University Welcomes More Than 17,000 Students
By Eric Breier
Cal State San Marcos welcomed more than 17,000 students, including the largest freshman class in university history of more than 2,700, to kick off the fall semester Monday. Official enrollment numbers will be available following the 2025 fall census in October.
President Ellen Neufeldt expressed excitement and optimism about the new academic year during her annual convocation address to faculty and staff last Thursday.
“As we think about the start of school, in this moment in time – now more than ever – it is important that we remember why we are here,” Neufeldt said. “Why we show up. Why we keep going. We believe in the power and the promise of higher education. And we believe in the mission of this university.”
Neufeldt highlighted many of the university’s achievements over the past year, while also looking ahead to what is in store. That includes CSUSM’s fundraising campaign, the largest capital campaign in university history.
The campaign aims to raise $200 million through philanthropic support and sponsored research to expand programs, fund scholarships, advance faculty work and strengthen the infrastructure that drives social mobility and lifts the entire region.
“This is not just about dollars,” Neufeldt said. “It’s about lasting impact.”
New science building
On July 31, CSUSM broke ground on its future Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building, which will allow the university to respond to the critical need for STEM programs, including new engineering majors and enrollment growth.
The ISE building is estimated to cost $110 million and will be funded through commitments from California State University and private support. It will cover more than 70,000 square feet over three stories. The first publicly funded academic structure on campus in more than a decade, it’s expected to open in fall 2027.
Name for new housing project
The new University Village Housing and Dining Project, which is expected to be ready in time for the fall 2026 semester, has been formally named Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining.
The names were determined following thoughtful input from a campus naming committee and student representatives. Kwíila is the Luiseño word for “acorn” and was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides.
CSUSM named to best colleges list
CSUSM was named to the “Best Colleges in America 2025” list by Money magazine. CSUSM received a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
The list, which includes 732 colleges, showcases the country’s top values, based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.
Weeks of Welcome
The annual Weeks of Welcome, which started Aug. 22, includes dozens of events for students to meet new people and kick off the academic year.
Visit the Weeks of Welcome calendar for a complete schedule.
Arts & Lectures for fall
The university’s longstanding Arts & Lectures series recently released its fall lineup. This season boasts a diverse selection of five events.
Attendees can reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website.
Summer highlights
- CSUSM was selected for the third straight year as an Angeles Higher Education Impact Award honoree.
- A new master’s degree program in clinical counseling psychology was approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office to accept applications this fall.
- Edward Mills was appointed as interim chief enrollment officer, beginning his tenure on July 28.
- Cinthya Ippoliti started in her position as the new dean for the University Library on July 1.
- Two alumni were selected for the CSU Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program, also known as CDIP, for the incoming 2025-26 cohort.
- Surfer and business student Tanner Vodraska captured his second consecutive national title at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Interscholastic Championships.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314