The CSU System
Welcome to the California State University (CSU) – the nation’s largest comprehensive university with 23 unique campuses serving approximately 482,000 students and employing more than 53,000 faculty and staff.
Each year, the university awards more than 127,000 degrees. CSU graduates are serving as leaders in the industries that drive California’s economy, including business, agriculture, entertainment, engineering, teaching, hospitality and healthcare. Learn more at Cal State University web site.
A Tradition of Excellence for More than Six Decades
Since 1961, the CSU has provided an affordable, accessible and high-quality education to 3.8 million graduates throughout California. While each campus is unique based on its curricular specialties, location and campus culture, every CSU is distinguished for the quality of its educational programs. All campuses are fully accredited, provide a high-quality broad liberal educational program and offer opportunities for students to engage in campus life through the Associated Students, Inc., clubs and service learning. Through leading-edge programs, superior teaching and extensive workforce training opportunities, CSU students graduate with the critical thinking skills, industry knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for employment and career advancement.
Facts
- Today, one of every 20 Americans with a college degree is a CSU graduate.
- 1 of every 10 employees in California is a CSU graduate.
- The CSU awards about half of the bachelor's degrees earned in California.
- The CSU awards 41% of California's nursing degrees.
- The CSU is the leading provider of teacher preparation programs in the state.
- In 2018-19, the CSU awarded nearly 20,000 business degrees and more than 6,700 engineering degrees.
- The CSU offers more than 140 fully online and 120 hybrid degree programs and concentrations.
- The CSU offers more than 4,750 online courses per term, providing more educational options to students who may prefer an online format to a traditional classroom setting.
- The CSU's online concurrent enrollment program gives students the ability to enroll in courses offered by other campuses in the CSU.
- Over a recent four year period, the CSU has issued nearly 50,000 professional development certificates in education, health services, business and technology, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, international trade and many other industries.
- CSU Centers for Community Engagement and Service Learning make available more than 3,100 service learning courses.
- More than 67,000 students participate in service-learning, contributing more than 1.1 million hours of service each year.
- For every $1 that the state invests in the CSU, the university generates $5.43 for California's economy
Governance
The CSU is governed by the Board of Trustees, most of whom are appointed by the governor and serve with faculty and student representatives. The CSU chancellor is the chief executive officer, reports to the board. The campus presidents serve as the campus-level chief executive officers. The trustees, chancellor and presidents develop university-wide educational policy. The presidents, in consultation with the CSU Academic Senate and other campus stakeholder groups, render and implement local policy decisions.
CSU Historical Milestones
The individual California State Colleges were established as a universitywith a Board of Trustees and a chancellor in 1960 by the Donahoe Higher Education Act. In 1972, the universitywas designated as the California State University and Colleges, and in 1982 the system became the California State University. Today, the CSU is comprised of 23 campuses, including comprehensive and polytechnic universities and, since July 1995, the California State University Maritime Academy, a specialized campus.
The oldest campus—San José State University—was founded in 1857 and became the first institution of public higher education in California. The newest—California State University Channel Islands—opened in fall 2002, with freshmen arriving in fall 2003.
In 1963, the CSU's Academic Senate was established to act as the official voice of CSU faculty in university wide matters. Also, the California State College Student Presidents Association— which was later renamed the California State Student Association, was founded to represent each campus student association on issues affecting students.
Through its many decades of service, the CSU has continued to adapt to address societal changes, student needs and workforce trends. While the CSU's core mission has always focused on providing high-quality, affordable bachelor's and master's degree programs, over time the university has added a wide range of services and programs to support student success – from adding health centers and special programs for veterans to building student residential facilities to provide a comprehensive educational experience.
To improve degree completion and accommodate students working full- or part-time, the educational paradigm was expanded to give students the ability to complete upper-division and graduate requirements through part-time, late afternoon, and evening study. The university also expanded its programs to include a variety of teaching and school service credential programs, specially designed for working professionals.
In 2010, in an effort to accommodate community college transfer students, the CSU, in concert with the California Community Colleges (CCC), launched the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which guarantees CCC transfer students with an ADT admission to the CSU with junior status. The ADT has since proven to be the most effective path to a CSU for transfer students.
