Cool opportunity for SFA students from us being part of the UT system.

https://www.facebook.com/100064820882874/posts/889228036581218/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

We're celebrating some exciting recent developments, Jacks!
1️⃣ With significant growth in applications and enrollments, we've reopened two residence halls to welcome even more Lumberjacks! (And it’s not too late to join — we’re still accepting applications and Orientation… pic.twitter.com/eWA6vmeUh3

— Stephen F. Austin State University (@SFASU) June 7, 2024

Really good information about increases in incoming freshmen class etc. Two years running. Hoping we can get enrollment up over 11,000 this fall. Next fall (2025) over 12,000.

New SFA president reports increased enrollment during first month in office (ktre.com)

The increased freshman class is a very positive trend, indeed. Just to put it into numbers, though, that 10% increase would mean about 200 additional students (which tracks with the 230 additional beds in the re-opened dorms). To get back to 12,000 students would require at least another 3-4 years of 10% freshman growth per year. Where SFA could greatly increase the curve up in enrollment is via transfer students. I'm hoping that being in the UT system will get us more transfers from 2 year colleges.

What's doubly heartening is that this crop of freshmen are mostly real students who intend to stay at SFA for a full 4 years.

Back in the 2010s, SFA was playing games with the topline enrollment number by greatly expanding dual credit offerings to students across Texas who would take 1 or 2 total classes from SFA while enrolled in high school, but who had no intention of ever enrolling or getting a degree here. However, they could still be counted towards the 13,000 enrollment number. Some of our decline from 13,000 to 11,000 was actually a strategic reduction in dual credit agreements to ones that make more geographic sense.

NacMan said:

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The increased freshman class is a very positive trend, indeed. Just to put it into numbers, though, that 10% increase would mean about 200 additional students (which tracks with the 230 additional beds in the re-opened dorms). To get back to 12,000 students would require at least another 3-4 years of 10% freshman growth per year. Where SFA could greatly increase the curve up in enrollment is via transfer students. I'm hoping that being in the UT system will get us more transfers from 2 year colleges.

What's doubly heartening is that this crop of freshmen are mostly real students who intend to stay at SFA for a full 4 years.

Back in the 2010s, SFA was playing games with the topline enrollment number by greatly expanding dual credit offerings to students across Texas who would take 1 or 2 total classes from SFA while enrolled in high school, but who had no intention of ever enrolling or getting a degree here. However, they could still be counted towards the 13,000 enrollment number. Some of our decline from 13,000 to 11,000 was actually a strategic reduction in dual credit agreements to ones that make more geographic sense.

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The increase in freshman will also help the sophomore numbers, which had dipped to 1600. In the 2016 - 2018 timeframe our sophomore classification had closer to 1900 - 2400 (SFA Institutional Research)

If our retention stays around 71% , we should start to see our sophomore class start to increase, and return to that 2200 - 2400 level. That will accelerate our return to the 13,000 level. That being said, we need 3 or more first time freshmen classes, to be over 2100. We can get there.

The sky's the limit for @SFASU aviation sciences students who will be the first in the nation to fly the @Tecnam P-Mentor two-seat trainer airplane – and with that gain valuable training experiences on an advanced platform. SFA-branded too! #AxeEm 💜 ✈️https://t.co/ckL12M4jkX pic.twitter.com/pP5swaxPOu

— The University of Texas System (@utsystem) June 25, 2024

Good speech from Weaver today, linked here. Weaver's remarks begin around 1:06.


He went over a lot of really good statistical information to give us a good picture of SFA in relation to other UT schools.

Overall enrollment will be down again in Fall 2024, but almost all of the drop this year is due to pullback in dual credit offerings.

Other highlights:
-We are 5th highest (out of 9) in cost (tuition +fees)
-last in expenditures per student
-8th out of 9 in faculty salaries
-last in amount of research produced
-last in % of enrolled graduate students
-3rd in 4-year graduation rate

I found it refreshing because it identified a handful of key areas where SFA needs to improve rather than the all-too-common "just do better everywhere" approach of previous years which unfortunately led to past improvement efforts lacking any focus.

NacMan said:

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Good speech from Weaver today, linked here. Weaver's remarks begin around 1:06.


He went over a lot of really good statistical information to give us a good picture of SFA in relation to other UT schools.

Overall enrollment will be down again in Fall 2024, but almost all of the drop this year is due to pullback in dual credit offerings.

