SDSU Requests Delay in Vote on Master Plan: Long-Term Plan Proposes to Increase Access to Higher Education by 40%

San Diego State University today requested a two-month delay in the vote on its proposed 2005 Campus Master Plan revision by the California State University Board of Trustees.

"Given the complexity of the information we have presented in the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), we feel it is in everyone's best interests to allow more time for the Trustees to review the issues," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber.

The Final EIR for the plan was released on July 9, 2005. This report includes detailed responses to comments that were received during the public review period for the Draft EIR. Weber's proposed delay will allow the Trustees sufficient time to thoroughly review and understand community comments and SDSU responses. The extra time will also allow community members who commented on the plan additional time to review responses to their comments.

SDSU's proposed Campus Master Plan revision lays out a plan for the university to accommodate the rapidly growing demand for higher education in the region and state. According to the California Postsecondary Education Commission, there will be an increase of more than 700,000 students seeking higher education in the state by 2010-11, a trend often referred to as Tidal Wave II. The California State University (CSU) has indicated that no new campuses will be built in the immediate future - requiring the system's existing 23 campuses to accommodate future student enrollment demand.

The demand for higher education is also generated by employers who are requiring an increasingly educated workforce.

The plan calls for the university to increase its enrollment capacity from 25,000 full-time equivalent students to 35,000 full-time equivalent students by 2025. This growth will occur slowly over the next 20 years to keep enrollment in line with available budgets and facilities.

To support the increased enrollment, the proposed plan includes new classroom and support space at Alvarado Campus Park along Alvarado Road, a new residence hall for undergraduate students, a new and larger student union, a hotel, and affordable housing for faculty and graduate students on university-owned land just north of Interstate 8. The approved plan focuses future SDSU development entirely on university-owned or affiliated land.

SDSU has conducted a thorough community outreach program for the Campus Master Plan during the last 10 months. The plan enjoys broad regional support, with endorsements from more than 35 elected officials, civic and community groups and individuals.

A final decision on the plan is expected at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on September 20-21, 2005.

Contact: Jason Foster, foster@mail.sdsu.edu, SDSU Marketing & Communications Office (619) 594-2585, Mobile (619) 992-0772