By Shane Eric-Eugene Hensinger
MA candidate, International Security
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Class size and waiting lists for classes ranked at the top of a list of concerns voiced by students in a cordial, town-hall style give-and-take gathering hosted by Josef Korbel School of International Studies Dean Tom Farer.

Farer conceded that he was aware of concerns over class size and waiting lists for classes and said he and other school officials are working to resolves the conflicts.

Included among the possibilities being explored, Farer said, is limiting core classes, which often are in high demand and have waiting lists, to first-year students only.

The Dean said the difficulty in hiring teaching staff, which limits the number of classes available, is due in part to the Korbel School's high standards. Nonetheless, he said the school is considering adding professors to increase seats for high-demand classes. Farer said additional money has been made available to the Josef Korbel School for more classes and faculty.

Students also asked the Dean about the search committee charged with replacing him when he retires. The dean explained that students are represented on the Committee by a Josef Korbel School alumnus. Susan Rivera, Director of Student Affairs for the Josef Korbel School, said students will have an opportunity in coming weeks to address the search committee.

Additional questions included the status of the Minerva Program in Jerusalem as well as whether the school's overseas offerings could be broadened.

Farer urged students to move out of their comfort zone in choosing classes by embracing the unknown.