Always adapting to changes in technology and societal trends to support student learning and degree completion, the CSU launched CourseMatch, which enables CSU students to complete online courses at other CSU campuses, expanding enrollment opportunities and providing more educational opportunities for students who may prefer an online format to a traditional classroom setting.
The CSU marked a significant educational milestone when it broadened its degree offerings to include doctoral degrees. The CSU independently offers Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Audiology (AuD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs. Additionally, the CSU was recently authorized to offer the independent Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). A limited number of other doctoral degrees are offered jointly with the University of California and private institutions in California.
The CSU strives to continually develop innovative programs, services and opportunities that will give students the tools they need to meet their full potential. In 2016, the university launched Graduation Initiative 2025, a bold plan to support students, increase the number of California's graduates earning high-quality degrees and eliminate achievement and equity gaps for all students. Through this initiative, the CSU is ensuring that all students have the opportunity to graduate according to their personal goals, positively impacting their lives, families and communities.
By providing an accessible, hands-on education that prepares graduates for career success, the CSU has created a network of alumni that is so extensive and renowned that it spans across the globe. As of 2019-20, more than 3.8 million CSU alumni are making a difference in the lives of the people of California and the world.
Trustees of the California State University
Ex Officio Trustees
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
The Honorable Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
The Honorable Anthony Rendon
Speaker of the Assembly
The Honorable Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Dr. Timothy P. White
Chancellor of the California State University
Officers of the Trustees
The Honorable Gavin Newsom – President
Adam Day – Chair
Lillian Kimbell – Vice Chair
Andrew Jones – Secretary
Steve Relyea - Treasurer
Appointed Trustees
Appointments are for a term of eight years, except student, alumni, and faculty trustees whose terms are for two years. Terms expire in the year in parentheses. Names are listed alphabetically.
Silas Abrego (2021)
Larry L. Adamson (2020)
Jane W. Carney (2022)
Adam Day (2023)
Rebecca D. Eisen (2020)
Douglas Faigin (2025)
Debra S. Farar (2022)
Jean P. Firstenberg (2018)
Wenda Fong (2024)
Juan Garcia (2020)
Maryana Khames (2021)
Lillian Kimbell (2024)
Jeffrey Krinsk (2027)
John “Jack” McGrory (2023)
Hugo N. Morales (2020)
Romey Sabalius (2019)
Lateefah Simon (2019)
Christopher J. Steinhauser (2026)
Peter J. Taylor (2021)
Correspondence with Trustees should be sent to:
c/o Trustees Secretariat
The California State University
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, CA 90802-4210
Office of the Chancellor
The California State University
401 Golden Shore, Suite 620
Long Beach, CA 90802-4210
(562) 951-4000
Cal State University website
Dr. Timothy P. White - Chancellor
Mr. Steve Relyea - Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Loren J. Blanchard - Executive Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs
Mr. Andrew Jones - Executive Vice Chancellor, General Counsel
Mr. Garrett P. Ashley - Vice Chancellor, University Relations and Advancement
Ms. Evelyn Nazario - Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Mr. Larry Mandel - Vice Chancellor and Chief University Auditor
CSU Campuses
California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, President
(661) 654-2782 Bakersfield website
California State University, Channel Islands
One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
Dr. Erika D. Beck, President
(805) 437-8400 Channel Islands website
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
Dr. Gayle E. Hutchinson, President
(310) 898-4636 Chico website
California State University, Dominguez Hills
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President
(530) 243-3696 Dominguez Hills website
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94542
Dr. Leroy M. Morishita, President
(510) 885-3000 East Bay website
California State University, Fresno
5241 North Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93740
Dr. Joseph I. Castro, President
(559) 278-4240 Fresno website
California State University, Fullerton
800 N. State College Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92831-3599
Mr. Framroze Virjee, President
(657) 278-2011 Fullerton website
Humboldt State University
One Harpst St.
