With nearly 40,000 applications for the Fall 2016 semester, Sacramento State set another enrollment record. This semester, 30,531 students are enrolled at the University – about 250 more than last fall.

The new semester drew about 3,700 new freshmen, 4,000 undergraduate transfers, and more than 700 first-time graduate students.

The Latino student population continues to grow at the fastest rate, followed by Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students. Sacramento State is one of the most diverse universities in the country, holding both a Hispanic- and API-Serving designation with the U.S. Department of Education.

While the steady rise in applications for admission and increasing enrollment continues for the CSU’s capital campus, Sac State has responded with a significant increase in the number of classes students are able to take this fall. The addition of 10,000 classroom seats helped more students get the classes they need and substantially increase the average course load across the board for all undergraduate students.

Improving graduation rates has been one of President Robert S. Nelsen’s priority goals.

“Following President Nelsen’s lead, we are all working together to help more students get the courses they need to give them the opportunity to graduate on time,” says Student Affairs Vice President Ed Mills.

Sacramento State this year launched the “Finish in Four” program, which encourages students to graduate within four years by taking 15 units per semester. Students have responded to the challenge, with 62 percent of them signing on to the pledge. The average unit load for new freshmen stands at 14.56 units this fall.

This semester, the University also created a KEYS to Degree online toolbox, containing advising tools that will help students track and achieve their degrees. It’s available at csus.edu/keys.

The University also just launched a new software tool for students and advisors to put their academic plans online. There already are 70 programs (majors and concentrations) available for students to create their academic plans. More than 150 completed online degree program plans on the first day the new system went live.

“The system offers students an efficient way to plan their own academic pathway while enrolling in those classes that lead to on-time graduation,” says Jim Dragna, executive director of University Initiatives and Student Success.

“We are all-in to help our students be successful and doing everything we can to provide high-quality educational experiences in a way that allows them to graduate in a timely fashion,” says Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee, Sacramento State’s interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

For more information on student enrollment, contact Student Affairs at (916) 278-6060. – Craig Koscho