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San Diego State University and Cal State San Marcos begin New Academic Year Amidst Challenges and Opportunities
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San diego, CA – Students returned to classrooms at San Diego State University (SDSU) and Cal State San Marcos on Monday, marking the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. The universities are bracing for a year defined by both ambitious goals and important headwinds in the landscape of higher education.
record Enrollment Anticipated at SDSU
San Diego State University is projecting a freshman class that will surpass last year’s record of nearly 6,600 students. While official enrollment figures for both campuses won’t be available until October, SDSU anticipates a combined student body exceeding 40,000 across its San Diego and Imperial Valley locations. This continued growth underscores the university’s appeal and its role as a major educational hub in Southern California.
A Year of “Opportunity and Audacity”
SDSU President Adela de la Torre framed the upcoming year as “a year of opportunity and audacity” during a recent luncheon. A key focus for the university will be the re-accreditation process with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which begins in the spring. Maintaining WASC accreditation is crucial for universities to remain eligible for federal funding and is a rigorous evaluation of institutional quality.
“This is our moment to take everything SDSU stands for — equity, excellence and impact — and apply it with precision to the challenges and possibilities ahead,” President de la Torre stated.
She emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating that every member of the university community has a role to play in shaping its future.
President de la Torre acknowledged the “challenging moment” facing SDSU and higher education nationally, citing federal rollbacks in student aid, Title IX protections, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.These policy shifts create uncertainty for vulnerable student populations, including undocumented students (“Dreamers”) and international scholars, who face potential impacts from changing immigration policies and funding cuts.
The university also faces increasing scrutiny regarding curriculum and academic freedom, as national polarization intensifies. De la Torre stressed the need for SDSU to uphold its commitment to truth-seeking, diverse perspectives, and critical thinking.
“As escalating national polarization around curriculum and academic freedom threatens the heart of what we do, we must continue to have the courage to pursue the truth, amplify diverse voices and challenge conventional wisdom,” she said.
We not only owe this to ourselves but also we must continue to be a beacon of light for those who desperately need our voices in the community.
Resilience and Future Focus
Despite these challenges, President de la Torre expressed optimism and a determination to not merely withstand adversity but to actively reshape what’s possible
for SDSU and its students. The university is committed to leveraging its strengths in equity, excellence, and impact to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.
Looking Ahead: Trends in Higher Education
The challenges facing SDSU reflect broader trends in higher education,including increasing political pressure,declining state funding,and evolving student demographics. Universities are increasingly focused on demonstrating their value proposition and adapting to a rapidly changing world. The emphasis on re-accreditation is a common theme across institutions, highlighting the importance of maintaining rigorous standards and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will final enrollment numbers be released?
- Final enrollment numbers for the 2025-2026 academic year will be released in October.
- What is WASC accreditation?
- WASC accreditation is a process of peer review that ensures universities meet certain quality standards. It is required for universities to be eligible for federal funding.
- What are the key challenges facing SDSU?
- SD