The mission of San Diego State University shall be to provide well-balanced, high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students and to contribute to knowledge and the solution of problems through excellence and distinction in teaching, research, and service. The university shall impart an appreciation and broad understanding of human experience throughout the world and the ages. This education shall extend to
For a more in depth look at SDSU's mission statement, click here.
San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded March 13, 1897, San Diego State University began as the San Diego Normal School, a training facility for elementary school teachers. Seven faculty and 91 students met in temporary quarters over a downtown drugstore before moving to a newly constructed 17-acre campus on Park Boulevard.
By the 1920s, San Diego State was already beginning to outgrow its Park Boulevard location, and San Diegans launched a campaign to build a new campus on the cityŐs eastern border. In February 1931, students, faculty and staff moved into seven Mission-style buildings surrounding a common area still known as the Main Quad.
In 1960, San Diego State became part of the newly created California State College system, now known as the California State University system. In the early 1970s, with legislative approval, San Diego State College became San Diego State University.
For more on the history of SDSU click here.
Here is the official line on SDSU:
San Diego State University, with nearly 33,000 students, is the largest university in San Diego, the third largest in California, and one of the largest universities in the western United States. SDSU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as "Doctoral/Research University- Intensive" (even though SDSU can only offer joint doctoral degree programs with other universities). The university offers bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. In 2003-2004, SDSU awarded 6,181 Bachelor's degrees, 1,732 Master's and 50 Joint Doctorates.
One in seven San Diegans with a college degree attended SDSU, making San Diego State a primary educator of the regionŐs work force, as well as a leader in expanding access to higher education. Committed to serving the richly diverse San Diego region, SDSU ranks among the top 10 universities nationwide in terms of ethnic and racial diversity among its student body, as well as the number of bachelor's degrees conferred upon students of color.
For Fall 2004, 33,335 first-time students applied, of which 15,831 were accepted and 4,140 enrolled. The average high school GPA was 3.48, average SAT 1,079 and average ACT was 22.3. Of new undergraduate transfers, 10,374 applied, 5,409 were admitted and 3,409 enrolled. Average transfer GPA was 3.11.
The four-year graduation rate for first-time students who started at SDSU in the Fall 2000 was 14.7%. The six-year graduation rate for first-time students who started in Fall 1998 was 44%.
Of all SDSU students, 40.8% were male and 59.2% female. Average age for undergraduate students was 22.8 and 31 for graduate students.
Ethnicity of student body for Fall 2004:
For more information on SDSU students go to the web site for Analytic Studies and Institutional Research.
SDSU employs nearly 6400 faculty and staff members. As for faculty specifically, in Fall 2004, SDSU employed 919 full-time faculty and 661 part-time. Of tenured and tenure-track faculty, 398 were full professors, 194 associate and 187 assistant. Of those 779 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 62% were men and 38% were female.
Ethnicity of SDSU Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty for Fall 2004:
The Residential Education Office is within the Division of Student Affairs, which is overseen by the Office of the Vice President. Jim Kitchen is the Vice President for Student Affairs and he provides leadership for the seventeen departments within the division.
To view the division's organizational chart click here.
The Division of Student Affairs is a student-centered partner in the SDSU learning community. Education is enhanced, both inside and outside of the classroom, through quality support services and programs that advance student learning and development.
The Division contributes to academic and personal success, encourages independent civic responsibility, and promotes the welfare of all students. Student Affairs helps connect students to the University and to their future, building alliances that foster retention and loyalty beyond graduation.
For the complete mission and vision statement click here.
SDSU is a an NCAA Division I university and participates in 10 women's sports (basketball, crew, cross country/track, golf, soccer, softball, swimming/diving, tennis, volleyball and water polo) and 6 men's sports (baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer and tennis). The baseball and softball fields are on the west side of campus across the street from Chapultepec Hall. The basketball and volleyball teams play in Cox Arena, which is next to the ARC and Fraternity Row. The football team shares Qualcomm Stadium with the San Diego Chargers. Famous athletic alumni include Marshall Faulk and Tony Gwynn(who now coaches the SDSU baseball team).
For more SDSU athletics and info on how to buy tickets click here
In 1997, the San Diego State community engaged in a campuswide discussion designed to articulate and establish current and future priorities. This exercise of shared governance enabled faculty, staff and students to create a Shared Vision for the future growth of SDSU. Each year President Weber reports on the university's progress in meeting these goals.
The final "Shared Vision" document highlights five goals:
For more information on the direction of SDSU, click the following link to view the Campus Master Plan.
