Deciding what classes they want to take and finding out whatclasses they were able to get into are two very differentexperiences for Simpson students.

Despite recent increases in student population, class sectionsof 100 level courses have increased by only three since 2000.

According to Associate Academic Dean and Registrar John Bolen,Simpson lowered the last incoming class size in an attempt toincrease the ratio of students to sections.

Statistically, there is one first year student to every .65sections.

“The college doesn’t have any clear numbering system thatrelates class level to grade level,” Bolen said.

Freshmen aren’t the only students who might struggle gettinginto the classes they want.

Some transfer students who enroll as juniors need a lower levelclass to meet a cornerstone and finish a competency.

“When upperclassmen register, we only allow 10 openings in100-level classes,” Bolen said. “When transfer students come inthey often need those lower-level classes.”

Some freshmen, like Brady Buresh, feel their class options suittheir needs.

“They’re not bad, it was pretty easy to choose,” Buresh said. “Iwouldn’t change [the selection], the classes they have are prettydecent.”

The ratio of 300-level classes to seniors is slightly morefavorable at a ratio of one senior to .81 sections.

“The number of 300-level classes is in correlation to the numberof seniors in a particular major,” Bolen said.

Vice President and Academic Dean Bruce Haddox said that moreupperclassman should have to enroll in 300- or 400-levelclasses.

“I wish everyone had to have 300-level classes because thoseclasses offer a better experience.” Haddox said. “Manyupperclassmen are in 100-level classes and they’re doing it becauseit’s easier.”

Seniors like James Morgan have been satisfied with their classoptions.

“My choices were good and my advisor did a very good job helpingme,” Morgan said. “I don’t think we need to change the system.”

US News and World Report shows that 68 percent of Simpsonclasses are 20 students or less. Wartburg College has a 37 percentand Central College has 63 percent. Both schools have smallerpopulations than Simpson.