California State University, Sacramento facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
California State University, Sacramento

Former names	Sacramento State College (1947–1972)
Motto	"Redefine the Possible"
Type	Public university
Established	September 22, 1947; 77 years ago (1947-09-22)
Parent institution	California State University
Accreditation	WSCUC
Academic affiliations	Space-grant
Endowment	$92.991 million (2023)
Budget	$349.6 million (2020)
President	J. Luke Wood
Provost	Stephen Perez
Academic staff	1,771
Administrative staff	1,270
Students	31,451 (fall 2020)
Undergraduates	28,697 (fall 2020)
Postgraduates	2,754 (fall 2020)
Location	Sacramento , California , United States
Campus	Large city, 305 acres (123 ha)
Newspaper	The State Hornet
Colors	Green and gold
Nickname	Hornets
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I FCS – Big Sky WAC AAC Big West
Mascot	Herky the Hornet
California Historical Landmark
Reference #:	697

California State University, Sacramento (also known as Sacramento State or Sac State) is a large public university in Sacramento, California. It started in 1947 as Sacramento State College and is part of the big California State University system.

About 31,500 students go to Sac State each year. Over 250,000 people have graduated from the university. Each year, about 9,000 students earn their degrees here. The university offers many different study programs, including 151 types of bachelor's degrees and 69 types of master's degrees.

The campus is huge, covering about 305 acres. It has over 3,500 trees, and more than 1,200 of them are in the University Arboretum. The university is also home to the Julia Morgan House, which is a special building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2012, the Arbor Day Foundation called Sac State a "Tree Campus USA" because of all its trees.

History of Sacramento State

How the University Started

People in Sacramento wanted a four-year university back in the 1920s, but it took a long time to make it happen. Finally, in 1947, State Senator Earl D. Desmond helped create Sacramento State College. He worked hard to get the funding approved.

The college officially opened on September 22, 1947. It shared space with Sacramento Junior College at first. Only 235 students were in the first classes. In December 1947, students chose "Herky" the Hornet as the school's mascot. The colors green and gold were also picked, representing the local hills and trees. The first student, John J. Collins, graduated in 1948. Soon after, the college had sports teams in basketball, baseball, and tennis.

Finding a Permanent Home

Leaders looked at several places for the new college. In 1949, the state bought 244 acres of peach farmland for the campus. In December 1952, the school moved to its permanent spot by the American River. On February 9, 1953, the new 289-acre campus opened to about 2,400 students.

Construction began in 1951. By 1962, 30 new buildings were ready. A special landmark, the Guy West Bridge, was built. It looks like a smaller version of the Golden Gate Bridge and is named after the college's first president.

In 1972, the school's name changed to California State University, Sacramento. In 2004, it officially started using "Sacramento State" as its main name. Today, Sac State is the only big four-year university in the city of Sacramento.

Growing Over the Years

The university grew a lot in the 1970s and 80s. The University Union, a building for students, opened in 1975. The Sacramento State Aquatic Center was built in 1981, offering water sports on Lake Natoma. In the 1990s, the campus added more than 1.2 million square feet of new space. Hornet Stadium was updated in 1992 to hold 26,000 people.

Sac State even hosted the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in 2000 and 2004. In 2003, Dr. Alexander Gonzalez became the university's 11th president. He started a plan called "Destination 2010" to improve programs and build new facilities.

Sac State Today

Sacramento State has seven main academic colleges and a college for continuing education. The university is also part of a group that runs Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, where students can study marine science.

The "Destination 2010" plan led to many new buildings. These include the Academic Information Research Center, a huge parking structure, a new Hornet Bookstore, and the American River Courtyard residence hall for students.

Many new buildings have been finished or are being built:

• The Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex: This modern science building opened in 2019. It has a large planetarium and an observatory that students and the public can use.
• University Union expansion: The student union building got much bigger in 2019. It now has more space for recreation, student offices, meeting rooms, and a new coffee shop.
• The WELL expansion: This project, finished in 2020, added more space for the Campus Recreation and Student Health areas. It includes bigger locker rooms, more fitness studios, and lounge areas.
• Riverview Hall: This residence hall opened in 2017 and houses 416 students.
• Parking Structure 5: This large parking garage for 1,750 cars was built for $42 million.
• Hornet Commons Residence Hall: Completed in 2021, this housing project offers 284 apartments and 1,100 beds for upper-division students. It has six buildings around a swimming pool.

Many famous people have visited or performed at Sacramento State. These include Martin Luther King Jr. (1967), Jimi Hendrix (1968), Genesis (1992), Sheryl Crow (1995), and Maya Angelou.

Doctoral Degrees

In 1999, Sacramento State was allowed to offer its first Doctoral degree. This was special because, before then, only the University of California system could offer degrees beyond a Master's in California's public universities. This first program was a joint PhD in history with the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Later, in 2007, the university gained approval to offer its first Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree. The first students graduated in 2010. In 2012, Sac State started offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This program is very competitive. In 2019, the university added its newest doctoral degree, a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D).

Changing the Name

In 2004, the university started using "Sacramento State" or "Sac State" more often, even though students had used these names for years. The official name is still California State University, Sacramento. The university also updated its logo and colors.

