California State University

**History** The individual California State Colleges were brought together as a system by the Donahoe Higher Education Act of 1960. In 1972, the system became The California State University and Colleges and in 1982, the system became The California State University. Today, the campuses of the CSU include comprehensive and polytechnic universities and, since July 1995, the California State University Maritime Academy, a specialized campus. The oldest campus, San José State University, was founded in 1857 and became the first institution of public higher education in California. The newest campus, California State University, Channel Islands, opened in fall 2002, with freshmen arriving in fall 2003. **The mission of the California State University is:** - To advance and extend knowledge, learning, and culture, especially throughout California. - To provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally, and professionally. - To prepare significant numbers of educated, responsible people to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future. - To encourage and provide access to an excellent education to all who are prepared for and wish to participate in collegiate study. - To offer undergraduate and graduate instruction leading to bachelor's and higher degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, the applied fields, and the professions, including the doctoral degree when authorized. - To prepare students for international, multi-cultural society. - To provide public services that enrich the university and its communities.