Yes, over-subscription of courses is a major issue for most of us
academic statisticians. Here at UNC, almost all of our enrollments are
skyrocketing. Advanced undergraduate courses (essential to the minor
described here) that we once taught in sections of 20-30 are now totally
filling up when we offer 100 student sections (sounds like the driver of
the problem you describe). Our colleagues in Computer Science are
facing exactly the same challenge.
As to the reasons behind this, it seems to be the current very
strong desire for Data Science, and the fact that lots of folks have
figured out that this currently popular area has at least a very large
statistical component.
Some universities appear to view the whole thing as an opportunity,
and are readjusting their priorities to deal with it (in particular
realizing we need much more courses / faculty etc), but I am afraid that
is not happening in very many places. This may be an issue that should
become a higher priority for the activist part of the ASA.
Best,
Steve
Original Message------
Congratulations and kudos to you for giving your students the opportunity to obtain a minor in statistics. One request ... ensure these classes are available to your minor students. My daughter minored in statistics at her school, but it was a challenge. Classes were first available only to statistics majors and classes required for her to receive a minor filled up quickly. Even by her last semester senior year, the only thing she could do is attend the classes without formally being enrolled hoping someone would drop out. Her advisor's hands were tied. Even if students aren't majoring in statistics, giving them the exposure to statistics through a minor is exciting for our profession. Don't limit the opportunity by making it difficult for the students to enroll in the classes they need to fulfill the minor.
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Donna Kowalski
Associate Biostatistics Director
Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.
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