Other highlights:
-We are 5th highest (out of 9) in cost (tuition +fees)
-last in expenditures per student
-8th out of 9 in faculty salaries
-last in amount of research produced
-last in % of enrolled graduate students
-3rd in 4-year graduation rate

I found it refreshing because it identified a handful of key areas where SFA needs to improve rather than the all-too-common "just do better everywhere" approach of previous years which unfortunately led to past improvement efforts lacking any focus.

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Wasn't able to access the video, but your summary is useful. Incoming freshman class is supposed to be up 10% over last year (which was also an improvement over the previous year).

I hope our academic offerings for STEM areas continue to expand. That is likely the best long-term strategy for enrollment growth.

Yes, I guess the video could only be accessed from on campus. Not sure why - overall it was a pretty positive picture painted of SFA and Weaver hit a solid triple with his message of specific focuses for improvement. He didn't really break it down as STEM vs. non-STEM, but rather things like increasing retention, moving money from non-productive spending into spending on student experiences, and reducing red tape.

The UT System’s newest president, Dr. Neal Weaver, has quickly developed a deep appreciation for the UT Regents' commitment to affordability and access to higher education. With support from the Regents’ Promise Plus Endowment, @SFASU’s need-based student financial aid program,… pic.twitter.com/qnJXFE5It0

— The University of Texas System (@utsystem) August 20, 2024

Do we have enrollment numbers yet?

TallTexan said:

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Do we have enrollment numbers yet?

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I think someone wrote on this thread, that enrollment was down slightly. Mostly due to a drop in dual enrollment programs. SFA walked away from some of these agreements as they weren't resulting in continuing enrollment.

Incoming freshmen and grad students up I think the prognostication is that next fall we will see an increase as we have refilled the funnel of freshmen/sophmores

Still no enrollment numbers?


And what's up with Hall 20? Something about students moving?

TallTexan said:

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Still no enrollment numbers?


And what's up with Hall 20? Something about students moving?

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Nope. And I have looked . Institutional Research normally has them. I looked. Not available.

BigJack85 said:

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TallTexan said:

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Still no enrollment numbers?


And what's up with Hall 20? Something about students moving?

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Nope. And I have looked . Institutional Research normally has them. I looked. Not available.

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That is bizarre. We're like halfway through the semester.

The Pine Log online recently had an article about some students having to move in with roommates instead of singular occupancy of a dorm room due to the increased enrollment. Guessing this a part of what the article was talking about.

TallTexan said:

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Still no enrollment numbers?


And what's up with Hall 20? Something about students moving?

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Exact enrollment was known a month ago and sent to the UT system. I have no idea why there has been no official news release or announcement. Possibly because enrollment is slightly down again?

I heard something about Hall 20 being suddenly closed down, but I don't know the reason.

NacMan said:

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TallTexan said:

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Still no enrollment numbers?


And what's up with Hall 20? Something about students moving?

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Exact enrollment was known a month ago and sent to the UT system. I have no idea why there has been no official news release or announcement. Possibly because enrollment is slightly down again?

I heard something about Hall 20 being suddenly closed down, but I don't know the reason.

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Thats wild if they are shutting it down and building something new espically half way through the semester. Student's dont need that kind of stress. Hope there is actually news what is to come. The Pine Log has nothing.

I'm not too good with the copy and paste but here is an article from Pine Log from October 4th.
Doesn't mention Hall 20 in particular but other residence issues.




SFA residents unexpectedly told to consolidate

• Meredith Hahn


• Oct 4, 2024

Over the past couple weeks, many students with private rooms have been told to find roommates and switch rooms in order to consolidate the residence halls. They were told that if they did not find a roommate within just a few days that one would be assigned to them,with expected move-in coming not too long after.
This development, which has many students and parents upset, is causing an increase in complaint emails to the residential offices, while others have posted their opinions on the SFA Facebook parent page. Students were expected to pack up and move all their belongings from their rooms in just two days. "I understand the school's reasons for it, but it seemed very sprung on us," said Isabella Lambeth, a Steen Hall resident. Some students were not notified by their Resident Assistants until the day of.
Deborah Lee, a Steen Hall resident, along with many others, expressed that the sudden move felt unfair. "Three weeks in we were told that we might need to pack up our stuff and move because the school failed to assign everyone a roommate before school began," Lee said. Though Students like Lee are upset that the school would wait until nearly a month into the school year before correcting this problem.
While The Pine Log reached out to RA's and desk managers in residence halls about the consolidation, none of them were able to provide a reasoning behind the decision, even Constance Ford, the area coordinator for Kerr and Griffith said, "Unfortunately, I am unable to provide a comment at this time."

