Schools vying for more space
School of Education drafts proposal to allow expansion
By Colleen Casey
Staff Reporter

Insufficient space for the School of Education inspired a feasibility study in order to draft a plan to be proposed to officials to allow the school to expand or move, said Sam Deitz, dean of education.

“It began because everybody agrees that the Bailey Building is not an adequate building for the School of Education,” Deitz said. “It’s small and it’s not in very good shape.”

Deitz said he took it upon himself to begin the feasibility study, currently in its middle stages, because he thinks the proposal will be welcomed by the university.

He said the study might propose to combine the School of Education and the Starpoint and Rise schools into one building or plan for expansions and improvements to the existing locations. The study will hopefully be completed by March, he said.

Deitz said he wants more space for the Rise and Starpoint schools. Additional space at the Starpoint School would allow the enrollment of students up to the sixth grade, he said.

But the plan needs approval first, Deitz said.

“Just because there’s a feasibility study on this doesn’t mean it will ever happen,” Deitz said. “So we have a plan and we hope the plan is approved.”

Edd Bivin, vice chancellor for administrative services, said the need for room is a relevant concern for most schools and departments, but he said most want more classrooms and offices.

Bivin, also a member of the School of Education’s feasibility study committee, said the College of Communications, the Add Ran College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Fine Arts have all said they want space, but haven’t officially expressed their needs.

“I think it could be something that eventually puts the School of Education, Starpoint School and Rise School on the map,” Deitz said.

The Bailey Building was built around 1915 and renovated extensively in 1958, but the it hasn’t had any significant improvements since then, Deitz said.

Joe Self, an interior design instructor, said the design, merchandising and textiles department lacks space as well.

“Compared to the top 15 interior design schools, TCU is on the short end of the stick,” he said. “We’re trying to position ourselves to get back on the list.”

Self said the department prepared a proposal a year ago that would allow it to occupy a larger space located near campus on West Berry Street, but the proposal was officially turned down because of security issues.

“What we need is more teaching space that will make it easier for students,” Self said.

“This space limits what you can ask of the students.”

Bivin said that fulfilling everyone’s request for more space is a matter of accommodating.
“Generally we all need more space,” Bivin said. “Let’s not let people make it political. It’s about how real the need is.”

Colleen Casey
c.m.casey@student.tcu.edu

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