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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2012
Here We Grow Again:
Vol. 106, NO. 71 UATRAV.COM
UA Officials Brace for Next Freshman Class by KRISTEN COPPOLA Staff Writer
After a record-breaking number of freshmen last semester, UA officials are preparing for another 4,400 freshmen next fall, officials said. “We’re planning on hitting about the same numbers [in the freshman class] as we did last year, give 100 up or down,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for Enrollment. “We’ll have overall growth because the freshman classes are replacing smaller senior classes.” A new project called Founders Hall is in the design phase and would expand retail dining, Brough Commons and student housing. “The intent is to build a new facility adjacent to Brough Commons that will, on the first level, expand the option for additional retail spaces, on the second level, add roughly 300 seats and new dining options for the Brough seating area and, on the third level, add 160 to
200 beds,” said Danny Pugh, vice provost of Student Affairs. Founders Hall will be similar in appearance to Gregson Hall and is expected to be complete in August 2013 at the same time that Hotz Hall is finished. “We’ve had enough beds to manage the incoming freshmen. What we’re short on now is meeting our historical capture rate for second-, third- and fourth-year students,” Pugh said. “We’ll bring Hotz back online with 400-plus beds and add Founders Hall.” The application process for re-contracting for upperclassmen to live on campus just finished. “We’re probably going to be able to do most of those who applied,” said Florence Johnson, executive director of Housing. “It looks like we’re going to be able to accommodate a lot more students who applied this year than we were last year,” Johnson said. “That see ENROLLMENT Even on a cold and chilly Friday afternoon, open computers can be hard to find in Mullins Library. on page 2
MIKE NORTON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Parking and Transit Department Sees Ridership Increase by BAILEY KESTNER Staff Writer
Ridership on some buses at the UA transit has increased by more than 25 percent from this time last year, according to the UA Department of Transit website. Ridership on the Green Route increased by 8 percent and Maple Hill Express increased by 28 percent. Pomfret Express ridership decreased by 13 percent, Route 56 by 12 percent, and the Yellow Route by 1 percent. “On my way to band, I can barely find a seat. Sometimes there isn’t even enough room to stand,” said Casey Bowman, freshman education major. “There have been times when I had to wait for the next bus because the bus I was waiting for filled up.” UA bus drivers track the number of people that enter each bus, said Mike Seither, associate director of Transit and Parking. “We experience the most CHAD ARNOLD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER crowding on the buses at A mass of students share personal space while riding the green bus. In addition to increased enrollment, cold weather contributes to the overcrowded buses. the peak times during the
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day, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,” Seither said. Transit and Parking officials suggest students be at the bus stop 30 minutes before their class is scheduled to start. “A regular-sized bus holds 38 to 44 passengers, while the larger buses are able to hold 65 to 70,” Seither said. As the seats begin to fill up, the drivers ask the standing passengers to head to the back of the bus to fit in as many riders possible before reaching the occupancy number, he said. “There are currently three Blue, three Green, and two Purple buses,” Seither said. “We are running all the buses we have.” “The UA Department of Transit and Parking was just accepted in receiving two more buses,” he said. “We are expanding the number of buses for the next school year as well.” Tom McMahon, freshman marketing major, said the crowded buses didn’t bother him. “I don’t mind standing and the bus is actually a good place to meet new people every day,” McMahon said.
Opinion
Revamping Valentine’s Valentine’s Day Sorority Members Vie Student Instructors Day Activities for Singles for Gamma Needed Celebrate love a diff erent Even if you’re single, you 8QLYHUVLW\ 5HFUHDWLRQ RIÀ Chi Positions way this Valentine’s Day by can manage to have fun on
Mitchell’s Busy Spring
Does ASG Matter? Only If You Want It To
Panhellenic Council is in the process of selecting 2012 Gammi Chi.
cials will begin hiring UREC doing something special for staff as a result of losing a stranger. seniors to graduation
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2012 VOL. 106, NO. 71 8 PAGES UATRAV.COM
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WEATHER FORECAST
TODAY 48°
Valentine’s Day by celebrating with friends or by treating yourself.
Page 5 WEDNESDAY 51°
THURSDAY 55°
FRIDAY 53°
Sophomore Brandon Mitchell balancing football, Being involved with ASG can basketball, taking 15 hours help students bring grievances to UA administrators. and volunteer work.
SATURDAY 55°
SUNDAY 55°
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