Mesa Legend - ARCHIVES - Vol. 40, Issue 7


Volume 40, Issue 7. Today is .

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Volume 40, Issue 7.
December 3, 2002

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Valley growth calls for new campus layout
By Carly Schorman
Mesa Legend

The Valley has been growing at an unprecedented rate.

Consequently, MCC’s population has continued to grow.

In reaction to this change, the school administration has developed what is called the master plan.

Since the fall semester of 1999, the school’s enrollment has been growing at an accerlerating rate starting with less then 24,000 students.

“For the first time in the history of the school, enrollment has surpassed 26, 000,” said Brian Johnson, dean of Student and Community Services.

Not only is MCC’s enrollment growing, but most schools in the valley have also had to deal with the population increase of unanticipated proportion.

“The Valley, especially the East Valley, is experiencing unprecedented growth,” explained Ron Etter, dean of Administrative Services.

This current population growth is expected to keep rising.

“If the projected growth happens and we have the same market penetration, we will need 50,000 student spaces,” President Larry Christiansen stated.

A surplus of students might be created as ASU continues to grow and the university may face too many students to accommodate.

Stricter admissions requirements and tuition hikes may help alleviate the strain on ASU, however, MCC may receive a number of students who can’t meet the new requirements or can’t afford the $500 to $1000 extra tuition.

Many are compelled to accept the bargain that community colleges offer when dealing with rising tuition cost, the injured economy, and the rise in the cost of living in Tempe and some surrounding areas.

The master plan outlines what the school intends on doing in response to college growth over the next two decades explained Etter.

“The master plan is not yet finished . . . we’re writing the final draft,” Etter said.

“[The master plan] says ‘If you build a new building, it should be here. These buildings should be replaced. Remodel these.’” Etter simplified.

“We certainly have prepared ourselves to the point where we have incredible plans in place,” Johnson alleged.

The plan was developed with many factors taken into consideration.
Among other things, “it is based on conversations and data about growth factors,” explained Etter.

“We have given the architect the projected growth of the East Valley over the next two decades,” Christiansen said.

What will need to be done in order to increase the capacity of the college to meet the demands of the community?

Christiansen posed the questions “How many parking garages would (MCC) have? How many classrooms would (the schools) need?”

“(The master plan) would include some additional spaces at Red Mountain, some additional spaces at Southern and Dobson, and probably some at Country Club and Brown,” Christiansen mentioned.
Christiansen then added that the schools may be “touching spaces we haven’t touched.”

Students should be relieved to learn that a new parking structure is included in the plan.

A bond is in the works for 2004.

The bond will cover many of the expenses incurred by MCC’s growth.

Bonds must be decided on by the taxpayers who ultimately pay for them with a raise in taxes.

The bond would be the source of the necessary funding to accomplish the tasks laid out in the master plan, Christiansen clarified.

“We will need a great deal of help,” expressed Etter.

How do we handle the growth in the near future, before the buildings are built?

“What students must be is flexible,” explained Etter.

The majority of MCC students take classes either in the morning or evening.

Students must be willing to take classes in the afternoon.

Nonetheless, more time is needed to finish the proposed plan.

“We want to make sure what we ask for is reasonable,” Etter concluded.