AARON BROOKS

Columnist

I would add a cup of coffee, so you can wake up. Why would you want to add 7,000 more students? First, massive renovations would have to take place on campus. There is already about the maximum amount of parking spaces, and I know that my class sizes could be smaller. Second, DeKalb would have to dramatically increase zoning for housing, capacity of infrastructure and quality of nightlife. I do not understand Peters’ vision. NIU should be focused on improving what is already here; plus, allow those of us soon-to-be-unemployed-with a-college-degree time to be utilized in the economy before you add more.

ALYSSA PRACZ

Columnist

One thing I would add to NIU’s vision plan for 2020 is to emphasize the little benefits NIU has to offer. Sometimes it’s the little things about a school that stand out more. If NIU wants to increase enrollment it should make it known that we have a Late Night Ride Service, how much fun the football games are or about getting involved in different organizations. Academics and pretty new buildings are both important, but there’s also a life outside of the classroom. Students want to know there is a lot to do at NIU. And besides, it’s not only a good school but a fun one.

PARKER HAPP

Columnist

When I attended Arizona State in 2008, I lived on a paradise of a campus. Google search Palm Walk and just visualize how amazing it would be to walk to class everyday in sunny Tempe, Ariz. with 70-foot tall palm trees lining a half-mile of sidewalk. NIU ought to invest in a residential as well as environmental renaissance for future students by planting hundreds of trees on campus. On the picturesque administrators’ side of campus, take a walk to the lagoon and instead of always seeing the gray HSC, there is a mix of green and shady trees! It is a pleasant study area and adds value to campus. Why not extend the same arbor-charm to the student side of campus?

MARTHA LEUCK

Columnist

I feel that the Vision 2020 plan should place more emphasis on students’ acquired personality traits. These traits include the ability to stay committed, recognize improvement and communicate well. Even if a student is naturally smart and does well on tests, they are not guaranteed college success. If NIU accepts more students for their consistency rather than their intelligence, these students would be more likely to improve. When they see improvement, they see reason to continue their college career. Keeping their traits will help them become successful in the future. NIU will be seen as the school that embraces students’ efforts.