Princeton Surveys to Examine Expansion of Physical Facilities

Princeton is studying the possibility of expanding its present enrollment and physical facilities to accommodate a vastly increased number of applications expected to flood the nation's colleges in the immediate and near future, the university announced yesterday.

Such an expansion, if realized, might radically alter the conception of a Princeton education with its avowed devotion to a small residential college environment and a carefully drawn student body.

In a report to the Board of Trustees, released yesterday, President Dodds stated that Princeton must consider its obligation to the nation. "The problems revolve around the central question of obligation," he said. "Will Princeton meet it best by insisting upon remaining small and stressing high quality in education? Will she meet it by expanding to accommodate a more sizeable number of students and running the risk of deteriorating educational performance?"

Princeton Surveys, a branch of the Woodrow Wilson School, has been approved by the Advisory Council of the Faculty to examine the present use of the physical plant, including class and laboratory space, dormitory housing, use of dining halls, the library and other facilities.

The survey will provide factual background for a decision on physical expansion.

Private institutions in the United States represented about 47 per cent of the total college enrollment in 1953. However, total enrollment is expected to jump to 4,000,000 in 1964 as compared to 2,300,000 in 1954. This necessitates a great increase in private college enrollment, even through their portion of the burden may grow smaller.

Yale University has already stated that it will not substantially increase undergraduate enrollment.

President A. Whitney Griswold, acknowledging Yale's obligation "to do all it can" to alleviate the situation, pointed out earlier this month that the university's present financial condition makes any increase in size impossible.

Such an increase, Griswold noted, would mean diverting resources from other priorities, such as the maintenance of a high student-faculty ratio and wide opportunities for scholarships.

Approval of the survey indicates a reappraisal of the situation by high administration officials. Last fall, university administrators firmly indicated that Princeton cannot and will not expand class enrollment.

Acting Dean of the College Jeremiah S. Finch stated that the university is no way prepared to increase enrollment despite pressure directed at privately endowed institutions to do so.