General Information

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California State University, Stanislaus is an exceptional public university that, because of its student-friendly size and commitment to excellence, is able to offer all the benefits of a private education. CSU Stanislaus offers baccalaureate degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, business and education, as well as teaching credentials, master’s degree programs, an education doctorate, and other professional studies.

The University is composed of the College of the Arts, College of Business Administration, College of Education, College of Human and Health Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Natural Sciences. Additional course offerings developed specifically for learners seeking professional or personal development are available through University Extended Education. CSU Stanislaus continues to emphasize quality and excellence in education and to respond to the needs of its diverse student population. Through a strong commitment to diversity and educational equity as a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, CSU Stanislaus helps all students reach their full potential.
 

Affiliations

CSU Stanislaus is part of the California State University, a 23-campus system across California. With more than 400,000 students, it is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. CSU campuses emphasize access to quality public higher education and workforce preparation that is responsive to regional needs.

CSU Stanislaus is a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, giving students from outside of California a valuable opportunity to participate in California’s top-notch public university system. The WUE is a part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WUE, students in Arizona, Montana, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Hawaii, South/North Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho may enroll at CSU Stanislaus at a reduced tuition level: 150 percent of in-state resident tuition. WUE tuition is considerably less than nonresident tuition.

History

The State Legislature established what was then known as Stanislaus State College in 1957. The first classes opened in September of 1960 on the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. In 1965, the college moved to its permanent campus. It was awarded university status and renamed California State University, Stanislaus in 1985.

Residents of San Joaquin County gained access to public higher education when the University opened the Stockton Center on the campus of San Joaquin Delta College in 1974. In the fall of 1998, the Center, renamed CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center, moved to its permanent site on Magnolia Avenue at University Park in downtown Stockton.

Academic Programs

The University offers undergraduate degrees in 42 majors; master’s degrees in 23 programs; a doctorate in education; credentials in teacher preparation and in four professional areas; and more than 1,000 courses including pre-professional programs in law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, optometry, laboratory technology, and medical laboratory technology. Students are encouraged to take courses to give them a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences in their first two years so they can make an informed choice of specialization. See “Programs” link at the left for Undergraduate Programs.

Information about graduate, postbaccalaureate, and teacher credential programs at CSU Stanislaus can be found in the Graduate Catalog, available from the CSU Stanislaus Bookstore and the Vasché Library. The Graduate Catalog can also be accessed online.

Faculty

The highly accessible faculty is renowned for teaching, research, and service. Eighty-two percent of full-time faculty are tenured or on tenure-track. Seventy-seven percent of tenured or tenure-track full-time faculty hold a doctorate or other terminal degree in their fields.

The following are the recipients of the Outstanding Professor Awards at California State University, Stanislaus for the 2007-2008 academic year:

Outstanding Professor: Dawn Strongin

Dawn Strongin, an Associate Professor of Psychology and Child Development, is a highly popular faculty member with large class rosters for all the right reasons – she is an engaging, innovative, and dedicated scholar-teacher who has inspired prospective majors to pursue psychology and helped non-majors to see psychology as central to the understanding of what it means to be human. Her courses are impressive, her scholarly achievements are highly significant, and her contributions to campus life are welcome and successful.

Outstanding Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity: Zbigniew Gackowski

Zbigniew Gackowski, Professor of Computer Information Systems, conducts research that has been recognized and commended by top scholars and scholarly organizations internationally for its impact on the understanding of information systems and information quality. Recognized as an outstanding information scientist, Gackowski’s computer information systems research has motivated him to author four books, eight book chapters, more than 30 journal articles and other documents, and 22 presentations at scholarly conferences.

Outstanding Community Service: Charles Floyd

Charles Floyd, Professor of Social Work, serves as Field Coordinator of the Master of Social Work Program and has played a key role in the development and success of the graduate program. He has been instrumental in creating partnerships between professional agencies and the University while coordinating the field placements of more than 100 Social Work students each year. Floyd has been actively involved with many community agencies all over the region in various capacities. He has drawn high praise for the ethics, energy, and commitment that define his work with a variety of human service agencies.

