw record enrollment in the fall of 2013, bringing transportation and wait time issues to both students and faculty. With over 35,000 students, the university faced overwhelmed offices, larger class sizes, and less personal connections between students and staff. However, some students appreciated the larger network available for collaboration.

1. New Record, New Problems
By: Nickolas Gomez
Texas State University began the 2013 fall semester with a record-setting 35,568
students enrolled composing the most diverse student body in the school’s history.
Despite a thriving student body and a growing interest in the university, many
students are struggling with the complications this growth has created. Jessica Holt,
a psychology graduate student, is concerned with the city’s ability to facilitate the
influx of students.
“There are too many people here now. It takes forever to get anywhere in San
Marcos,” Holt said. “I love that that school is getting bigger, but I’m not sure if the
city can handle it.”
In addition to transportation issues, students like Spanish senior Mindy Martin are
frustrated with the overwhelming wait-times being experienced across campus.
“It’s incredibly frustrating calling certain offices or departments, like financial aid
when they are slammed by all the students,” Martin said.
Martin also noted the lack of community between these faculty members and
students.
“It’s easier to work with people who know you and know your situation and actually
care, and sometimes you get that, but not all the time because they’re frustrated
too,” Martin said.
Teaching assistants have seen first-hand how this growth has affected the
classrooms across the university.
Mel Holcomb is a post-baccalaureate student in mathematics and also works as a
pre-calculus teaching assistant.
“The math department had to bring in extra lecturers to keep class sizes down,”
Holcomb said.
Holcomb also added that his workload has increased because of the department’s
need for extra help.
In the face of crowded dining halls and cramped classrooms, there are some
students finding the silver lining in a flourishing student body.
“As a media student, one of the big emphasis is collaboration,” said new media
graduate, Daniel Palomo. “So, for me, the big student body means I know I have a big
network and a lot of people to collaborate with.”