LETTER: Class size idea not thought out

To the editor:

I would like to discuss Jon Cox’s editorial on “Fostering a Good Learning Environment”. His general premise, that classes should have less than 100 students in them, is unnecessary. As Mr. Cox pointed out himself, this really is only a problem in the introductory courses. As a science major, many of my classes have had more than 100 students. However, this has never been a problem for me.

First, I am taking science classes, where there is really nothing to discuss. Molecular Orbital Hybridization Theory is not up for debate. Furthermore, if I have ever had questions about a concept, I have been able to find answers. In my science classes, I have office hours, recitations, supplemental instruction, lab TA’s, and many other resources. If I don’t get the help I need, it is my fault, not the university’s. We are big boys and girls here, and if the University needs to hold our hands to keep us from dropping out, we don’t belong here.

Mr. Cox also favored limiting research in favor of classes. Mr. Cox, as a journalism major, does not understand the role of research in the science programs or university funding. In 2004, Utah State generated 186 million dollars of research revenues. If we were to, say, limit research by a third, we would have to raise tuition $3,100 for each student to compensate for the lost revenue. I don’t think that Mr. Cox would support such a funding cut and tuition hike. Also, limiting the amount of research professors do, limits the number of students that can work in their labs. Such lab experience is vital to getting into graduate or professional schools. Some of the most important learning takes place in the lab. The equivalent for journalism majors would be eliminating the student newspaper. Limiting research would destroy the excellent programs for science and engineering we have here at USU. I came to USU for research opportunities. USU should strive to attract the brightest, not the laziest. While class size reduction is a worthy goal, the cost of Mr. Cox’s proposals is too high.

Casey Cox