However, according to Tyler Bacon, the associate director of residence education, SFA is no longer allowing private rooms due to higher enrollment numbers. Bacon said that room consolidation is necessary because it allows students the freedom of moving to other halls if they wish.
Though this move has been inconvenient for some students, many are learning that having a roommate is not all bad. Stella Miller, a freshman who recently moved from the fourth floor to the fifth floor in Griffith Hall, expressed that getting a roommate was a welcoming change. "Having a room by yourself feels lonely, especially if you haven't made friends yet,"
Josefina Fairbanks, another resident of Griffith Hall, said, "Now, I like having a roommate better because she is good company, and I am not in the room that often anyway." Fairbanks knew the student she was moving in with and had experience with roommates before the room consolidation, making for a smooth transition.
Bacon mentioned that in the future, SFA will look for better ways to smooth the process of this required move. Until then, Students can only hope that this will mean they will not have to move rooms weeks into the semester in the coming years.

In addition to that story there is Supposed to be a story in the October 11 issue of the Pine Log that is titled "Students move out of Hall 20 early" However there is no story underneath the headline only a picture of several students obviously outside of hall 20 rooms.

I do see that the Oct 11th story says updated Oct 14th......Was there a story there on the 11th and now removed?

Ljacks&Longnecks said:

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In addition to that story there is Supposed to be a story in the October 11 issue of the Pine Log that is titled "Students move out of Hall 20 early" However there is no story underneath the headline only a picture of several students obviously outside of hall 20 rooms.

I do see that the Oct 11th story says updated Oct 14th......Was there a story there on the 11th and now removed?

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Thats what I saw on the website after saw the post with 0 context. I would love to have answer even though I hated my roommate in Hall 20 it was a fantastic place to live even though it did give off Motel Vibes.

Dorm 20 is coming down. Part of the new master plan. Anyone know what the move here is ?

BigJack85 said:

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Dorm 20 is coming down. Part of the new master plan. Anyone know what the move here is ?

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Curious. The master plan won't be done for six months to a year. The contract was just issued about four weeks ago.

They must have come to some "broad strokes" understanding that we need the space for a modern fieldhouse! Haha.

Pine Log story


Hundreds of Hall 20 residents are relocating to new housing after being informed that their current residence hall will be closed by the end of the year, following a decision made in line with the UT System master plan.
In an email to Hall 20 residents, Andrew Dies, dean of students, announced the indefinite closure of Hall 20, which sparked discussion and concern among the student body about the timing and logistics of their decision. This move, a part of the university's "residence hall consolidation process" according to the email sent out by Dies on Oct. 8, requires all current Hall 20 residents to relocate either to another on-campus residence or off-campus housing by the end of the semester.
According to Korbin Pate, executive director of marketing and communications, who is handling all communications related to the Hall 20 situation, "The decision to take Hall 20 offline indefinitely was made in conjunction with our campus master planning process." Pate added that there are no safety concerns with Hall 20, dispelling rumors of black mold that had circulated among students, "Tests done by our environmental, health and safety office have confirmed this."
Dies and Dr. Jeremy Higgins, the executive director of environmental health, safety and risk management, were asked to comment, but efforts were redirected to Pate.

Pate stated that the university made the decision to close Hall 20 earlier this month with the intention to "Align with the campus master planning process", which is a larger planning initiative related to the UT system.
Hall 20's imminent closure has raised concerns among affected students. The timing of the announcement, coming mid-semester and near midterm examinations, has especially been a point of contention. Jaiden Pouncy, a junior creative writing major, expressed frustration with the late notice, "It is aggravating how late this message came. Plans to retire a dorm hall must be known months ahead of time; they could have and should have warned us prior to the middle of the semester that Hall 20 is closing down."
To assist with the transition, SFA is offering a $250 credit to affected students, applicable toward their spring room rate. However, this compensation has been met with mixed reactions. Vee Gislason, a senior hospitality major, highlighted potential issues for students who may need to move off-campus.
"I have the most expensive dining plan, but since I might have to find an apartment, it's kind of useless," Gislason said. "I don't know why they thought it was a good idea to tell us and then let us know that no worries, they'll comp $250 of our next dorm to make up for it".
The university has implemented measures to facilitate the relocation process. Students are being offered alternative on-campus housing on a first-come, first-served basis, with a line of students forming around Hall 20 to secure new accommodation. SFA has committed to maintaining or reducing housing costs for relocated students, depending on their new assignments. Additionally, volunteers are being provided to assist with moves.

