You are in the official 2003-2004 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Campus
The
University.
In 1911, California State University, Fresno began with 150 students as a two-year state normal school that largely prepared teachers for their profession.
Today, at the threshold of a new century, this university is
a stimulating center of intellectual and cultural activity, dedicated
to academic excellence, integrity, and freedom. With more than
18,000 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 and interdisciplinary areas.
Departmental programs provide unusual and exciting opportunities
for a proficient and enriching university experience.
The excellence of our faculty is documented in a variety of ways,
including recognition from national 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 4,000 trees, the campus sits at the
northeast edge of Fresno, against a backdrop of the beautiful
Sierra Nevadas. The campus was officially designated as an arboretum
in 1978. Its parklike setting creates 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
6,575 spectators, a football/soccer stadium that seats over 41,031,
and Bulldog Diamond, a 5,467-seat softball stadium.
The Downing Planetarium features a computer-controlled Spitz A3P star projector and a main theater which seats 74 under a thirty-foot dome. The facility includes a teacher resource center and presents multimedia shows on a daily basis.
Smittcamp Alumni House is a 10,000-square-foot, two-story structure that houses the Alumni Association's offices and serves as the university's visitor information center. The building includes conference rooms, a kitchen, reception and social areas, a chapter/volunteer resource center, garden courtyards, and an alumni library.
The Save Mart Center at Shaw and Chestnut avenues will be a
13-story facility with 16,000 seats. It will serve as the new
home for Fresno State basketball, volleyball and wrestling, as
well as a venue for events. The facility will also have state-of-the-art
classrooms, computer labs, and conference rooms.
The campus is fully accessible and students with mobility impairments
will find the naturally flat terrain easy to navigate.
Features