SFSU will hold a free sneak preview of programs it offers at the Cañada College University Center from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 4. The preview will be held at the University Center on the Cañada College campus, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. in Redwood City.

The preview event is designed to introduce prospective students to the SFSU offerings at Cañada College. It will feature presentations from faculty and students, transfer advisers, a credential analyst, program representatives and administrators from both schools. Light refreshments will be served. For details about the event, call the Cañada College University Center at (650) 306-3399.

Beginning in fall 2004 at the Cañada College University Center, SFSU will offer bachelor's degrees in business administration and nursing in addition to its existing degree program in child and adolescent development. SFSU also offers an accelerated MBA program and teaching credentials on the Redwood City college campus.

The programs are designed for students who live on the Peninsula and find it difficult to commute into San Francisco to earn a degree. Almost 1,000 students are enrolled in SFSU courses at Cañada. All courses are taught by SFSU faculty.

"This event is the perfect opportunity for prospective students to learn more about these programs," said Rosa Perez, president of Cañada College. "We have seen tremendous growth at the University Center during the past two years as Peninsula residents realize they can earn a bachelor's degree or higher without leaving the area."

Perez said the University Center at Cañada College was established in 2001 as a new model to provide four-year college degree programs, workplace certifications and graduate-level programs that are accessible and convenient for area residents. Through partnerships with San Francisco Bay Area universities, students gain access to an affordable college education and remain close to their community, eliminating the barriers that discourage many from pursuing an education.

"We invite prospective students to stop by and learn about the expanded, four-year degree offerings from San Francisco State in partnership with Cañada College," SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan said. "Already, nearly 1,000 students are taking advantage of this innovative program that provides convenient access to quality higher education. We hope more students will pursue their educational goals through this program."

-- Matt Itelson and Cañada College Director of Media Relations and Marketing Robert Hood