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(09-12-2022 11:12 AM)geef Wrote:  With one predictable exception, a good discussion on here. One aspect to note. Each year, a few additional institutions enter the 'National Universities' rankings due to meeting the threshold of Doctoral programs offered (Xavier, for instance, just entered this year). That's been a trend over the last 15 years and it has impacted our rankings, but certainly shouldn't be used as an excuse. I also have to wonder how much predicted enrollment trends might be impacting decisions being made by the university. Enrollment is declining nationally, and in Ohio isn't growing like many of the Sun Belt states. Compared to our in-state peers, UC isn't slipping in the rankings nearly as quickly - Miami was 66 in 2009 (105 this year) and OU was 112 in 2009 (182 this year). OU has struggled with enrollment, and the likes of BG, Wright State and Akron will continue to struggle significantly in the future. UC's increase in enrollment might be a solid strategy to hedge against future declines that others will be facing. As other state institutions struggle, the perception of UC is going in the opposite direction - the city's core is rapidly improving, the Big 12 is coming, and the campus area has improved dramatically.

But, as others have accurately stated, we may be at a tipping point. I'd rather see us put the brakes on going for 60,000 students and instead focus on improving faculty, adding beds to the campus area, making wise land use decisions, and continuing to elevate research in key areas. The momentum is absolutely there and doesn't seem to be slowing (particularly in comparison to our in-state peers) - we can be more strategic, however, about how to leverage that momentum.

Adding beds is key.

It should be a nonstarter to add 14,000 commuters to the existing population. That inevitably lowers quality.

It also requires going backwards on the walkability of the area. We'd have to add at least 5,000 more parking spots - probably more. For reference, all of UC currently has 11,000 parking spots.


On the other hand, adding 14,000 beds would be desirable... but it's a large challenge. This isn't Purdue, which expanded by 10,000 students over the past 12 years by buying nearby cornfields. UC is already one of the 5 densest universities in the country. UC could build taller buildings, but students tend to prefer to live in 2-6 story buildings. So taller buildings might make the campus less desirable.

UC would have to acquire land & expand campus somehow. If the plans for that aren't already well underway, then it's a pipe dream to add more than a couple thousand beds in the next 8 years.