With emerging satellite schools popping up all over the place, the possibilities of success will help Houston and students’ personal progress.
UH’s student population consists of people who work, have families or live far from the campus. But by expanding across Southeast Texas, these students have a higher chance of finishing their degrees at a UH System campus.
The UH System includes four universities, two multi-institution teaching centers and Texas’ largest distance learning program. A plan for a campus in Pearland is in the works.
With several choices available, students are not forced to deal with horrendous commutes, terrible parking and other disadvantages of having only one option for higher education.
The advantages of having several educational institutions not only benefit the students, but also professors.
‘Students and professors that live around the area find it to be really convenient to have the college or university close to where they live,’ UH Sugar Land biology senior Katrina Baguioro said.
Lindsay James, a history Junior at UH Victoria, said the school’s location provides a convenient alternative to the main campus.
‘It’s near my job and home, so it makes more sense. Plus, parking at the main campus is ridiculous,’ James said.
Cleaner air is another positive aspect of expansion.
‘Having fewer students driving to the metropolitan area will not only lessen the traffic, but also help in lessening carbon monoxide emissions in the environment,’ Baguiro said.
Building campuses throughout a major city also spreads the population over different areas, allowing various areas of Houston to flourish.
‘More students at places like Clear Lake, Victoria and Sugar Land leads to higher traffic in those specific areas,’ political science junior Eric Borjas said. ‘Young people are the biggest consumers in our country. They can help boost an economy by buying various goods.’
Satellite schools also provide a smaller classroom, creating an environment that is conductive to learning.
‘Not only that UH Sugar Land is closer to where I live, but my classes are smaller, which gives me the opportunity to have a better understanding of the lessons,’ Baguioro said.
