University of Virginia Library

W&M Resists Rise
In Student Number

According to State Council
of Higher Education forecasts,
William and Mary's enrollment
will rise to 5,800 in 1982, only
200 above its present
enrollment.

Just how this lack of
growth can justifiably exist
during a time in which other
state colleges can expect to
enroll nearly 60 per cent more
students has become a question
of concern before the State
Council of Higher Education.

According to the Richmond
Times-Dispatch, the Council
has admitted that it does not
have the answer.

Council Dir. Daniel E.
Marvin, Jr. told the Council
Wednesday that William and
Mary could take "far more
students" than growth
projections indicate.

The College's Board of
Visitors, however, has
deliberately decided to
maintain the institution as a
small and selective liberal arts
school, he said.

Burdens of Expansion

There was some discussion
as to why other schools should
have to accept the burdens of
expansion while William and
Mary remains comfortably
small.

Mr. Marvin said he thinks
the time has come for the
Council "to look into this
question." But other members
said they were unsure of their
authority to act.

It was pointed out that the
Council has had little or no
voice in the planning of the
community college system and
might expect the same
effectiveness in the expansion
matter.

Three Schools Over 20,000

According to the
Times-Dispatch, enrollment
projections for 1982 show three
state schools with over 20,000
students.

Northern Virginia
Community College would be
the largest, with a total of
24,500 students on five
campuses. VPI and VCU are
the other institutions likely to
exceed 20,000.