Fall Classes Begin Aug. 20

Cal State Fullerton will welcome new and returning students to campus for the start of fall semester classes beginning Saturday, Aug. 20.

More than 36,000 students are expected this fall — up from 34,912 enrolled in the spring.

The on-campus residential population will more than double this week when students begin moving into new residence halls, which feature dormitory-style housing and a dining facility dubbed the Gastronome, where multiple food stations offer an array of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including international fare.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the five-story $143 million complex is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16. Combined with apartment-style residence halls, the university now provides on-campus housing for 1,900 students — up from 836. Construction of the new residence halls was financed with non-state funds. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in the Piazza of the new residence halls, east of the Ruby Gerontology Center on the east side of campus.

Three new degree programs also are debuting this fall — an M.F.A. program in screenwriting, an M.A. in chemistry and B.A. in earth science. The latter two are geared for those who are in or are planning careers outside the research field, but in professions that require scientific knowledge, including teaching at the high school and community college levels. The new degree programs join existing ones leading to a B.A., B.S. and M.S. in chemistry, as well as a B.S. and M.S. in geology.

In the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, a full-time M.B.A. program is being launched this fall. The 16-month program emphasizes “soft skills” development and practical leadership training, and includes an international cultural experience and global business study.

A new minor in queer studies also debuts this fall and is housed within the Women and Gender Studies Program (formerly known as Women’s Studies). Courses taught by faculty members from various disciplines examine the dynamics of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender roles, as well as the influence of these factors on our daily lives, cultural institutions, political discourse, the media and the arts.

In addition, an online program for educators seeking a professional administrative credential begins this month.

Also during August, applications are being accepted from upper-division transfer students seeking admission to the university for the spring 2012 semester.

Next month, Cal State Fullerton President Milton A. Gordon, beginning his 22nd year at the helm of the California State University’s most populous university, will deliver his annual convocation address at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the Titan Student Union Portola Pavilion.

Other fall back-to-school activities include:

• Aug. 22-Sept. 1 Titan Weeks of Welcome feature information stations at four campus locations to provide students with information, directions and giveaways. The stations, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., will be located at McCarthy Hall, Pollak Library, outside the Engineering and Computer Science complex and the walkway between the Nutwood Parking Structure and Visual Arts Center. The effort is sponsored by New Student Programs.
• Aug. 24 — Irvine Campus Open House and Resource Fair will provide students with information on the branch campus’s programs and services. The 5:30-7:30 p.m. fair is sponsored by New Student Programs and the Irvine Campus Student Affairs Office.

Media Contacts:
Paula Selleck, Public Affairs, 657-278-4856 or pselleck@fullerton.edu
Christopher Bugbee, Public Affairs, 657-278-8487 or cbugbee@fullerton.edu