FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SDSU Minority Admissions Increase
CONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204, jack.beresford@sdsu.edu
SAN DIEGO, Tuesday, May 09, 2000 - Aggressive outreach efforts and a high level of student satisfaction are credited with boosting minority admissions for first-time freshmen at San Diego State University, according to Ethan Singer, SDSU associate vice president of Academic Affairs.
Fall 2000 admissions by Latinos (not including Mexican Americans) and Asian Americans were among the highest increases, 29 percent and 24 percent respectively, compared to fall 1999. Approximately 641 Latino students have been admitted thus far, up from 497 last year. Admissions by Asian American students increased from 1,760 to 2,190. African-American admissions increased by 21 percent - from 570 to 689; American Indian admissions increased by 21 percent - from 78 to 94; and Mexican American admissions increased by 15 percent - from 1,688 to 1,945.
"SDSU is successfully attracting more applicants with diverse and academically strong backgrounds," said Stephen L. Weber, president of SDSU. "A key part of our mission is providing a diverse learning environment and a positive campus climate in which students from many different backgrounds can grow and prosper. These figures are indicative of our success."
More than 45 percent of SDSU's students come from underserved ethnic, cultural or linguistic populations. SDSU's outreach efforts target schools in economically disadvantaged communities to encourage interest by students who may not have considered applying to the university. SDSU has also implemented a variety of programs to ensure that students are satisfied with their educational experience. A May 1999 student survey found that among those who perceive themselves as a minority group member, 94 percent said that they were either very satisfied or satisfied with their experience at SDSU and that they felt comfortable on campus in terms of their personal beliefs or characteristics.
Singer says it won't be clear until students enroll in the fall how the increases in minority admissions will increase SDSU's diversity but he is "cautiously optimistic." He says SDSU remains committed to diversity as a top priority.
SDSU's enrollment is currently 31,413 including graduate and undergraduate students - making it the second largest university in California.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 58 areas and doctorates in 13. Students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, log onto www.sdsu.edu.
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