You are in the official 1995-96 General Catalog for California State
University, Fresno.
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California State University, Fresno began as a two-year state normal school
with 150 students in 1911, largely preparing teachers for their profession.
Today, this university is a stimulating center of intellectual and cultural
activity, dedicated to academic excellence, integrity, and freedom. With
more than 17,200 students registered, the university recognizes its commitment
to develop qualified professionals who will become tomorrow's leaders in
every walk of life.
California State University, Fresno, offers challenging and innovative programs
in the liberal arts and sciences, in the professions, in applied fields,
and in special interdisciplinary areas. Departmental programs provide unusual
and interesting opportunities for a proficient and enriching university
experience.
The excellence of our faculty is documented in a variety of ways, including
recognition from nation and international associations. Ninety percent of
the full-time tenured track faculty hold doctoral degrees in their areas
of study. However, the most important characteristic of our faculty is their
ability to care about students and their willingness to give of their time
on an individual basis.
The Campus
Under a dense canopy of 3,800 trees, the campus sits at the northeast edge
of Fresno, against a backdrop of the beautiful Sierra Nevada. Designated
as an arboretum in 1978, the campus enjoys a parklike setting that provides
a beautiful environment for making new friends and pursuing a quality education.
The 327-acre main campus features more than 46 traditional and modern buildings.
An additional 34 structures are on the 1,083-acre University Farm, which
is considered one of the most modern and best equipped agricultural facilities
in the West.
Outstanding research facilities computer, engineering, electronics, and
industrial technology laboratories are complemented by cultural and recreational
facilities.
The campus has two student unions, indoor and outdoor theaters for drama
and music, and swimming facilities. Students can make use of many individual
and team sport facilities, a baseball stadium at Beiden Field that seats
4,575 spectators, and 41,000-seat football/soccer stadium.
The campus is fully accessible and students with mobility impairments will
find the naturally flat terrain easy to navigate.
The Community
Fresno's metropolitan area has a population of more than 510,500, and yet
it maintains a friendly "big town" feeling. Cultural events are
numerous and feature such groups and facilities as the Fresno Arts Center,
the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, the Fresno Philharmonic orchestra, and several
live theater organizations.
Winning critical praise for the Fresno Philharmonic are world-renowned guest
artists and the talented Maestro Raymond Harvey. Take a powerful music journey
with season tickets to this cultural jewel. (Student discounts are available.)
The community is proud of California State University, Fresno and enthusiastically
supports many of the university's programs, whether they are sports, the
arts, academic competitions, or other special events.
Recreation
Fresno is the only place in the nation within an easy drive of three national
parks -- Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Therefore, it isn't surprising
that much of the university's recreational and social life centers on the
outdoors.
Boating, fishing, water skiing, and windsurfing at one of the six nearby
lakes are popular activities during the spring and summer. Winter recreation
includes downhill skiing and cross-country skiing at nearby Sierra Summit
or Badger Pass in the beautiful Sierra Mountains.
All year round, nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts can choose
from a variety of parks to visit while in Fresno.
In addition to an extensive intramural program, on-campus recreation includes
a series of current films, drama productions, and concerts ranging from
rock to jazz to classical. The annual Vintage Days celebration and a number
of university receptions, winetastings, art festivals, and the University
Lecture Series are among the many events open to the public. Informal meeting
places such as the University Student Union and the Satellite Student Union
are visited by students throughout the day and evening.
University Lecture Series
Accreditation
University's Mission
University's History
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