Elizabeth Anne B. Papageorge Faculty Development Award: Eric Houk

Eric Houk, Professor of Economics, is recognized for his commitment to engaging and effective teaching, his scholarly record, and his considerable involvement in service to both the institution and the region. His teaching provides a classroom environment that encourages student participation, appreciates student diversity, and inspires students to continue learning outside of the classroom.

Student Body

The diverse student body includes many first-generation college students and working parents. The student body of 8,836 includes 7,088 undergraduate students and 1,748 graduate students (fall 2007). Average class size is 25 students.

Student Life

CSU Stanislaus sponsors nearly 80 student groups, including professional, recreational, religious, cultural, and Greek organizations. The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is CSU Stanislaus’ student government. ASI organizes intramural sports leagues, community wellness programs, and university spirit events. The University Student Union, run by students for students, brings the campus community together and includes the Student Union Board of Directors, Union Program Board, Outdoor Adventure Program, Indoor Adventure Program, and Multicultural Events.

CSU Stanislaus’ residential community, The Village, lets students immerse themselves in all aspects of the university experience while giving a plethora of support resources and guidance. Residents enjoy rooms that provide more space, as well as a higher level of privacy, than can be found within most on-campus living communities. The freshman housing community offers three styles of lodging (single suites, double suites, and apartments), while upper division residents enjoy apartment-style accommodations. The vast majority of residents are housed in four-bedroom single occupancy apartments complete with lounge furniture, a full kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

Athletics

The Department of Intercollegiage Athletics (within the Student Affairs Division) sponsors 14 men’s and women’s teams that compete at the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II level in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Under the leadership of Athletic Director Milt Richards and our outstanding coaches, the Department has been ranked 65th out of 227 Division II schools in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup standings. This ranking puts us in the top 30 percent of Division II colleges in the nation. CSU Stanislaus is the highest-ranked California Collegiate Athletic Association team on the list.

Fall sports include men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. Winter sports include men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s indoor track and field. Spring sports include baseball, men’s golf, softball, women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. All current CSU Stanislaus students are admitted free for all home events. For more information, visit www.warriorathletics.com.

Alumni

The success of an educational institution is measured by the success of its graduates. CSU Stanislaus prides itself on its contributions to the economy of the state of California and to a wide range of fields that include education, public service, law enforcement, business, health care, and other important professions. Since the founding class, 37,000 alumni have proudly called CSU Stanislaus their alma mater. The Office of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving promotes involvement in the community with activities such as receptions, fundraisers, service projects, and family-oriented outings. It also supports current students with scholarship endowments.

Scholarships

Students who demonstrate academic excellence may receive monetary support from nearly 140 available scholarships, many offering multiple awards. Any full-time matriculated CSU Stanislaus student may apply. Scholarships are funded by private gifts, business donations, and endowments. Most awards range from $100 to $5,000 per academic year, averaging about $500. The President’s Scholarships award $12,500 a year, while the Provost’s Scholarships award $3,500 annually.

For complete information, contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at (209) 667-3336 or visit the Web site at www.csustan.edu/financialaid. Since 1996, more than $10 million has been pledged and/or gifted to the CSU Stanislaus Foundation in support of scholarships, endowed scholarships, and endowed operations from private donors. Recruiting scholarships are designated for entering freshmen and transferring community college students. Department scholarships are for students who have declared a specific major. Open scholarships are unrestricted.

Vasché Library

The mission of the University’s Vasché Library is to provide access to information resource and services that facilitate teaching, learning, and research, and to provide an environment that encourages and enables those in our diverse community to expand their intellectual, cultural, and artistic horizons.  The collections of the University Library include 372,636 volumes, 841 periodical subscriptions, 1.1 million microforms, 5,085 audiovisual materials, access to 141 electronic databases, and a growing number of electronic journals, video recordings, compact discs, and ebooks. Since 1965 the library has been a partial depository of federal, state, and local documents. Other special collections include the University archive, with documents on local and University history, and the juvenile collection, which has 6,450 volumes of award-winning and notable titles in children’s literature.

