Applications from prospective students must be received by Nov. 15

SAN FRANCISCO, October 21, 2002 - Due to a sharp rise in enrollment, San Francisco State University will stop accepting spring 2003 applications from prospective undergraduate students earlier than usual.

Prospective freshmen and transfer students must submit applications for spring 2003 by Friday, Nov. 15. The deadline for graduate applications for spring 2003 is unchanged at Nov. 15 as previously announced.

In the past, SFSU accepted undergraduate applications for spring semester as late as the first day of classes in January. But this year, the University must take steps to ensure that it does not admit more students than it can adequately serve, said Jo Volkert, assistant vice president for enrollment planning and management.

"If we admit students and they cannot get the classes they need, we have not done the students or the campus any favors," she said. SFSU enrolled 5,955 new undergraduates this fall - an increase of 17.3 percent over last fall. This brings the total of undergraduate students to 20,825.

The University enrolled 3,056 new graduate students this fall - an increase of 20.4 percent over last fall. This brings the total of graduate students to 7,553.

Overall, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment for this fall is 28,378 - an increase of 5.6 percent over last fall and the largest since 1991. The number of new students on campus increased 18.3 percent, to 9,011, this fall.

Volkert said there are several factors behind the rise in enrollment:

• Tidal Wave II: The children of baby boomers are reaching college age. Called "Tidal Wave II," this population bulge began to hit Southern California campuses a couple of years ago and is now arriving in Northern California.
• The economy: As the job market becomes less attractive, many people are choosing to attend college or return to the classroom to improve their odds of employment success. This effect is most pronounced at the graduate level.
• Communication: SFSU is communicating its program offerings more effectively through a stronger presence on the Web and in print publications.

Prospective students are encouraged to apply online, at www.csumentor.edu, to receive an admissions decision more quickly. Online applications must be completed and submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

For details on SFSU admissions, majors and degree programs, costs, financial aid, on-campus housing and student life, visit: www.sfsu.edu/prospect or call (415) 338-2355.

To request an application form, call (415) 338-7238 or send an e-mail to: outreach@sfsu.edu.

Prospective students interested in on-campus housing are encouraged to submit a housing application before being admitted to SFSU, as space is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, call (415) 338-1067 or visit: www.sfsu.edu/~housing.

One of the largest campuses in the 23-campus CSU system, SFSU was founded in 1899 and today is a highly diverse, comprehensive, public and urban university.