Arizona State University has announced that they are going to start the transition of a few majors, the main ones being IE (Industrial Engineering) and EM (Engineering Management), from the Tempe campus to the Polytechnic Campus out in Mesa. This would mean a 35-50 minute commute from Tempe, on top of what many students already commute.

Engineering Management majors take mandatory classes in WP Carey such as ACC231, ACC241, MGT300 and others. These classes are clearly offered at the Tempe campus only, which will force EM students to go back and forth between campuses multiple days a week. That is at least 2 hours for the days which business classes would take place. This commute is forced, and wastes time which could otherwise be invested in other types of activities such as EPICS, FURI, GCSP, and other types of involvement which greatly benefit the students personal and professional development. Those do not even include basic things such as work and studying. Also, all but one of the Engineering Management focus areas require ME, EE or CS classes, which would require a back and forth between campuses as well. Capstone classes, which take 2 semesters back to back, would also be abruptly impacted by this transition.

Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management have moved out of the traditional Manufacturing field. As our teachers have informed us, years ago the decision was made to focus more on modeling instead because of the constant increase in technology use. Therefore, IE and EM should not be grouped in the Polytechnic Engineering programs.

ASU has decided on this transition without first consulting the students or the staff. It is reportedly starting this coming fall and will be moved by Spring of 2022, and likely fully completed by the end of that year. As students of ASU, we have chosen our majors and paths in Tempe, a balance of fun and education. And each of us pay for that through our tuition so it is only right that we have a say in this matter. 

This sudden transition would impact students living in Tempe in large ways, and not for the better. Financially, the extra commute to Poly and back would cause much more spending on gas. And as for the living situation itself, some of those living in Tempe may want to move to Poly for more convenience. And if those people have already signed a License Agreement with ASU Housing, or any off-campus apartment in Tempe, this would further add to the cost, potentially by a lot if the person cannot leave said agreement. And for those still in the process of finding affordable housing in Tempe, this throws a wrench into their plans. People who also have on-campus jobs or jobs based in Tempe would be severely affected by multiple long commutes. Additionally, parents who contribute financially to their child's education are greatly upset by these shifts, and may not be willing to go through all the extra effort that it takes to change everything that they are doing, thus denying a potentially great student and future field worker their education by not letting them finish their schooling.

The financial commitment of students is made with a holistic analysis which includes different factors, being the campus where the major is, the overall geographic location, and opportunities offered in said campus. There are so many resources and clubs on Tempe campus such as Career Fairs, counseling, specific tutoring centers, Passport, and other things. And among the dozens of Engineering clubs are ones such as SHPE, IISE, NSBE. Work studies and research positions are also abundant, and of which many IE/EM students are actively apart of. Moving the programs would cause a drastic change in lifestyle for countless students.

Tempe campus is also a very ideal place in terms of location, for all wants and purposes. There is a light rail right on campus that will take you to Sky Harbor airport in just a few stops. Mill Avenue is a very fun and lively place to spend time with the people you care about. Greek life is fundamental for some students. The general environment and atmosphere surrounding Tempe campus is what drew me and many others to attend ASU in the first place, and has continued to do so with great memories and great learning experiences. It would be a disservice to both newcomers and those who are close to graduating, to do this. This transition will effectively vanish the effort that our faculty has made in past years to grow the reputation of the IE and EM programs to where they are today.