Penn State Abington is among the various Penn State campuses across Pennsylvania. The campus’s close distance from Philadelphia allows for an easy commute. The school has a variety of classes students can take to finish their degree here or at University Park. Over the years, the number of students enrolling to Penn State Abington has grown. But there’s a problem with the growing enrollment.

In 2012, the number of students enrolled at Abington was 3,516 students. In 2016, that number has risen to 3,951 students. These numbers are the combined totals for full-time and part-time students. But these numbers explain how enrollment is on the rise. And as a result, the campus is starting to feel more crowded with each passing year. Abington needs to find a way to combat these rising numbers.

One way Abington could try to fight this problem is building new academic buildings. The academic buildings can allow for more classrooms, a chance to incorporate new classes and allow for more learning space altogether. However, Penn State Abington was given a limited amount of space under the zoning laws of Abington Township. Some parts of the piece of land given to Penn State Abington is private property for Abington citizens and we would be creating a hassle should we build upon their land. However, there is a solution to this issue, but not many people are aware about.

Voith and MacTavich Architects are helping Penn State Abington plan and construct a pair of new academic buildings on campus. One building will serve as a new academic building, while the other will serve as a new student union. It is true that the proposed plan will remove two existing buildings on campus. But we can simply move those services temporarily during construction and then integrate them into their new homes once construction is finished.

Penn State Abington’s enrollment is growing with each passing year. And the campus needs to expand itself to accommodate this expanding rate. Whether students remain at Penn State Abington for their entire college career or transfer out in the middle of it, we want to make sure they enjoy the time they spend here. If the students become aware of the new proposed buildings, construction will likely be made much sooner. I hope for a day when we can have new academic buildings at Penn State Abington.