Graduate students in the School of International Service are being forced to sit a little closer in class this year to create enough room for the increase of graduate students accepted to the school.
Approximately 410 students were accepted to the SIS gradate program, a dramatic increase from a few years ago.
This is not the first semester the school has experienced a large addition of students. The school has seen a significant rise of graduate students over the past two years. As a result of over enrollment last year, the school attempted to be more selective this year by reducing the acceptance rate to 60 percent.
SIS projected this would enable them to obtain their goal of admitting between 300 and 350 students. This ideal number was not achieved because of the number of applications the Office of Admissions received this year from prospective students.
"Nearly 2,500 applied this year," Dean of SIS Louis Goodman said, "almost 1,600 more than last year."
SIS has been recognized as the most applied-to international affairs school in the world. This global recognition has created pride among SIS members.
"I think everyone in SIS is proud of SIS," Goodman said.
Assistant Director of Admissions Nicole Campbell, also expressed her pride by saying, "the school will strive to keep and hold the reputation."
Goodman feels that the schools distinctive programs are one contributing factor for the increase of applicants.
"I chose SIS for its reputation and curriculum," graduate student Matt Kemper said.
The increased interest in international relations since 9-11 is also another possible reason for the number of applicants to SIS. A third possibility for why this is the number of college graduates who are furthering their education because of the economy.
The school has undergone transformations to adjust to the increase in size by hiring more faculty and encouraging students to take classes from other AU schools.
According to Goodman, the average or ideal class size for graduate students "ranges between fifteen and twenty," but this semester's graduates will be forced to learn along with 20 to 30 more students.
Although some may feel that larger class sizes may affect the quality of education, Goodman feels that this will not be an issue.
"I have great faith in the faculty of increasing the quality of classes," Goodman said.
Peace and conflict graduate student Igor Naumovshi feels that the majority of the students would prefer to have smaller classes and has said that so far he has not seen any negative consequences from being in a larger class.
On the other hand, Kemper sees how "overflowing" and "low on seats" may have an affect. One result of larger classes may be a reduction in the amount of discussion time and increase in lectures.
"Most classes seem like there will be a lot of lecture," Kemper said.
Officials insist that things will begin to improve next semester as additional faculty are added. "We are doing out best to work out the kinks," Campbell said.
The school has already begun speculating ways to avoid a reoccurrence in the future. Goodman explained that they would have to be more selective and also to "work with the faculty and establish a criteria." The percentage accepted may also be decreased by 10 percent depending on the number of applicants and the quality of those applicants.
Although many SIS graduate students may have to minimize their space this semester, Goodman ensures that their quality of education will not be comprised.
"I have every confidence that the students experience will be terrific, just as we promised," Goodman said.