Special Learning Opportunities

Lecture Series and Cultural Offerings

The University offers a wide variety of public programs, activities, and entertainment including theater, concerts, and art exhibits. Renowned personalities who have given special lectures include journalists Ellen Goodman and Cokie and Steve Roberts, the legendary Bill Cosby, former First Lady Barbara Bush, historian Carlos Cortés, former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, and former Secretaries of State Colin Powell and James A. Baker III. Performers Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Vince Gill, Van Cliburn, and the cast from Beach Blanket Babylon have entertained the campus and its community.

Office of International Education

The Office of International Education (OIE) at CSU Stanislaus is committed to supporting, promoting, and celebrating individuals in an intercultural environment.  We advocate for and facilitate international and cross-cultural experiences, perspectives, and initiatives.  OIE promotes and facilitates study abroad and acts as a liaison to the university for foreign students, researchers, and professors.

International Student Services

The Office of International Education assists the University’s F-1 and J-1 visa students and scholars in making the most of their experience at CSU Stanislaus. Services include comprehensive orientation and advising on immigration matters, cultural adjustment, financial issues, housing, transportation and employment.

Study Abroad

The Office of International Education offers opportunities for CSU Stanislaus students to study in many different parts of the world. Students gain an international perspective, increased independence and self-confidence, and a strong professional advantage. Students may earn regular academic credit. (Students will not receive credit for foreign study undertaken without prior approval of CSU Stanislaus.) For more information, contact (209) 667-3117 or stop in at the Student Services Building Room 144.

University Honors Program

The University Honors Program is for students with solid academic abilities who desire to participate in an academic learning community. Honors faculty work closely with students to develop intellectual skills and the aptitude for interdisciplinary research. Students may apply for admission as entering freshmen or as transfers. Sophomore admission is on a space- available basis only. Honors at entrance does not guarantee admission to the University Honors Program. More information is available at www.honors.csustan.edu, in the Honors Program section of this catalog, or at the Honors Department at (209) 667-3180.

Intensive Learning Experience

First-time freshman students may participate in the Intensive Learning Experience program. Eligible students are identified by their SAT I scores (320 or lower in either the Verbal or Mathematics section), or by their scores on the EPT (141 or below), or ELM (360 or below). With SAT scores, the cutoffs are 400 verbal and 370 mathematics. Students in the program receive reading/writing instruction in small classes of 12-15 students. Tutoring services are provided at no cost in both mathematics and English. Students receive personal attention to successfully begin their University career. For more information, contact the ILE Director at (209) 667-3361.

English as a Second Language

The English as a Second Language program is designed for students, both international and permanent residents, for whom English is not a native language. The three courses in the program provide intensive instruction and tutoring in writing and reading. All courses yield graduation credit. For information contact the Department of English at (209) 667-3361.

Centers and Institutes

The Centers and Institutes of CSU Stanislaus exist to advance the goals of the University and to enhance its programs of instruction, scholarship, and service. They provide a means for interdisciplinary collaboration and a method by which extramural funds and fees can be employed to supplement other resources. A description of the Centers and Institutes may be found in the Faculty Handbook. For more information about the Centers and Institutes, please contact the directors listed below.

University-wide Centers and Institutes

Center for Public Policy Studies
     John Garcia and Kelvin Jasek-Rysdahl

College of Business Administration

Management Development Center
     Nael Aly

College of Education

Center for Direct Instruction
     Jane S. Howard and Cathy Watkins
     (in collaboration with the College of Human and Health Sciences)

Center for Portuguese Studies
     Elmano Costa
     (in collaboration with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences)

College of Human and Health Sciences

Behavioral Intervention Services
     Jane S. Howard

Center for Direct Instruction
     Jane S. Howard and Cathy Watkins
     (in collaboration with the College of Education)

Child Development Center
     Jennifer Esterly

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Institute for Archaeological Research
     Sari Miller-Antonio

Institute for Cultural Resources
     Thomas E. Durbin

Center for Economic Education
     Kelvin Jasek-Rysdahl and Elaine Peterson

Center for Portuguese Studies
     Elmano Costa
     (in collaboration with the College of Education) 

National Honor Societies

 All Disciplines: Phi Kappa Phi. Recognizes and encourages superior scholarship in all academic disciplines in institutions of higher learning. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, graduate students, faculty, and alumni. Membership is by invitation only.

