AIC welcomes freshman class of 64

Katherine K. Gardiner Arizona Daily Wildcat The small classroom environment like this Advanced Spanish part 1 class taught by Dr. Hiber Conteris spurs students to fully participate in the construction of their education. The downsized setting eliminates getting lost in the crowd of large lecture classes.

Arizona International Campus, like the University of Arizona, began classes this week. The new year is full of promise, and high expectations, as well as concerns and questions.

AIC is welcoming a freshman class of 64 students, jumping overall enrollment to 126, more than doubling last year's population.

One unique aspect of the one-year old branch campus is that it has no majors, instead students develop what AIC administrators call "learning contracts" in their second year. Incoming freshmen are left to concentrate on general education.

For the most part, incoming freshmen said they are pleased with their new school.

"The environment is productive to learning," said freshman Israel Campbell.

AIC has made an effort to break away from the hustle and bustle of the mother campus. Students see these efforts as they enjoy small class sizes, no more than 35 students, and the hands-on teaching style the professors use.

"There is a focus on community, and administrators encourage educational freedom," said freshman Matt Gottesman.

Another freshman, Matthew Moore, said, "AIC fosters individuality and allows for students to create their own educational experience."

There are some negatives, however, including a battery of assessment tests. Most students said they were in shock after all the tests.

Students have been tested on everything from fluency in Spanish to their own personality and desires. These tests include assessments on a student's formal and informal speaking styles, learning styles, questions about why students are going to college and what they fear.

"These tests are designed for a study that has to do with comparing characteristics and learning styles of different cultures," said Anne Scott, statistics professor.

The assessment tests are also being given on university campuses in Mexico and China. Once the testing is done, results will be compiled and studied by AIC students as a class project.

Also, students have expressed some confusion as they unraveled the complex system of class clusters, known as learning communities.

"It will take awhile for me to get used to, but I think the clusters are a very good idea," said freshman Chad Markham.

Charles Paulson, science professor, said, "These clusters are designed to encourage interaction between students and to help teachers work together in educating the students."

Each cluster has a certain theme, for example one of the clusters this semester is focusing on the brain, how it works, and how it applies to every area of education within the cluster.

The biggest negative at AIC is the commute, some students said. The campus is part of the University of Arizona's Science and Technology Park, located at 9000 S. Rita Road, 15 miles southeast of town.

"The commute is such a drag," said freshman Christopher Smit.

The doubling of the student population created a more dynamic environment, but the second-year students welcomed the new faces.

"It's been hard meeting so many new people at once," said Tasha Van Dyke, a second-year student, "But I am looking forward to the upcoming year and getting to know fellow students better."

Paulson also said he is also excited about the new year.

"I'm happy. The incoming freshmen measure up very well academically," he said.

Paulson said he is not concerned about the rapid growth of the school: "This is what we wanted. The school was designed to grow smoothly and quickly."

In his mind there are two major concerns around the campus, government funding and getting known among perspective students. But Paulson, as well as the rest of the staff, are confident things will work out for the best.