Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Raymond Starin

Students looking to skip class to attend a movie might just find themselves skipping one class for another now that Minnesota State is holding classes in Carmike Stadium 6, across the street from campus. 

"We don't have a lot of large classrooms on campus and some subject matters are good for bigger classes," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Scott Olson.

The university only has four large lecture halls,  one each in Wiecking, Trafton, Armstrong and Morris Hall.

"It is better to have larger classes than no classes at all," Olson said. "Students don't want to have classes at 6 a.m."

The unique situation is not an effect of the state's budget crisis.  According to Olson, plans to hold classes at the theater came before the budget predicament and classes were scheduled before the financial plan.

"Now that we're in a budget crisis it will help, but the timing is coincidental," Olson said. "This was originally about providing more seats for general education classes because we couldn't satisfy the want for classes."

There are three classes and four sections currently held in the cinema: psychology, anthropology, and ethnic studies. The classroom accommodating began this semester but will continue the following semester. Next fall, four classes have already been scheduled in the theater: abnormal psychology, adolescent psychology, U.S. government and intro to anthropology.

"There were a few minor problems at first with the computers and microphones, but the theater fixed them really quickly and overall I think it's been a really positive experience," said anthropology professor Kathleen Blue. "The students have been really receptive and I haven't had any complaints."

"At first I thought they were crazy to have class there - however, after the first few classes rolled by, I actually enjoyed it some," said anthropology junior Jasmine Koncur.

The cinema has a few other advantages as well. It is within walking distance of campus and provides free parking.

"The cinema was open to the idea and it works well with them because the facilities aren't being used between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. anyway," Olson said.

Holding classes in Ostrander Auditorium is another possibility being considered. 

"We don't know if it will happen yet," said CSU and Student Activities Director Laurie Woodward.

The CSU is a revenue building similar to the residence halls. This means no state money goes into the building, which is instead paid for by student fees and revenue brought in by services such as the bank and the bookstore.  Therefore, the university would have to buy or rent Ostrander Auditorium, which would be available 8 a.m. to noon on weekdays.

"This would be an alternative to having earlier classes or Saturday classes," Woodward said.

Olson said Ostrander was brought up as an option for classes during the budget crisis. The auditorium holds more than 300 students and would allow MSU to hold classes in the mornings that it wouldn't typically be able to since the auditorium is used primarily for guest speakers, conferences and movies.

Ostrander also has the benefit of design. The auditorium is curved with a thrust stage so the instructor is never far away from any student in the audience.

If the university can rent out the auditorium, Olson predicts there will be six classes held there, with 200-300 students in each class. 

"Our goal is to come up with every way we can to get seats for classes," Olson said.

Marti Klinsing is a Reporter staff writer

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