Seniors make way; the incoming class this fall may need a lot of room.

As interest in attendance continues to grow in potential students, NIU faces a question — can the university accommodate another surge of students that will come with the fall 2003 semester?

Despite the fact that the fall semester is still eight months away, NIU is making preparations to situate the next class of students.

“There is a great deal of interest in NIU’s programs, and the faculty is stretched rather thin right now,” said Vice Provost Robert Wheeler.

However, despite the minimal faculty-to-student ratio, many believe that NIU is completely equipped for the new class this fall.

“We’re in good shape,” said Director of Admissions Bob Burk. “We have the stability we need to handle the situation.”

Despite this surety, this year’s graduating seniors could cause a problem.

Many are wondering if enough students will graduate this year to relieve sufficient space for the incoming class this fall.

“We’re expecting a healthy bumper crop of students to graduate this spring,” Wheeler said.

The residence halls are one place where a large incoming class could be a burden. Student Housing and Dining appears to have risen to the task of providing space for the students.

“We guarantee freshman residence,” said Melodie Thomas, coordinator of contracts and assignments.

This year, as well as last, some students were forced to temporarily reside in the Holmes Student Center hotel, because of over-booking in the residence halls.

In addition to making housing adjustments to accommodate the full capacity of students, NIU is increasing the necessary requirements for incoming sophomore transfer students.

“We will be limiting the number of sophomore transfer students that get let in,” said Don Larson, executive director of enrollment services and registrar. “Beginning in January, the new grade requirement for sophomore transfer students will be a minimum 2.5 grade point average.”

Even though bringing in new students can sometimes burden the university, administrators see the growing interest in NIU as a positive thing.

“The growing competitiveness to attend NIU is a positive thing for the university,” said Willard Draper, director of residential life. “And we are continuing our remodeling and expanding process.”

“Are there adjustments to be made? Absolutely. But we’re prepared.”