It is especially fitting that California State University, Bakersfield the 19th member institution of The California State University, was created out of the Donahoe Higher Education Act of 1960.  A staunch advocate and friend of public education, Dorothy Donahoe represented the residents of Bakersfield and Kern County in the California State Assembly for many years.  During that same period, community leaders from Bakersfield and throughout Kern County sought to bring higher education to the area.  That community-wide grassroots effort bore fruit in 1970.

The university’s growth has kept pace with the community, as Bakersfield has become one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the state.  Thus, its role as the only four-year institution within a 100-mile radius becomes even more significant as it extends higher education opportunities to this increasingly important economic and social center.

The university is committed to the goals of a liberal education-to promote the individual intellectual and personal growth of its students and to contribute to the community by developing in its students a sense of civic purpose and service.

California State University, Bakersfield strives for excellence in its four academic schools-Education, Business and Public Administration, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics-which share in a common general education program which emphasizes development of intellectual skills and a liberal arts foundation.

At the core of the university’s academic structure, the School of Education prepares teachers and provides state credential and post-baccalaureate programs for educators in its service area.  The School of Business and Public Administration provides management training for students preparing to enter organizations in both the private and public sectors.  The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers general education and majors programs in all but a few of the traditional disciplines.  The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics also offers general education and majors programs as well as pre-professional preparation in medical fields.

California State University, Bakersfield is distinguished by an outstanding faculty and excellent academic programs and by the extraordinary accessibility of the faculty to students.  Small classes and close interaction between students and faculty enhance the learning environment and experience for all of our students.  More than 90 percent of the tenured faculty hold doctorate degrees in their fields of study.

The university is located on a 375 acre site that was donated from the private sector, a remarkable demonstration of the community’s commitment to and support for the institution.  The campus is an oasis on the growing western edge of metropolitan Bakersfield, comprised of 30 buildings, providing classroom, laboratory, administrative and technical support facilities.

Approximately 6,500 students, undergraduate and graduate, are served by a faculty of nearly 300.  The university operates on a three course, three-term academic plan, under which the typical student program consists of three courses of five quarter units each during a quarter.  The academic calendar consists of three 10-week quarters, extending from September to June, and two summer sessions.

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Accreditation and Memberships - The university is committed to the goals of a liberal education - to promote the individual intellectual and personal growth of its students and to contribute to the community by developing in its students a sense of civic purpose and service.

California State University, Bakersfield is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100, Alameda, CA.  94501, (510) 748-9001.  The Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  The Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  The undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration are accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  The Master of Public Administration and the Master of Science in Administration, Health Care Management are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).  The Chemistry Program is approved by the Committee of Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

The university is a member of the American Council on Education, American Association of Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Institute of International Education- West Coast Region, National University Extension Association, American Association of Allied Health Professions, National Student Exchange Program, College Entrance Examination Board, College Placement Council, Assembly of Cooperative Assessment of Experiential Learning, National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, National Collegiate Athletic Association, California Collegiate Athletic Association, California Council on Education of Teachers, Western Association of Art Museums, Western Association of Graduate Schools, Western Association of Summer Sessions, and the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.

Graduates of the university are eligible for membership in American Association of University Women.

The university is affiliated with many national academic honor societies.  The university offers membership in a chapter of Alpha Chi, a honorary society, recognizing academic achievement.  The School of Humanities and Social Sciences has established active chapters of Phi Alpha Theta the international history honor society, Lambda Pi Eta the national Communication honorary society, Omicron Delta Epsilon the national Economic honorary society, Sigma Tau Delta the national English honorary society, Pi Sigma Alpha the national Political Science honorary society, Psi Chi the national Psychology honorary society and Sigma Delta Pi the national Spanish honorary society.  The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has established a chapter in the Society of Sigma Xi the national honorary in the sciences.  The Department of Nursing has a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Nursing Honor Society.  The School of Business and Public Administration has established chapters of Beta Gamma Sigma the national honor society for professionally accredited schools of business administration, Sigma Iota Epsilon the national management honorary society, and Pi Alpha Alpha the national society for public affairs and administration.