Arcata, CA 95521-4957
Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., President
(707) 826-3011 Humboldt website
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840-0115
Dr. Jane Close Conoley, President
(562) 985-4111 Long Beach website
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Dr. William A. Covino, President
(323) 343-3000 Los Angeles website
California Maritime Academy
200 Maritime Academy Drive
Vallejo, CA 94590
Rear Admiral Thomas A. Cropper, President
(707) 654-1000 Maritime Academy website
California State University, Monterey Bay
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93955-8001
Dr. Eduardo M. Ochoa, Interim President
(831) 582-3330 Monterey Bay website
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
Dr. Dianne F. Harrison, President
(818) 677-1200 Northridge website
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
Dr. Soraya M. Coley, President
(909) 869-7659 Pomona website
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
Dr. Robert S. Nelson, President
(916) 278-6011 Sacramento website
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393
Dr. Tomás D. Morales, President
(909) 537-5000 San Bernardino website
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
Dr. Adela de la Torre, President
(619) 594-5200 San Diego State University website
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Dr. Lynn Mahoney, President
(415) 338-1111 San Francisco State University website
San José State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0001
Dr. Mary A. Papazian, President
(408) 924-1000 San Jose State University website
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
One Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Dr. Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President
(805) 756-1111 San Luis Obispo website
California State University, San Marcos
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt, President
(760) 750-4000 San Marcos website
Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
Dr. Judy K. Sakaki, President
(707) 664-2880 Sonoma State University website
California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
Dr. Ellen N. Junn, President
(209) 667-3122 Stanislaus website
Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the International Student Services Office, UH-235, (909) 537-5193.
Career Placement
The Career Development Center may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. Any such data provided must be in a form that does not allow for the identification of any individual student. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the campus or graduates of all campuses in the California State University.
Campus Safety Report
California State University, San Bernardino publishes a "Campus Safety Report" each September 1st in compliance with federal law. The report contains information on campus safety services, policies, procedures and recent crime statistics. This report is available through the university main web page index listing "Campus Safety Report" and copies may be obtained from the Department of Public Safety.
Average Support Cost Per Full-Time Equivalent Student and Sources of Funds
The total support cost per full-time equivalent student (FTES) includes the expenditures for current operations, including payments made to students in the form of financial aid, and all fully reimbursed programs contained in state appropriations. The average support cost is determined by dividing the total cost by the number of FTES. The total CSU 2018/192019/20 budget amounts were $3,627982,143552,000 from state General Fund (GF) appropriations and before adding $2239.53 million CalPERS retirement adjustment,$2,479499,020138,000 from gross tuition revenue, and $639656,084748,000 from other fee revenues for a total of $67,745138,247439,000. The 2018/192019/20 resident FTES target is 364374,131 and the nonresident FTES based on past-year actual is 24,416026 for a total of 388398,547157 FTES. The GF appropriation is applicable to resident students only whereas fee revenues are collected from resident and nonresident students. FTES is determined by dividing the total academic student load (e.g. 15 units per semester) (the figure used here to define a full-time student's academic load).
Amount | Average Cost per FTES | Percentage | |
---|---|---|---|
State Appropriation (GF)1 | 3,982,552,000 | 10.645 | 57.3% |
Gross Tuition Revenue2 | 2,499,138,000 | 6,277 | 33.8% |
Other Fee Revenue2 | 656,748,000 | 1,649 | 8.9% |
Total Support Cost | 7,138,439,000 | 18,571 | 100% |
1 | Represents state GF appropriation in the Budget Act of 2019/20; GF is divisible by resident students only (364,131 FTES). |
2 | Represents CSU Operating Fund, gross tuition and other fees revenue amounts submitted in campus August 2019/200 final budgets. Revenues are divisible by resident and nonresident students (388,547 FTES). |
The 2019/20 average support cost per FTES based on GF appropriation and net tuition fee revenue only is $16,922 and when including all three sources as indicated below is $18,571, which includes all fee revenue (e.g. tuition fees, application fees, and other campus mandatory fees) in the CSU Operating Fund. Of this amount, the average net tuition and other fee revenue per FTES is $7,926.
The average CSU 2019/20 academic year, resident, undergraduate student basic tuition and other mandatory fees required to apply to, enroll in, or attend the university is $7,337 ($5,742 tuition fee plus $1,595 average campus-based fees). However, the costs paid by individual students will vary depending on campus, program, and whether a student is part-time, full-time, resident, or nonresident.
