Daily Skiff

The university's application numbers are lower than in previous years.

Ray Brown, dean of admissions, and others said the decline is likely due to the elimination of the FastApp, a more concise application option. But, whether that is the case, we should continue to strive to be a place where qualified individuals seek education.

I firmly believe that TCU offers the best overall university experience in Texas. However, it's hard to sell that belief to potential students when our already outrageously expensive tuition continues to rise during an economic recession.

TCU was founded on Christian values and has a conservative atmosphere. We have great on-campus ministry, and there are more churches than liquor stores within walking distance to campus. The university has little tolerance for drugs, even marijuana. We have great Greek life and used to have a good student tailgate to prove it.

What makes TCU desirable beyond its superior education are the amenities it's able to offer as a private school. The student-teacher ratio is low. The Campus Recreation Center has the newest technology and offers everything found in most top-quality workout facilities. The library has everything students need to study and more.

Every semester there is a new, cool building to explore. The campus is well-patrolled and most students feel safe.

The university offers top-notch facilities and services, but the areas where the school falls short might be the difference between a student attending Southern Methodist University, Vanderbilt University, University of Texas at Austin or the University of Oklahoma.

My theory of why TCU fails to impress in some areas is that the school is eager to impress but sometimes forgets to cater to the actual student. I find it disheartening, but I can't come up with any other explanation for the gross negligence of forethought in the meal plan.

But at least we're doing all this stuff to be more green, right? I can't wait to see some evidence. I applaud the initiative in signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment and the "Think Purple, Live Green" theme semester, but besides the Purple Bike Program and the mandated printing restrictions for professors, there has not been a substantial change.

It seems as though TCU is simply perpetuating the illusion of caring.

Perhaps we should refine the approval process in the Physical Plant, which requires a 99-step process to change anything larger than a light bulb, and then I might actually see the installation of solar panels on the Rickel Building while I'm still an undergraduate.

I hope TCU begins a trend of turning talk about potential into tangible improvement. In doing so, as with regulatory operations, the school must recognize the need to put the interests of the students first.

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