You are in the official 1996-97 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 17,400 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, 41,000-seat football/soccer stadium, and a new 2,700-seat softball 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 405,000, 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.
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