Procedure for the Establishment or Abolishment of Campus-Based Mandatory Fees
The law governing the California State University provides that specific campus fees defined as mandatory, such as a student association fee and a student center fee, may be established. A student association fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose (Education Code, Section 89300). The campus president may adjust the student association fee only after the fee adjustment has been approved by a majority of students voting in a referendum established for that purpose. The required fee shall be subject to referendum at any time upon the presentation of a petition to the campus president containing the signatures of 10 percent of the regularly enrolled students at the university. Student association fees support a variety of cultural and recreational programs, childcare centers, and special student support programs. A student center fee may be established only after a fee referendum is held which approves by a two-thirds favorable vote the establishment of the fee (Education Code, Section 89304). Once bonds are issued, authority to set and adjust student center fees is governed by provisions of the State University Revenue Bond Act of 1947, including, but not limited to, Education Code sections 90012, 90027, and 90068.
The process to establish and adjust other campus-based mandatory fees requires consideration by the campus fee advisory committee and a student referendum as established by the California State University Fee Policy Executive Order 1102, Section III. The campus president may use alternate consultation mechanisms if he/she determines that a referendum is not the best mechanism to achieve appropriate and meaningful consultation. Results of the referendum and the fee committee review are advisory to the campus president. The president may adjust campus-based mandatory fees but must request the chancellor to establish a new mandatory fee. The president shall provide to the campus fee advisory committee a report of all campus-based mandatory fees. The campus shall report annually to the chancellor a complete inventory of all campus-based mandatory fees.
For more information or questions, please contact the Budget Office in the CSU Chancellor’s Office at (562) 951-4560.
Student Complaint Procedure (Complaints Regarding the CSU)
The California State University takes very seriously complaints and concerns regarding the institution. If you have a complaint regarding the CSU, you may present your complaint as follows:
- If your complaint concerns CSU’s compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards, you may present your complaint to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) at WASC website. WASC is the agency that accredits the CSU's academic program.
- If your complaint concerns an alleged violation by CSU of any law that prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on a protected status (such as age, disability, gender (or sex), gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity (including color or ancestry), religion or veteran or military status), you may present your complaint as described in Section XVI (Nondiscrimination Policy).
- If your complaint concerns an alleged violation by the CSU of other state law, including laws prohibiting fraud and false advertising, you may present your claim complaint to the campus president or designee . See Procedure for Student Complaints—Executive Order No. 1063 for details regarding the complaint requirements and complaint process:
- Other complaints regarding the CSU may be presented to the campus dean of students [or other appropriate administrator], who will provide guidance on the appropriate campus process for addressing your particular issue.
If you believe that your complaint warrants further attention after you have exhausted all the steps outlined by the campus, or by WASC, you may file an appeal with the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs (or designee) at the CSU Chancellor's Office.
This procedure should not be construed to limit any right that you may have to take legal action to resolve your complaint.
International Programs
CSU International Program website
CSUSB Center for International Studies and Programs website
Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of the California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs (CSU IP) has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 20,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option.
International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or study center abroad. CSU IP serves the needs of students in more than 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 50 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, CSU IP also offers a wide selection of study abroad destinations and learning environments.
- Australia - Griffith University, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University
- Canada - Concordia University
- Chile - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- China - Peking University (Beijing)
- Denmark - Danish Institute for Study Abroad
- France - Institut Catholique de Paris, Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris, Université d’Aix-Marseille (Aix-en-Provence), Université de Cergy-Pontoise, Universités de Paris I, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée, Université d’Evry Val d'Essonne, and Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
- Germany - University of Tübingen and a number of institutions of higher education in the Federal state of Baden-Württemberg
- Ghana - University of Ghana
- Israel - University of Haifa
- Italy - CSU Florence Study Center, Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze
- Japan - Waseda University, University of Tsukuba
- Mexico - Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro
- South Africa - Nelson Mandela University
- South Korea Yonsei Universit
- Spain - Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Granada, Universidad de Jaén
- Sweden - Uppsala University
- Taiwan - National Taiwan University
- United Kingdom - University of Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Hull, Kingston University, Swansea University
Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing, many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California Community College transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. Additional program information and application instructions can be found on our website at website.