California State University, Sacramento, more commonly referred to as Sacramento State or Sac State, is a public university located in the city of Sacramento, California, USA. It is part of the California State University system. The 2007 US News and World Report collegiate rankings ranked Sacramento State as the 57th-best Masters-level university in the West. [1]
History
The efforts to get a four-year university in Sacramento date back to the 1920s, however Bay Area politics prevented the founding until 1947.
American River view from Guy West Bridge
The university was founded as Sacramento State College in 1947 during a time of intense demand for higher education after World War II. At the time of its founding, Sac State shared space at Sacramento Junior College. By 1953, the school had moved to its permanent location on the banks of the American River. Sacramento State became part of the California State University system in 1960, and in 1972, the university changed its name to California State University, Sacramento.
The university underwent a major expansion in the Korean War years, with the 'heart' of the campus residing in what was then Douglass Hall, Shasta Hall, and buildings housing the Math, Science, and History departments. These buildings are now scheduled for demolition, which will soon create a campus greenbelt spanning from the library to the dorms.
Recently built were: the Alumni Center, a continuing education building, a facility for University-licensed public radio stations, a five-story classroom building, and a major expansion of the student union.
In 2004, the school decided to re-brand itself and is now informally known as Sacramento State (Sac State for short); though students had been referring to the school by this name for years. The official name of the university remains California State University, Sacramento. The terms "CSUS," "Cal State Sacramento", "CSU, Sacramento", and "CS Sacramento" are no longer appropriate per the new Identity Style Guide [2].
Campus
On-campus
Sacramento State north entrance
As the sixth largest campus of the 23 state universities in California, the campus is composed of 300 acres in the city of Sacramento. It lies adjacent to U.S. Route 50.
Sacramento State has 3,000 trees, with flower gardens, miles of trails stretching along the nearby river parkway, and student housing with recreational areas such as Lake Natoma and Old Sacramento, in addition to its on-campus housing. The best time to tour the campus are during the fall months or early spring, as the colors of the thousands of trees make quite a display.
It also contains more than 30 research and community service centers such as the Center for California Studies, the Institute for Social Research, the Center for Collaborative Policy, the Center for Small Business,and the Office of Water Programs.
Off-campus
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
One of the top rowing facilities in the entire country. Located at Lake Natoma 15 miles east of the university hosting various regional and national meets including the annual Pacific Coast Rowing Championships. Classes are offered in boating and other water-sports for its students and community members. The aquatic center was also part of San Francisco's failed bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Center for Collaborative Policy
Provides services for public disputes at the state, regional, and local levels, ranging from conflicts between agencies to multi-party disputes on major policies. Its methods are mediation, negotiation, and consensus-building. It tries to reach solutions satisfying everyone while avoiding traditional adversarial processes.
Julia Morgan House and Gardens
Located four miles west of Sac State and was designed by famous architect Julia Morgan. It was donated to the school in 1966 by Sacramento philanthropist and eugenicist Charles Goethe and was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The school remodeled the house in 2000 honored by the California Heritage Council. Sac State uses the home hosting lectures, small meetings, conferences, community events, and it is available for public special events such as receptions and weddings. The home's west wing houses the Life Center and provides health and fitness classes for seniors.
Sacramento State Placer Campus
Sacramento State recently purchased 280 acres of land near Roseville, California for a satellite campus. The campus is expected to break ground in 2006, and will likely have an emphasis on technology, business, and teacher education. President Alexander Gonzales said the campus may eventually grow in to a separate CSU university.
Academics
Riverside Hall houses the College of Engineering and Computer Science
The University is comprised of the following colleges:
The student-to-faculty ratio is about 21 to 1 with more than 70 percent of classes having under 30 students. About 80 percent of full-time faculty hold a doctorate.
Most transfer students come from two-year colleges, and about 750 international students from 80 nations.