College of Business Administration

Accounting and Finance: Beta Alpha Psi. Encourages and honors achievement in the study of accounting and finance. Recognizes academic excellence and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction among students and professionals through professional meetings and service activities. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, graduate students, faculty and alumni. Membership is by invitation only.

Business Administration: Beta Gamma Sigma. Encourages and recognizes scholarship and accomplishment among students (of business, management, and administration) and encourages and promotes aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

College of Education

Education: Phi Delta Kappa. Promotes quality education, with particular emphasis on publicly supported education, as essential to the development and maintenance of a democratic way of life. Eligibility includes undergraduate education majors, graduate students, and professional educators.

College of Human and Health Sciences

Nursing: Sigma Theta Tau. Recognizes superior achievement, develops leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to the ideals and purposes of individuals in the profession of nursing. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, graduate students in professional programs in nursing, faculty, and alumni.

Psychology: Psi Chi. Encourages, stimulates, and maintains excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Eligibility includes sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Communication Studies: Lambda Pi Eta. Recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and professional development in the field of communication studies. Eligibility includes sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Economics: Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international Honor Society. Promotes and acknowledges excellence in the field of economics and unites students and faculty who have a specific interest in economics. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have completed at least 12 units of economics coursework and have met specific academic requirements.

History: Phi Alpha Theta. Recognizes and encourages excellence in the study of history. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Political Science: Pi Sigma Alpha. Stimulates scholarship and intellectual interest in political science. Eligibility incudes juniors and seniors who have completed ten upperdivision units in political science.

Sociology: Alpha Kappa Delta. Promotes an interest in the study of sociology, research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition. Eligibility includes juniors, seniors, graduate students, and faculty.

Cooperative Education Program

Cooperative Education provides students with paid work experiences directly related to their major field of study and career objectives. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of at least 2.3 may be placed either in “alternating” assignments where they work full-time for a semester while enrolled for academic credit, or in “parallel” assignments where they work part-time and attend school concurrently. These job placements are coordinated by University faculty. Up to eight hours of academic credit earned through Co-op courses may be applied to graduation requirements.

Co-op students thus have opportunities to gain practical experience which complements their academic study and permits them to explore actual career options before graduation. In these assignments co-op students earn competitive income and often are subsequently hired full-time by their employers. Placement of students in Cooperative Education appointments is the responsibility of the appropriate academic department through which the student registers for Cooperative Education credits.

Internships

Many academic departments at CSU Stanislaus offer internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. Placements in a variety of private, non-profit, and public agencies are designed to encourage both pre-professional training and the integration of field and classroom experiences. Interested students should contact their academic advisers.  Information about internship and coop opportunities can also be obtained through the Career Services Center in MSR 245.

Community Service and Service Learning

The Office of Service Learning, located in the Faculty Development Center, assists faculty and students with the development of service learning opportunities. A principal goal of service learning is the promotion of student learning through active participation in meaningful service directly related to course content. This means students spend various amounts of time in community organizations working with real people with real needs. The Office of Service Learning can recommend course options with a service component, volunteer sites as well as faculty and student resources available to encourage active learning both in the classroom and the community. Please call (209) 667-3311 for additional information.

University Extended Education

University Extended Education (UEE) provides inviting, engaging, and transformative lifelong learning experiences that promote educational success and strengthen the personal and professional growth of its students. For additional information on UEE’s mission or program offerings, call (209) 667-3111, or stop by the office at Mary Stuart Rogers Building 240. You may also visit the Web site at www.ExtendedEd.com.

Technology Training: University Extended Education operates the Learning and Technology Training Center located in the Educational Services Building. This Center serves as one of the most modern multimedia classrooms in Central California. Residents from Stanislaus and the adjoining counties enjoy this modern training center designed and operated to meet their continuing needs to learn new software, strengthen existing skills, and learn the essential information necessary to earn software certifications.