SFAJack_76 said:

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BigJack85 said:

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Dorm 20 is coming down. Part of the new master plan. Anyone know what the move here is ?

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Curious. The master plan won't be done for six months to a year. The contract was just issued about four weeks ago.

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I keep seeing the term 'Master Plan' throw around. Is there actually something public posted about it? I just want to see a vision that UT has for us.. Cause all I know is.. New Dinign Hall (Looks fantastic), Forestry Building(?), and now a Tear down of Hall 20 for something new?

I just want to see vision on what is coming and I feel lost as an alumni on what is happening.

I think the Daily Sentinel should file an FOIA for all things related to hall 20.

Bc something fishy is going on and I worry it's "we found out this is an imminent danger but we're not telling anyone".

TallTexan said:

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I think the Daily Sentinel should file an FOIA for all things related to hall 20.

Bc something fishy is going on and I worry it's "we found out this is an imminent danger but we're not telling anyone".

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I kind of doubt it. They've talked about dumping it before. Gives SFA additional parking for commuters. Potential area to add peripheral athletic facilities.

One student's view..from The Pine Log. Have to agree that it sounds very ill timed and poorly handled.


The recent events related to Hall 20 have shown how little SFA, as an institution, cares for its students. They provide no further explanation beyond the vague statement that the decision is "part of our ongoing efforts to enhance student living and align with the university's campus master plan." This leaves students like me feeling neglected and left in the dark, with no clear understanding of the reasons behind this decision.
It is midterm season, and students are stressing about exams and projects and now the hassle of moving out and into a new dorm or finding a place to live next semester. This additional stress could significantly impact their academic performance.
And what do they get in return? $250, not even in a tangible manner, but as a discount for the next dorm. This, eventually, might be significantly more expensive than their current accommodation. I am not the only student who feels that $250 is insufficient; many people are outraged by the decision. Jaiden Pouncy, a junior Creative Writing major, commented, "I do hope you know it doesn't do so much. It's like getting impaled in the gut and someone offers you a Winnie the Pooh Band-Aid."
According to official statements from a university department, the verdict to close Hall 20 indefinitely was made earlier this month. However, the lack of transparency in the decision-making process is concerning. It's difficult to comprehend the university's reasoning for implementing the change at this stage of the semester. If they are closing the dorm as part of their long-term plan, it raises the question of why they opened the place in the first place. It seems strange that the university would open the hall only to close it later. This decision leaves me wondering if the university was so desperate to accommodate the surplus of new students that they were willing to throw everyone else aside.
I love SFA, and I think it is a great university. However, recent events have diminished my respect for them. I would like to know that my university cares about its students and does not view us as mere numbers on paper. It's not just the decision to take away the living spaces of many students but instead the poor execution of this decision that speaks volumes about the university's management. The frustration among students is palpable, and it's no surprise that we are left dissatisfied and questioning the decisions being made.

In the interest of equal time, here is another view on the Hall 20 closing.






COLUMN: Positives of the Hall 20 Move

• Meredith Hahn

Hall 20 has been the source of one too many problems this year. Students cited living there struggled with black mold and poor-quality rooms for weeks, and now that the school has taken action, the students can move to nicer and cleaner dorms.
Though forcing Hall 20 residents to move out with very little notice was not the most convenient arrangement for many students, it makes sense that SFA would want to take this action as soon as possible. Over the past few weeks, the school and the students have been working hard to consolidate rooms so that there will be space available for Hall 20 residents. As soon as this room consolidation was complete, SFA was able to finally begin shutting down Hall 20.
The students required to move to a new residence hall have been assured that they will not have to pay more than they paid for Hall 20 for their new dorm. This means that students moving to more expensive dorms, like Lumberjack Landing, Lumberjack Lodge, and Lumberjack Village, will only have to pay the Hall 20 rate. Additionally, students that are being relocated from Hall 20 will receive a $250 credit on their spring bill in compensation.
SFA is taking every action to make this transition as smooth as possible for Hall 20 residents. They are working hard to create comfortable spaces for every student, and even offering moving assistance on Nov. 1 and 15, Dec. 6 and Jan. 9 and 10. They have given these students the first choice in choosing their rooms, allowing them to feel assured that they are the priority. SFA Residence Life is dedicated to ensuring that this move is smooth, easy and affordable for the former Hall 20 residents.

If they are indeed tearing down Hall 20 then that is a bit distressing. It was built in 1985, which is less than 40 years lifespan. Was the initial build quality bad?

A building should last more than 40 years.