We, the undersigned members of the Quinsigamond Community College community, urge the administration to maintain current caps on online class sizes and reconsider any plans to increase enrollment limits.

While online education expands access, substantially larger class sizes risk undermining the quality of learning and student success.

Online courses are not passive or self-running. They require consistent instructor presence, timely feedback, and meaningful interaction to support student learning. As class sizes grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to sustain the level of engagement and responsiveness that students need to succeed.

In larger online classes, students are more likely to experience delays in feedback, fewer opportunities for direct interaction with instructors, and less meaningful participation in discussions. Overcrowded discussion spaces can make it harder for students to be heard and to engage thoughtfully with course material and peers. These conditions weaken the overall learning experience.

Large online class sizes also place significant strain on instructors, making it more challenging to provide individualized support, facilitate discussions, and assess student work in a thoughtful and timely manner. When the capacity for meaningful feedback is reduced, so too is the opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.

Importantly, increases in class size do not affect all students equally. Many ,especially those who are newer to college, balancing work and family responsibilities, or in need of additional academic support, depend on regular interaction, clear guidance, and timely feedback. When these supports are stretched thin, students are more likely to disengage or fall behind.

Larger classes also tend to rely more heavily on automated grading and standardized instruction. While these approaches may improve efficiency, they reduce opportunities for personalized learning and limit the depth of student engagement.
Beyond academics, a sense of connection, to instructors, to peers, and to the college community, is a key part of student success. In very large online classes, that sense of connection is harder to build and maintain.

As a public, student-centered institution, our College is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that meets the needs of a diverse student body. Expanding online class sizes beyond reasonable limits risks compromising that mission.
Education should prioritize meaningful learning, strong engagement, and student success, not simply higher enrollment numbers.

Therefore, we call on the college administration to:
1. Maintain current, reasonable caps on online class sizes
2. Support smaller, interactive, and high-quality learning environments
3. Invest in strategies that strengthen student engagement and support

By signing this petition, we stand for an educational experience that values quality, connection, and meaningful support for all students.