Becoming a Student at Sac State

For the fall 2019 semester, a record 44,733 students applied to Sacramento State. The university has seen more and more applications in recent years.

Sacramento State is a popular choice for students transferring from California Community Colleges. More than 4,300 transfer students join the university each year. For students starting in fall 2018, about 72.5% of freshmen applicants were accepted. The average high school GPA for new freshmen was 3.4.

Student Life and Diversity

About 30% of new freshmen live in the dorms on campus. For the fall 2012 semester, about half of the new freshmen came from the Sacramento area. The rest came from other parts of California, other U.S. states, or other countries.

The average number of classes students take is 12.2 units, which is considered full-time. Sacramento State has a diverse student body. As of fall 2018, it had the third-highest percentage of Pacific Islander American and African American students in the Cal State system.

Campus Life and Buildings

Sacramento State north entrance

Sacramento State is the sixth-largest campus in the California State University system. It covers 305 acres in Sacramento, right next to U.S. Route 50. The campus is next to the American River on one side.

The university is known for its many trees and gardens. It has over 3,500 trees and miles of trails along the river. Students living on campus can enjoy nearby places like Lake Natoma and Old Sacramento.

The Guy West Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge, crosses the nearby American River.

The campus has more than 30 research and community service centers. These include the Center for California Studies and the Office of Water Programs.

The dorms on the northeastern side of campus can house 1,700 students. There are also other housing options nearby for students. The Port of Sacramento Japanese School holds its classes in Amador Hall on campus.

University Library

The university library

The Sacramento State University Library is a central part of the campus. It provides many resources for students to study and do research.

Student Housing

The main student housing area has five three-story residence halls. These include Riverview Hall and the American River Courtyard. They are all around a central dining hall and quad area, housing about 2,129 students.

Off-Campus Facilities

Sacramento State Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma

The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is located about 15 miles east of the university on Lake Natoma. It's a partnership between the university and California state departments. The center opened in 1981 and teaches thousands of students about water sports. It's also home to the Sacramento State Rowing Team and hosts many national rowing championships.

Julia Morgan House Event and Conference Center

The historic Julia Morgan House

The Julia Morgan House is about three miles west of campus. It was designed by the famous architect Julia Morgan. The house was given to the school in 1966 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Sacramento State uses this historic home for lectures, meetings, and campus events.

What Students Can Study

Accreditation and Special Programs

Since 1951, Sacramento State has been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This means the university meets high standards for education. Sac State is also a Space-grant university, which means it helps with space-related research and education.

The university has special programs that are nationally recognized. For example, its Business programs are approved by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Other programs like Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Music also have special accreditations.

Academic Colleges

Riverside Hall, home to the College of Engineering and Computer Science

Sequoia Hall, home to the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Sacramento State is divided into several colleges, each focusing on different subjects:

• Arts & Letters
• Business
• Continuing Education
• Education
• Engineering & Computer Science
• Health & Human Services
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics
• Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies

The most popular major for undergraduate students at Sac State is nursing, with almost 2,000 students. Other popular majors include criminal justice, psychology, Biological Sciences, and Accounting.

The university's Public Affairs division is the largest in the California State University (CSU) system. Sac State also has the largest Chemistry program in the CSU. It is one of only two universities in California to offer a bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies.

Classes at the university usually have about 38 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 28 students for every one teacher. Many students get paid jobs or internships related to their studies, especially in government. About 36% of students volunteer their time.

The criminal justice program is one of the biggest in North America. The College of Engineering and Computer Science is the only university in California to offer a master's degree in Electrical Engineering. It is also recognized as a national center for cyber-security. Sac State is the only campus in the CSU system to offer a bachelor's degree in Cinematic Arts.

University Rankings

• Sacramento State is known for its diversity, ranking as the 4th most diverse university in the western United States among similar schools.
• The university's bachelor's degree in gerontology (the study of aging) is ranked 5th best in the U.S. by College Choice.
• U.S. News & World Report ranked Sacramento State tied for 43rd overall among western regional schools in 2021. It was also ranked among the top public schools and best colleges for veterans.
• Sacramento State has been called one of the "greenest" campuses in the world.
• In 2018, Sac State's Jazz Ensemble was named one of the nation's top three college jazz bands.
• In 2019, the Master of Science in Accountancy program ranked 3rd nationally for Best Online Program by OnlineU.

Research and Community Programs

The campus has over 30 research centers. Some important ones include:

• California Smart Grid Center (works on smart energy systems)
• Archaeological Research Center
• Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution
• Center for California Studies (hosts special fellowship programs)
• Office of Water Programs
• STEM Research (focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

CAMP/HEP Center

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) helps students from migrant or seasonal farm worker families. It helps them get their high school diploma and then go to college. Sacramento State has a grant to help 70 new freshmen and 300 continuing students each year.

Capital Fellows Program

Sacramento State works with the California State government to host the Capital Fellowship program. This program is considered one of the best internships in the nation. Fellows get to work in the state government and learn about public policy. Many former fellows have gone on to important careers in government and other fields.

