With classes and facilities bulging at the seams and programs struggling to adequately service the needs of students, it is obvious that the climbing University Park enrollment must be stopped.

This year -- with University administrators imposing an enrollment cap for University Park -- it appears as if that is beginning to happen. Admissions offers to the campus are down about 5 percent and Commonwealth Campus offers are up by about 10 percent.

Only by capping University Park enrollment can Penn State combat large lecture classes, long lines at computer labs and lengthy waits for health services. Furthermore, an increase in Commonwealth Campus enrollment is essential for strengthening the other campuses.

However, an enrollment cap must be followed by action. Capping University Park enrollment is not the only way to combat overcrowded classes and inadequate facilities.

Efforts must continue to acquire more computers, improve health facilities and reduce the faculty/student ratio University-wide.

Now that University Park admissions are beginning to level off, officials must make sure programs are increased so that students can truly reap the benefits of an enrollment cap.