Open University: This UEE program opens the doors to university classes for students who are not formally admitted and enrolled in the University. The Open University program serves as many things: an invitation to try out the University, a resource for those who need a class for personal or professional development, or a second chance for low GPA students. Students may only enroll on a space-available basis and with the permission of the instructor in any regularly scheduled course offered by the University. Since enrollment is permitted on a space-available basis, enrollment approval is given on the first day of instruction. If a student wishes to have credit applied toward a degree, a maximum of 24 units is allowable for a baccalaureate degree.

Certificate Programs: UEE offers intensive, one- to two-semester certificate programs that provide core knowledge in a specific field or skill set. UEE offers an array of certificate programs for professional development in business, computers, medical, and legal topics. These programs award students continuing education units and certificates upon successful completion. Please call or visit the Web site for a current schedule.

eLearning: UEE also provides opportunities for students to participate in courses focused on personal development. Through a partnership with leading e-learning providers, UEE now offers an extensive library of online, non-credit courses. Courses focus on building specific skills and are offered in a variety of topics such as computers, the Internet, writing, and special interest.

Contract Courses: Organizations planning continuing education courses using their own instructors may contract with UEE to offer extension credit for approved off-campus courses.

Teacher Education: For teacher education needs, UEE offers a variety of options. Test preparation classes and substitute teacher workshops are offered for those looking to enter the teaching field. For those currently teaching and needing extension credits, UEE offers computer-based teacher education, which covers pertinent topics and awards credit.

Corporate Resource Services: Workforce development is a core program area for UEE. UEE offers customized on-site training programs for area businesses and government agencies. Organizations that wish to upgrade their work force, acquire knowledge and skills in a specific field, stay current with new developments, improve customer service, or need specialized training will benefit from this distinctive program.

CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center

California State University, Stanislaus-Stockton Center is a proponent of higher education’s role in improving the economic, social, and cultural life of San Joaquin County.

Located within University Park at 612 East Magnolia Street in Stockton, California, CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center is an off-campus site of California State University, Stanislaus. The Stockton Center offers upper-division and graduate courses at flexible hours that earn full academic credit and lead to selected baccalaureate and master’s degrees and credentials. It has computer lab facilities, a library access center, a student information center, student lounge, exercise room, game room, health services, bookstore, and several beautifully landscaped courtyards for informal student and faculty gatherings. The Stockton Center provides selected student services including admissions information, academic advising, financial aid, graduation evaluations, career planning, teaching credential analysis, cashiering, WPST testing, and writing tutoring.Office hours are from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. For more information, please call (209) 467-5300 or visit the Website at http://stockton.csustan.edu.

Working with other institutions, CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center offers collaborative initiatives and programs to benefit the community. It provides an opportunity to create a unique environment for learning and to form partnerships in the Stockton area and beyond. During the more than thirty years that CSU Stanislaus has been a presence in Stockton, it has developed productive relationships with other institutions and organizations.

Degree programs currently offered at CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center include:

Bachelor of Arts

• Communication Studies
• Criminal Justice
• History
• Liberal Studies concentrations in Communication Studies and History (Students should consult with their academic adviser regarding course offerings in Stockton. Coursework on the Turlock campus may be required.)
• Psychology—Concentration in Developmental Psychology
• Social Sciences (selected concentrations)

Bachelor of Science

• Business Administration
  (concentrations in Accounting and General Business)
• Nursing (RN to BSN)

Master’s Degrees

Credentials

• Elementary—CLAD/BCLAD (Preliminary and Clear)
• Secondary — Preliminary and Clear
• School Administration — Preliminary and Professional Reading
• Teacher Internships (Multiple Subject/CLAD)

Business Administration

The College of Business Administration also offers undergraduate and graduate courses toward the B.S. in Computer Information Systems and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees at the Stockton Center.  In addition, an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) is offered through University Extended Education in Stockton.

Accreditation

Degree programs offered at CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and are an integral part of the program of CSU Stanislaus. In addition, the following programs, offered at the Stockton Center, are accredited by their speciality organizations:

College of Business Administration — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
College of Education — the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Public Administration — the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Nursing — National League for Nursing
Social Work — Council on Social Work Education