HAYWARD -- Diana Souza showed up at a seemingly unlikely place for a relaxing massage: Cal State Hayward's student health center.

A senior business administration major, Souza is among a growing legion of students, staff and faculty members at the university who are flocking to the center on Thursdays to take advantage of one of the more non-traditional services offered at the campus.

What Souza appreciates most about the therapy is that it's cheap, convenient and, most importantly, a great way to relax after a grueling week of classes.

"I think it's wonderful," said Souza, a San Leandro resident. "It does help relieve tension students feel from school. It's reasonably priced. This is my first visit, and I'm looking forward to it."

Chances are, it won't be the last visit Souza will make to the health center to receive massage therapy. "It's a great role for the university to take," Souza said.

Cal State Hayward is one of two schools in the 23-campus California State University system to integrate massage therapy into students' health services. The other is Sacramento State University, which was the first campus to incorporate massage therapy into its program.

There is, however, a difference between the two programs. Unlike the service at Sacramento State, which limits sessions to students, Cal State Hayward's clinic is also open to staff and faculty members.

"I wish we had it when I went to college," said Marie Lehn, the massage therapist who has been contracted by the university to work the clinic. "There are so many more who need the service than they realize."

Maggie Gaddis, the university's health educator who oversees the program, said the school opened the massage therapy clinic in October. The decision was made after the student health advisory committee determined that massage the- rapy would benefit students and faculty members.

Students pay $8 for a 15-minute massage and $15 for 30 minutes. For faculty members, the cost is $15 for 15 minutes and $25 for 30 minutes.

A private massage therapist charges upward to $80 for a 30-minute session, Gaddis said.

"It's very affordable for students," Gaddis said. "I think students are willing to give up two cups of coffee to be able to do the service. It's just one way for them to relax and unwind."

So far, the service is offered only on Thursdays between noon and 6 p.m. Slots routinely fill up fast. Demand is so great that Gaddis anticipates expand-ing the service to two days a week.

"And we haven't even advertised. It's been by word of mouth. I'm actually surprised that so many students are interested in it," Gaddis said.

Students can also receive testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and nutrition and family planning counseling. The center also houses an optometry clinic.

The next program planned for the center is a dental health center, Gaddis said.