The school has the largest cooperative education program in the entire state. Students from all majors are placed in paid positions while simultaneously receiving academic credit. Many students work in government-related internships and fellowships. Approximately 36 percent of students work as volunteers.
Its criminal justice program is the biggest on the western half of the US.
Sacramento State also works with the California State government to host the Capital Fellowship program through the Center for California Studies. The Center administers the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship, Executive Fellowship, Judicial Administration Fellowship, and California Senate Fellows programs. These programs, known collectively as the Capital Fellows Programs, are nationally recognized. The 18 Assembly Fellows, 18 Senate Fellows, 18 Executive Fellows and 10 Judicial Administration Fellows receive an outstanding opportunity to engage in public service and prepare for future careers, while actively contributing to the development and implementation of public policy in California. The ranks of former fellows and associates include a Justice of the California Supreme Court, members of the United States Congress and the State Legislature, a deputy director of the Peace Corps, corporate executives, and local government and community leaders.
Associated Students Inc.
Associated Students Inc. is the official student government body for Sacramento State, ostensibly through California Education Code §89300. Students elect the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of University Affairs, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Relavant students also elect the Graduate Director, College of Arts & Letters Director, College of Business Administration Director, College of Engineering & Computer Science Director, College of Education Director, College of Health & Human Services Director, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics Director, College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies Director, and Undeclared Director.
Sacramento State's colors are green and gold and its mascot is the Hornet. Sacramento State sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) in the Big Sky Conference. In all sports, the university has a rivalry with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The football game is called the Causeway Classic and is played for the Causeway Carriage, referring to the fact that the schools are connected by the long Yolo Causeway bridge over Yolo Bypass floodway. More recently, the rivalry was officially expanded to include the Causeway Cup, which includes all sports the teams play in.
The school sponsors about 450 student-athletes. Male students compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track and field. Female students compete in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball. Scholarships are offered in all sports. The football and track and field teams compete in Hornet Stadium while volleyball, men's and women's basketball and the gymnastics teams call the Hornets Nest home.
The Sacramento State Marching Band, also known as "The Spirit of Sacramento", which has served the university since 1958, performs at every home football game and at select road games as well. A smaller subset of the band, the Sacramento State Hornet Revue, performs at basketball games, volleyball games, and other campus and community events. The band motto is: "Without Us, It's Just A Game!", was adopted in 1996. The Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Timothy Smith, is the current marching band director.
Fight on, Sacramento State Fight on to victory The Hornet is on the wing, The foe will know that we can show them We’re meant for fame and glory, All the World will know The Hornet’s NEST is BEST in the WEST (Shout) BY TEST! Sacramento State, (Shout) LET’S GO!!!
The Hornet fight song was composed by Don McDonald in 1949.
Sacramento State Alma Mater: "All Hail to Sacramento"
All hail to Sacramento Your colors green and gold; We'll Hail our Alma Mater, As on the years do roll; She stood by us through trials, A beacon to our way; With hearts both proud and grateful We sing of thee this day. All Hail! All Hail! All Hail! All Hail to Sacramento State Our alma mater true.
Transportation
Sacramento State provides its own buses known as Hornet Express shuttles, and works in conjunction with the Sacramento Regional Transit District for longer distances to and from campus. A Sacramento State student can use these resources for free with their student one card.
The school is also planning a bus-rapid transit system similar to the University of Oregon, which will go through campus, light rail, as well as nearby apartment complexes.
The school is situated just north of Highway 50.
Future of Sacramento State - Destination 2010
Sacramento State is in the midst of a huge fundraising effort for its "Destination 2010" campaign, part of its master plan to upgrade the campus to accommodate a growing Sacramento regional population. One of the major additions will be the Recreation and Wellness Center which will will be run by the University Union. The Recreation and Wellness Center will be a multi-use facility with courts, weight and fitness rooms, climbing wall, indoor track and a new student health center. Students will be able to exercise, participate in group recreational activities, access healthcare services, study and socialize.
