University of Virginia Library

Council Condemns
University Growth

By Mark Schapiro
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A University Committee on Expansion
released today its report which states that
none of the reasons given by the
University in favor of expansion have
satisfied the concerns of the Committee.

Among the major opinions included in
this Interim Report on the Special
Committee on Growth is the feeling that
the University will "be transformed into a
model totally alien to the purpose of its
patrons."

According to the Student Council
report, although the applications to the
University decreased over a three-year
period, the percentage of acceptances
increased. Mr. Chabot, Student Council
member from the College, stated that this leads
to the feeling that it is easier to get into the
University at this time. As a result of this
feeling there has been a great influx of
applications this year. The report states the
significance of this sentiment is that students
are being educated amid a gradually declining
quality of educational and social conditions."

Although the Committee considers the
responsibilities involved, it says that the effects
are not being considered.

Frustrating Factors

A number of factors are listed that the
Committee believes are leading to a feeling of
frustration. These include the declining
diversity and quality of the student body,
decreasing percentage of students receiving
financial aid, and a declining community
atmosphere which even now is placing a great
stress on the Honor System.

In the report, the Committee also states that
the major concern is "what appears to be the
University's failure to insure that adequate
preparations are made for expansion." It
continues that contrary to what President
Shannon has said, growth must be debated.

The report suggests that there might be
possible alternatives that are now being
explored and will be explained later in the
major report. Among these possibilities is
channeling expansion into other institutions,
such as Mary Washington College, which
currently has an enrollment of 2,300 and has
no plans to expand; the development of new
methods of earning a degree: stretching
expansion over a longer period; developing the
Birdwood tract at Charlottesville; and creating
another university.

'Diminished Spirit'

The Committee says that all factors are
contributing to a feeling of frustration. "The
diminished spirit of community has and will
lead to a sense of increasing alienation on the
part of students not unlike urban localities.
Such alienation bears with it the increasing
likelihood of mass dissatisfaction and mass
behavior. Ken Ross, chairman of the Council's
Public Affairs Committee, says that at present,
little or no cooperation exists between the city
of Charlottesville and the University.

Headed by Mr. Chabot, the Committee
expects to publish its full detailed report no
later than April 22.