The fact is clear and difficult to ignore -- Penn State needs more and better classrooms.

But under a new five-year plan outlining space expansion for academic and support functions at University Park, administrators decided that a net increase in classrooms was not necessary.

Instead, a new classroom building on Pollock Field appears to be the solution. The building will offer larger, more suitable classrooms, said Executive Vice President and Provost William C. Richardson.

In reality, the new building will solve little of the space problem. Under the plan, classrooms vacated to fill the new rooms at Pollock will be converted into office or laboratory space.

The classroom situation at University Park is approaching a state of disaster. Buildings such as Willard and Wartik Lab are nightmares for both teachers and students. The reasons are many: few or no windows, poor ventilation, uncomfortable seating and dim lighting.

When administrators and the University Board of Trustees approve and build such classrooms, they send only one message -- the environment in which students learn and faculty work is unimportant.

Penn State is also experiencing a crunch in office space. The University leases space in at least four buildings in downtown State College. Clearly, administrators realize leasing provides a temporary solution to space problems.

At the end of the four- to 10-year lease periods, though, allocation of space will once again cause debate. This concern is just as important as the lack of adequate classroom space.

But the current five-year plan seems to emphasize office space over classroom space. Should one be more important than the other?

Richardson said the final plan may differ from the initial draft because it is being reviewed by the Council of Academic Deans, the Faculty Advisory Board and the Faculty Senate.

One could very well question whether that final draft will address the classroom crunch since a total of 14 students at University Park have access to the draft. Four graduate students and 10 undergraduates serve on the Faculty Senate.

With increasing enrollments at University Park, classrooms will continue to get more crowded. To ensure the quality education that students deserve here, officials must work to provide more classrooms.