More Students Choose CSU Stanislaus (and choose to stay)

Lots of students continue to flock to California State University, Stanislaus, and increasing numbers of them are coming back for more.

That was the bottom line as the University locked down an official fall semester enrollment total of 7,534 on its October 3 census date. The number indicates an increase of more than 6 percent over last fall, when enrollment jumped at an all-time high rate of nearly 9 percent past the 7,000 mark for the first time in the University's 40-year history. CSU Stanislaus-Stockton's enrollment of 1,231 showed an increase of more than 8 percent.

CSU Stanislaus has succeeded in its efforts to increase student retention, as reflected by a significant increase in continuing student numbers, said Roger Pugh, the University's Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management.

"We've been very successful at accommodating all of the eligible students who want to attend CSU Stanislaus," he said, noting that the enrollment figures include nearly 600 first-year students and nearly 1,000 transfer students. "And more students have been able to continue at the University."

Emily Bawanan, a fist-year business administration major from Hughson, said she came to CSU Stanislaus with intentions to transfer to another University, but changed her mind after starting classes.
"I really enjoy the small college atmosphere and beautiful setting here, and the faculty are very good," she said. "The University has some great programs and I like that the campus is not so impacted like the big universities."

CSU Stanislaus President Dr. Marvalene Hughes, credits the efforts of faculty and staff for making the University accessible and helping students transition to university life.

"That the University has been rated in the top 10 in the new West Coast Master's category by U.S. News & World Report magazine as well as a best buy in higher education for the past seven years has drawn the attention of students and their families when they choose a university," President Hughes said. "They want to come here because they can get a quality education, and they see a bright future with CSU Stanislaus."

Enrollment also is up significantly in graduate and teacher credential programs. The 24 percent growth in graduate student numbers reflects the new master's degree program in criminal justice as well as growth in arts, sciences, education, and business post-baccalaureate programs, according to Dr. Diana Demetrulias, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School.

In helping to meet the state demand for qualified teachers, the College of Education has experienced a boom in the popularity of its preparation and credential programs. Students enrolled in the teaching credential program increased by 50 percent since 1996. That presents the College of Education with the challenge of balancing high demand with the requirement to keep standards high in accordance with state accreditation standards.

"The University has done a great job of being responsive to local needs, and demand continues to be very high," said Dr. Irma Guzman Wagner, Dean of the College of Education. "So that means we have to continue to place a high priority on maintaining high quality standards in our teacher preparation programs."