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Availability of Institutional and Financial Assistance Information - The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from the Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships (SA 121, 661-654-3016):

1.   A description of the federal, state, institutional, local, and private student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at California State University, Bakersfield;

2.   For each aid program, a description of procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance, student eligibility requirements, criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants, and criteria for determining the amount of a student’s award;

3.   A description of the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including federal Title IV student assistance programs, and criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;

4.   The satisfactory academic progress standards that students must maintain for the purpose of receiving financial assistance and criteria by which a student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance;

5.   The method by which financial assistance dis-bursements will be made to students and the frequency of those disbursements;

6.   The terms of any loan received as part of the student’s financial aid package, a sample loan repayment schedule, and the necessity for repaying loans;

7.   The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided as part of the student’s financial aid package;

8.   The responsibility of California State University, Bakersfield for providing and collecting exit counseling information for all student borrowers under the federal student loan programs; and

9.   The terms and conditions for deferral of loan payments for qualifying service under the Peace Corps Act, the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or comparable volunteer community service.

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Information concerning the cost of attending California State University, Bakersfield is available from the Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships (SA 121, 661-654-3016), and includes fees and tuition (where applicable); the estimated costs of books and supplies; estimates of typical student room, board, and transportation costs; and, if requested, additional costs for specific programs.

Information concerning the refund policies of California State University, Bakersfield for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of institutional charges is available from the Assistance Vice President, Fiscal Services (ADM 103, 661-654-2251).

Information concerning policies regarding the return of federal Title IV student assistance funds as required by regulation is available from the Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships (SA 121, 661-654-3016).

Information regarding special facilities and services available to students with disabilities may be obtained from the Director, Disabled Services (SA 142, 661-654-3360).

Information concerning California State University, Bakersfield policies, procedures, and facilities for students and other to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus may be obtained from the Director, Public Safety/University Police (SSS 106, 661-654-2111).

Information concerning California State University, Bakersfield annual campus security report may be obtained from the Director, Public Safety/University Police (SSS 106, 661-654-2111).

Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and rehabilitation programs may be obtained from the Director, Personnel Services (ADM 108, 661-654-2266).

Information regarding student retention and graduation rates at California State University, Bakersfield and, if available, the number and percentage of students completing the program in which the student is enrolled or has expressed interest may be obtained from the Special Assistant to the President, Institutional Research (AW 110A, 661-654-3145).

Information concerning athletic opportunities available to male and female students and the financial resources and personnel that California State University, Bakersfield dedicates to its men’s and women’s teams may be obtained from the Director, Athletics (GYM 112, 661-654-2188).

Information concerning teacher preparation programs at California State University, Bakersfield, including the pass rate on teacher certification examinations, may be obtained from the Associate Dean, School of Education (EDUC Bldg, 661-654-6663).

Information concerning grievance procedures for students who feel aggrieved in their relationships with the university, its policies, practices and procedures, or its faculty and staff may be obtained from the Associate Vice President for Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 661-654-3420).

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Centers and Institutes - CSUB Centers and Institutes are auxiliary organizations created to encourage applied activity around particular themes and functions.  The following centers and institutes conduct studies, carry out research, and provide service in particular subject matter fields:

•     Applied Research Center (ARC) is the behavioral and organizational arm of California State University, Bakersfield and its Foundation.  Its primary interests are to conduct applied research relevant to practical and pressing issues in the Greater Bakersfield community, Southern San Joaquin Valley, and state of California.  ARC also conducts national and international research programs.

•     Archaeology Information Center organization shall have as its purpose to maintain archaeological site record information for Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties.

•     Business Research and Education Center has many projects which provide regional capability for understanding the dynamics of business changes.  The purpose of the Business Research and Education Center is to function as a focal point for the interaction between the School of Business and Public Administration and the business/government communities in providing information in order to assist them in the practice and application of professional, ethical, and effective business activities.

