This historically sized freshman class has made an impact all over campus. It has affected not only the new batch of freshmen, but the upperclassmen and SNU faculty. According to the SNU Admissions Office, as of August 28th, there are 381 freshmen and 72 transfer students, which is a 22% increase from last year. This is the biggest freshman class at SNU in nearly forty years. Overall, the historically sized freshman class has made a positive impact on the campus, despite some of the challenges it brings to the student body and staff.
Sophomore Ben Fuller talked about the ups and downs of the added freshman class. He stated how parking has become more of an issue, lunch lines have gotten longer, and there are more names to memorize, but these challenges come with positive opportunities like getting to meet more fellow students. Fuller expressed, “I like having a full campus, but not as big as an OU or OSU kind of deal, but it’s been great to get to know new people and faces on campus. It’s super cool to see the growth of campus and the school. It’s cool to get to witness”. By being a New Student Institute mentor, Fuller got the opportunity to meet almost all of the freshman class by working the check-in table on move-in day.
The freshman class is making an impact in the classroom as well. Assistant Professor Kira Walkup stated how she has had to adjust, “Some of my sections are a lot bigger, which changes the activities I can do in class because there are a lot more students.” She also discussed how some student assignments have changed to prevent an overflowing amount of papers to grade. Through the challenges she brought to light, that “There’s such a fun energy to this freshman class that comes with more personalities.” She thinks the class of 2029 is going to be a really good group of students, which has been positive so far.
Carlie Clowdus shared her experience of being a part of this year’s freshman class. “It’s cool to be in [this] class and be able to experience it”. She exclaimed how she really likes the SNU community, because of how family-like the student body is. “You can really be open and honest with everyone, and I like that”. Being a part of the historic freshman class is something she is excited to one day tell her family and friends that she was a part of.
The official class numbers will be finalized ten class days into the semester. The freshman class is adding to the culture of the campus community through the increased number of people you can meet and the challenges the student body goes through together.
Photo by: Trynitie Krout