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Universities Boss Wants Freshmen Cap Extended

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By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

TAMPA - The leader of Florida's public university system today called for a continued freeze on the size of freshmen classes, warning that continued economic woes would only erode educational quality otherwise.

But many university officials are fighting that idea, saying a cap on freshmen enrollment limits access to a higher education at schools that have room to grow.

The university system's Board of Governors voted last year to cap the number of freshmen statewide at about 38,500 – rejecting thousands of qualified applicants – saying it could preserve a diminishing supply of money for the students already enrolled.

Its chancellor, Mark Rosenberg, said that pot of money will only get smaller.

"This cap reflects your commitment to quality," Rosenberg told the board at its meeting at the University of South Florida. "More courses are taught by adjuncts and graduate assistants than ever before. We are growing concerned that accreditors might take concern."

Several board members, however, argued that a souring economy is driving thousands more to a higher education. While they voted for the freeze last year, some said the cap is turning too many students away.

"I just think that, based on the current economic conditions, I'd rather have my students in a crowded class than not have one at all," said Ava Parker, the board's vice chairwoman.

The board agreed to put off a vote on lifting the cap until its November meeting.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285 or aemerson@tampatrib.com.

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