Center for Collaborative Policy

This center helps solve public disagreements at the state and local levels. It uses methods like mediation and negotiation to help different groups find solutions that work for everyone.

Sports and Athletics

Sacramento State athletics mark

Athletics wordmark

The university offers 21 different sports teams. In 2013, Women's Beach Volleyball was added as the 21st sport. Sacramento State sports teams compete in NCAA Division I. The football team is in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision).

Sacramento State's colors are green and gold. Their nickname is the Hornets, and their mascot is Herky the Hornet. A common cheer is Stingers Up!

Most sports teams compete in the Big Sky Conference. Sacramento State is the only school from California in the Big Sky. The football and track and field teams play in Hornet Stadium. Baseball is played at John Smith Field, and basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics teams play at Colberg Court.

In 2013, the women's rowing team joined Conference USA (C-USA), which allowed them to compete for NCAA Championships. They later moved to the American Athletic Conference in 2014–15.

The university has hosted the NCAA Track and Field Championship at Hornet Stadium several times, including in 2003 and from 2005 to 2007.

Student Life and Organizations

Sacramento State has many clubs and organizations for students. These groups help students with similar interests connect and work towards common goals. They include groups that represent different cultures, political views, and recreational activities.

About 7% of undergraduate men are part of fraternities, and 5% of undergraduate women are part of sororities. This means about 1,500 students are involved in Greek life.

Air Force and Army ROTC

The school hosts Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 088. This program trains future US Air Force officers from Sacramento State and University of California Davis. It is the largest Air Force ROTC program in Northern California.

Old United States Army ROTC CSU, Sacramento Shoulder sleeve insignia

An Army ROTC program also exists. In 2002, this program received a special award called the Gold MacArthur ROTC Leadership Award.

Associated Students Inc. (ASI)

Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is a non-profit group that provides programs, services, and student government for Sacramento State. Students elect a Board of Directors to lead ASI. ASI has a budget of over $10 million, which comes from student fees. It runs programs like Peak Adventures, the Aquatic Center, and the Children's Center.

ASI Children's Center

ASI offers a day care center for children of faculty, staff, and students. It cares for children from newborn to five years old. The center is accredited by NAEYC, which means it meets high standards for early childhood education.

Capital Public Radio, Inc.

Sacramento State owns and helps operate several public radio stations in California through Capital Public Radio. These stations, like KXPR and KXJZ, play classical music, jazz, and offer local news. They are supported by listeners and do not have commercials.

KSSU 1580 AM

KSSU 1580AM is a non-profit student radio station at Sacramento State. It broadcasts on campus and online at kssu.com. KSSU is known as one of the best college radio stations in North America. In 2007, it won an award from the College Music Journal.

The State Hornet Newspaper

The State Hornet is Sacramento State's student newspaper. It publishes issues each semester and has a daily website. In 2000, The State Hornet staff won the National Newspaper Pacemaker Award, which is a very high honor in college journalism.

University Union

The University Union is the main student activity center on campus. It has been updated many times over the years. It offers a food court, a game room, computers with internet, free WiFi, meeting rooms, and offices for student groups.

In 2017, a large expansion of The University Union began. This added 71,000 square feet of space, including a Starbucks, more meeting rooms, study lounges, and outdoor seating. This expansion was finished in 2018.

Getting Around Campus

University Transportation and Parking Services (UTAPS) runs its own buses called the Hornet Shuttle. These buses have several routes around campus and connect to the university/65th Light-Rail Station. UTAPS also has a night shuttle service for students.

The university has a bus station on the north side of campus, which is a major stop for Sacramento Regional Transit. Students can use these buses and the light rail for free with their student ID card.

Sacramento State is located just north of US 50. You can reach it from the 65th St. and Howe Avenue exits.

Notable People from Sac State

Over 250,000 people have graduated from Sacramento State since it started. Many alumni live in California, but also in other U.S. states and around 62 different countries.

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  Tom Hanks

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  Lester Holt

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  Joan Lunden

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  Mahmoud Vaezi

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  Melissa Hurtado

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  Ryan Coogler

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  Robert Rivas

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  Elaine Welteroth

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  Joe Carnahan, Film director

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  Noreen Evans

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  Doug Lipp

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  Creed Bratton

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  Bobby McFerrin

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  Brian Posehn

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  Rene Syler

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  Rhys Hoskins

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  Maya Angelou

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  Buck Martinez

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  Ann Bannon

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  Lonie Paxton

• 

  Mike Lange

University Presidents

Here is a list of the presidents who have led Sacramento State:

• Guy A. West (1947–1965)
• F. Blair Mayne (1965)
• Stephen L. Walker (1965–1966)
• Robert Johns (1966–1969)
• Otto Butz (1969–1970)
• Bernard L. Hyink (1970–1972)
• James G. Bond (1972–1978)
• W. Lloyd Johns (1978–1983)
• Austin J. Gerber (1983–1984)
• Donald R. Gerth (1984–2003)
• Alexander Gonzalez (2003–2015)
• Robert S. Nelsen (2015–2023)
• J. Luke Wood (2023–)

See also

In Spanish: Universidad Estatal de Sacramento para niños

• Causeway Classic