Located at the north end of Hornet Stadium and near key campus destinations such as the Union, Library and Parking Structure III, the Center will be a catalyst for a renewed and vibrant campus life. It will also be a resource for alumni, faculty and staff.
At 150,000 square feet, the facility will offer a host of cutting-edge fitness, recreation, and athletic opportunities.
Destination 2010 is an initiative that aims to make Sacramento State a university of choice for prospective students and employees throughout the West. Sac State plans to become a premier metropolitan university and a destination campus.
Nearly six decades after its founding, Sacramento State has evolved into a highly respected regional institution with more than 28,000 students. It provides access to an education of exceptional quality. Graduates are leaders in their fields and in their communities. Economic, social and cultural impact is immense. One in 26 residents of the six-county Sacramento Region is a Sacramento State graduate. The University directly and indirectly contributes more than $900 million to the region’s economy annually.
Campus leaders believe that the University possess even greater potential. Building upon the University's solid foundation and upon the dreams and aspirations of the campus community – students, faculty, and staff, alumni, and the people of our region.
Through Destination 2010, Sac State hopes to:
Foster excellent academic and student programs by:
Recognizing diversity as vital to developing the “New California”
Recruiting the best faculty
Continually assessing and strengthening our academic and related co-curricular offerings
Utilizing the best in teaching and learning technology
Providing comprehensive student services and programs
Build a welcoming campus by:
Developing beautiful and inviting grounds and facilities
Becoming a regional event destination
Offering public-friendly campus retailing
Create a dynamic physical environment by:
Planning effectively and improving our infrastructure
Providing excellent academic facilities and support centers
Developing residential options for students, faculty and staff
Building state-of-the-art campus-life facilities
Develop community support by:
Increasing Sac State's visibility
Expanding Sac State's advocacy base
Encouraging broader community financial support
The University is moving rapidly to accomplish Destination 2010’s goals, and the administration remains committed to enhancing Sacramento State’s reputation as a great university and a destination campus well beyond the year 2010.
Greek Organizations at Sac State are students of similar interests bonded together by common goals and aspirations. Greek Organizations at Sac State make up a wide range of opportunities to be involved. They represent National, International, Local and Regional organizations. Some also promote certain cultures or multiculturalism. With over 35 Organizations to choose from, more than likely there is one for you!
Greek social fraternities
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
Sharing a primary loyalty to the University and seeking a close mutual aid and spirit of good will among fraternities.
To assist culturally diverse sororities and fraternities in the achievement of their noble purposes and to provide a forum for the regulation of chapter interactions. The USFC shall act as liaison between our member chapters and the university administration by establishing a communicative network for all culturally diverse sororities and fraternities to promote unity among the organizations.
To assist culturally diverse sororities and fraternities in the achievement of their noble purposes and to provide a forum for the regulation of chapter interactions. The USFC shall act as liaison between our member chapters and the university administration by establishing a communicative network for all culturally diverse sororities and fraternities to promote unity among the organizations.
The buildings were renamed in the mid-1990s to the names of counties in California.
Sac State was once home to a large chicken population in the 1990s.
The colors green and gold symbolize the green of the foothills and trees, and gold for discovery.
Sacramento light rail was originally proposed to run through the library quad, however then-president Donald Gerth vetoed the proposal.
Sac State came within hours of being deliberately flooded in 1986, as officials contemplated blowing floodgates to avoid a massive levee failure in Sacramento.
Jackrabbits were a problem in the early years and landscapers were permitted to shoot them on sight.
KSSU 1580AM is a non profit free form radio station at Sacramento State. The radio station has only a 3 Watt signal but can be heard all over the world via WWW.KSSU.COM. The signal is not strong enough to broadcast much farther than the campus. Students often complain that the university sponsors both a classical music station and a jazz music station (both part of Capital Public Radio), yet KSSU continues to go largely unfunded.
