Florida Atlantic University's first student-run news source.

UNIVERSITY PRESS

Florida Atlantic University's first student-run news source.

UNIVERSITY PRESS

Florida Atlantic University's first student-run news source.

UNIVERSITY PRESS

Having class

I’m not going to graduate in four years like I want to. The likelihood of graduating three years from now with a diploma in hand is slim to none. Why? Because I need to take just one class to start my major, and FAU only offers that class once per semester.

As a multimedia communication major, it’s a requirement to take MMC 1540 (Intro to Media Studies), a prerequisite. The problem lies in the high demand for the class and the lack of availability. With only 50 seats to fill, this Tuesday/Thursday class is only offered once a semester.

I remember going to my academic adviser last spring to discuss possible classes for the fall. She listed the last couple of classes I needed before I head into my major. On that yellow registration paper she wrote “MMC 1540.” I already knew from other communication majors how difficult it actually is getting that class as a freshman or sophomore.

Reluctantly, I asked, “What happens if I can’t get that class?” Her response: “Cross your fingers and hope you do.”  When it came time for me to register for classes, MMC 1540 was already filled to capacity.
“One reason has to do with [not having] enough classrooms that are available. The university doesn’t have enough lecture halls,” explains Fred Fejes, professor for MMC 1540.

Fejes confesses that the introductory course is one of the hardest classes to get into.
“I get e-mails from students every semester trying to get into my class. When there is a size limit on a class, it’s because of fire regulations. I e-mail the students back and say that’s why I can’t let them in.”

Many professors and administrators tell students to constantly check to see if students drop.

According to Fejes, the add/drop solution won’t work. He explains that last spring semester, on the first day of class, eight to 10 students didn’t show up. Two students ended up dropping the class on the last day for add/drops. By this time, it’s too late for students who are desperate to take the class.

He thinks the only way to ease the situation is to increase the class size.
“I would like to have a larger classroom and have at least 100 students. A larger classroom would solve the problem.”

 Manjunath Pendakur, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, wasn’t even aware of the tight squeeze for MMC 1540. When I explained my situation to him, he replied with: “No one finishes in four years. The typical student takes more than five years to finish.”

His proposal for a solution is to change the rules and make the first day of class mandatory. That way, if any student is absent, they would be dropped from the class, giving other students the chance to get in.

Fejes explained that the acceptance rate for students is surpassing the class availability.”We are getting more students than expected, more than we can handle,” he says.
Pendakur explained to me that the communication department has doubled its size in two years.
“Our program is very attractive to students,” says Pendakur.

Despite budget cuts of $16.7 million felt all around campus, Pendakur says the College of Arts and Letters will not offer fewer classes.
“Students should not feel the impact of budget cuts. One thing we keep in mind is the same number of classes or more faculty to help students.”

As far as a solution for students like me who face similar challenges signing up for classes, this is Pendakur’s suggestion: “Be patient. Then you beg and borrow to let the professor let you in.”

Fejes advised me to complain to state legislatures.
“The state of Florida is not doing its job providing resources to educate young citizens,” he explains.

For now, I plan to stalk the class schedules until August in hopes for an opening in MMC 1540. If not, I’ll be stuck taking unnecessary classes like walking and jogging. 

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