•     California Well Sample Repository organization shall conduct and collect, classify or process, store, and make publicly available to bona fide investigators, representative samples of California rocks, including subsurface rocks from wells, investigative borings and other subsurface information.

•     Center for Archaeological Research is a not-for-profit, educational facility dedicated to archaeological research and long-term instruction of archaeology students.  Our goal is to provide a service to the community as well as superior-quality archaeological training by furnishing the available expertise to conduct cultural resource assessments in accordance with state and federal regulation.

•     Center for Biomedical Research organization shall have as its purpose to provide focus and support to faculty engaging in research and scholarly activities in the biomedical sciences (e.g., microbiology, physiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

•     Center for Economic Education and Research has the following purposes:  To further the goal of economic literacy by (a) maintaining a formal affiliation with the National Council on Economic Education and California Council on Economic Education;  (b) providing in-service workshops and curriculum consultation for teachers and school districts;  (c) offering enrichment programs for teachers and special publics;  (d) sponsoring lectures and symposia;  and (e) facilitating cooperation among the Economics Department, School of Education, and K-12 educational community.

•     Environmental Studies Area (Facility for Animal Care and Treatment) is a 40 acre site in the southeast corner of the campus devoted to research in the biological sciences.  The facility contains areas for student and faculty field research as well as a greenhouse for directed experimental studies.  Within the Environmental Studies Area is the Facility for Animal Care and Treatment (FACT), where care and rehabilitation of local wildlife (mostly raptorial birds) brought in by the public, is accomplished.  University students are given the opportunity to care for wildlife.  FACT also serves as an educational facility for the community about the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats by conducting tours and open houses.

•     Center for Living and Learning has the following purpose:  To support and undertake research on matters related to aging;  facilitate community service programs;  organize and facilitate delivery of educational programs relevant to the population of older adults in the community;  establish a living laboratory consistent with the mission and purpose of the university for continuous research and development of model programs that enhance the well-being of older adults; and encourage the further development of interdisciplinary programs in gerontology and related subjects at California State University, Bakersfield.

•     Center for Research in Agriculture and Biology promotes community outreach, education and service to Kern County, especially the agricultural sector, to the mutual benefit of both local agribusiness and the University; facilitates research, scholarly activity to advance agricultural productivity, biological knowledge.  The Center also serves as a vehicle for student experiential learning, by coordinating student research projects with local agricultural challenges.

•     Center for Virginia Woolf Studies was established to further knowledge about the work of Virginia Woolf, especially her feminism and anti-fascism during the 1930s by, among other things:  maintaining a website which publishes Woolf’s Reading Notes manuscripts and provides contextual resource materials related to the online edition thereof; offering enrichment programs for scholars, students and significant segments of the public; and, sponsoring lectures, symposia and other events related to the person and work of Virginia Woolf.

•     Kegley Institute of Ethics organization shall conduct and encourage research, promote teaching, provide consultation, and disseminate information pertaining to ethical issues.

•     Nursing Center for the Advancement of Research/Evaluation (NCARE) encourages research, evaluation and the dissemination of information that will benefit the Greater Bakersfield area, the Southern San Joaquin Valley, and the State of California.  NCARE will conduct research and evaluation for public and private agencies, institutions and corporations.  NCARE will provide basic and applied nursing and health research, evaluation, consultation and related educational services.

•     Politics Research Center shall have as its purpose to:  Do research and consulting that enhance student training and faculty teaching and professional competence in the following areas;  elections and participation in the United States;  intergovernmental relations in the United States;  fiscal and regulatory policies in the United States;  international trade, commerce, and environmental issues; and human rights issues.  Focus on matters in which power relations, institutions and decision-making processes, and discretion and choice in policy-making are important variables.

•     Public Service Institute (PSI) is to make available university-based resources and expertise to public, nonprofit and health care agencies in the southern San Joaquin Valley so that these organizations might carry out more effectively the duties and responsibilities rendered them by the citizens of the region.  PSI has a three-fold mission: (1) To provide state-of-the-art technical, supervisory and managerial training and assistance to public and nonprofit agencies in the service area; (2) To maintain, utilize, and advance the Meryl Ruoss International Repository of Public Administration Documents;  and (3) To build international linkages that will be of benefit to CSUB students and practitioners in our service region.

