From Dateline (October 9, 2003)

Fall Census Breaks Previous Record

This fall’s student population grew to a record 32,592.

Last fall, student enrollment reached 32,143 and prompted the early closure of undergraduate admissions for spring 2003.

This semester’s student numbers, plus the net 11 percent decrease in state support to the California State University system, prompted Fullerton to curtail spring 2004 enrollment.

“This is part of our effort to preserve quality for our existing students, while maintaining access,” said Ephraim P. Smith, vice president for academic affairs.

Among the census findings: female students remain in the majority at 61 percent of the population; most of the increase was in continuing students, while the number of sophomores decreased because the university no longer accepts lower-division transfers from community colleges; and more than 60 percent of Cal State Fullerton students are taking 12 or more units this fall.

The number of students attending the El Toro Campus also increased – to 2,940 this semester. Among them are 1,172 students attending courses solely at the former Marine base.

The fall full-time- equivalent student (FTES) count is 23,428, an increase from last fall’s FTES of 23,351. One FTE equals 15 units of student course work and is the basis for allocating state funding to the campus.