News Summary
San Diego State University and California State University San Marcos are poised for a record fall enrollment, with SDSU expecting over 40,000 total students. President Adela de la Torre emphasizes opportunities while addressing challenges such as federal changes in student aid and the growth of the undocumented community. SDSU introduces a new AI and Human Responsibility degree and expands housing with a new village. CSUSM aims for 20,000 students in five years, contrasting with the overall decline in California’s community college enrollments.
San Diego – The fall semester kicked off Monday for students at San Diego State University (SDSU) and California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), with both institutions anticipating record enrollment figures. SDSU expects its freshman class to exceed last year’s historic attendance of nearly 6,600 students. Moreover, total enrollment across SDSU’s San Diego and Imperial Valley campuses is projected to surpass 40,000 students, marking a significant increase in the institution’s student body.
This academic year is being characterized by SDSU President Adela de la Torre as a “year of opportunity and audacity.” Under her leadership, the university will also be preparing for re-accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges starting in the spring. She has expressed concerns regarding challenges posed by federal changes to student aid, Title IX protections, and programs aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In particular, the undocumented community, including “Dreamers,” is facing uncertainties stemming from recent shifts in immigration policy.
De la Torre also highlighted the importance of pursuing truth and amplifying diverse voices amid a national climate of polarization affecting curriculum and academic freedom. In response to the growing demand for innovative programs, SDSU has introduced a new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility. This program, offered through the College of Arts and Letters, aims to equip students with the knowledge needed for ethical and sustainable use of AI technologies. Students will learn required programming languages and concepts, including Python and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Prerequisites for this degree include 26 units from a range of subjects, such as computer science, renewable energy, philosophy, statistics, and environmental science.
In further response to enrollment demands, SDSU is expanding its housing capacity with the construction of a new student village called Evolve, which will add 5,200 beds to the campus. Additionally, a new 100,000-square-foot academic center is planned for the Mission Valley campus, in collaboration with the San Diego Community College District. This expansion reflects SDSU’s commitment to accommodating a growing student population.
On the other hand, CSUSM expects its enrollment to reach about 15,300 students this fall, with an ambitious goal of increasing to 20,000 within the next five years. The university has been actively working on partnerships to expand housing and dormitory space to support its anticipated growth. The increase in enrollment at both universities comes in contrast to a broader trend of declining enrollments in California’s community colleges since 2018, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking further into the future, California is projected to experience a significant decline in the number of high school graduates by 2033, which could pose further challenges to college enrollment.
SDSU has received a record 123,000 applications for the fall semester, with a 38% acceptance rate. However, the university has simultaneously reported a decline of nearly $29 million in grants, while CSUSM has managed to secure an additional $1.7 million through government funding. To address the national deficit of special education teachers, SDSU is introducing a new minor in special education that will focus on general disability experiences.
Overall, both SDSU and CSUSM are poised for a promising academic year as they adapt to the changing educational landscape and continue to provide relevant programs for their students.
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Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
