SFSU kicks off the spring semester today with one of its largest student populations in recent history.

So far, 26,483 students have registered for classes -- 7.4 percent more than last spring. Jo Volkert, assistant vice president for enrollment planning and management, said she expects an additional 1,000 to 1,500 students to sign up for classes by the Feb. 7 deadline.

Last semester, there were 28,378 students, comprising SFSU's largest enrollment in a decade.

Campus highlights this semester will include:

• The second half of the Year of Civil Discourse
• A week celebrating the life of Paul Robeson, presented by Associated Students
• A host of fabulous performing and visual arts events sponsored by the College of Creative Arts
• Founders Day, the University's 104th birthday celebration on March 25
• Gator sports, including track, wrestling, baseball, swimming, tennis and softball
• And, of course, SFSU's 102nd Commencement on May 24.