For information on any of these and other CSUB Centers please contact the Office of Graduate Studies and Research at (661) 654-2231.

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The Children’s Center - The Children’s Center provides a child care and development program for children two through five years old.  The center provides a meaningful education experience for youngsters, including programs designed to serve educational needs, social development, emotional growth and physical well being.  Space is limited, so parents interested in placing their children at the center should contact the center’s director before the beginning of each quarter to complete the application process.  The Children’s Center is operated by the Student Services Division through the CSUB Foundation.

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Food Service - The Cafeteria and the Dining Commons are operated by Sodexho Marriott, Campus Dining Division.  The Cafeteria is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.  The Dining Commons are open to the public.

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Getting To Know The Campus - Orientation programs provide newcomers with an introduction to academic life and the campus community.  Conducted virtually year round to accommodate all students, University Outreach provides newcomers an opportunity to become better acquainted with the university.  Students entering at the beginning of the academic year are given three options:  April orientations for transfer students and first-time freshman; May and Summer orientations for any new students; and September orientation before the first day of class for the fall quarter.

Students entering at the Winter and Spring quarters have two orientation options: a program is offered during preregistration period before each quarter and an orientation briefing is presented the first day of the quarter.

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Parking Information - The California State University Police, as a sworn law enforcement agency pursuant to California Penal Code Section 830.2, is responsible for the enforcement of parking and traffic regulations at California State University, Bakersfield.  Parking regulations and ordinances are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  If not otherwise specified, all ordinances and laws contained in the California Vehicle Code are applicable to the operation of vehicles on this campus.  All citations, bails, fines, and court appearances are processed through Judicial Data Systems, Santa Ana, California.  Failure to pay parking and traffic fines may result in the withholding of vehicle registration by the State Department of Motor Vehicles, Section 41103 C.V.C.

University Parking Regulations require that the permission to park on campus is dependent upon the payment of an established parking fee and possession of a daily, quarterly, annual, or temporary activities permit (except in metered, loading, time limited zones or by issuance of a visitor’s permit).  These regulations apply to students, the general public, and state university employees.

Permits may be purchased during registration at a designated station or at any time during normal business hours from the Accounting Office.  Daily Parking Permits are available 24 hours a day from dispensers at each entrance to the University.

Pay parking is in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Permits are valid as indicated with beginning and ending expiration dates on the permit.  The permit or decal must be clearly visible at all times to be valid.  The parking decal is not transferable and must not be altered.  Visitor permits will be valid only when displayed as directed on the permit.

All areas on the campus where vehicles may be legally parked are designated.  Motorcycles and other motorized two-wheeled vehicles shall be parked in designated areas.  Parking areas marked with green are time-limited areas.  Parking spaces marked with yellow are loading areas with a time limit.  Areas marked in red are designated no parking zones.  Metered spaces are provided for short-term parking.  Parking permits are not valid in metered spaces.

Disabled parking spaces for persons with physical disabilities are designated near each major facility on campus and may be used with a valid DMV issued Disabled Placard. Persons in possession of a valid placard are not required to purchase a CSUB parking permit.  Persons with a temporary physical condition in need of disabled parking can apply for a one-week temporary parking permit.  Contact the Student Health Center for further information at (661) 654-2394.

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The Student Union - The Student Union is designed to serve as the social center of the campus community and provide a comfortable atmosphere for students to meet, organize, and attend a variety of events.  The building is a contemporary, dynamic facility unique in structure and appearance on campus.  The Student Union offices, organizations, facilities and services are intended to support and enhance a successful university experience.  The Student Union, Inc. Board of Directors is comprised of students, alumni, faculty and staff members who guide the direction of the Student Union and set its policy.

The Office of Student Activities assists students, faculty and staff in the development of social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities for the university.  These co-curricular activities are planned to enhance instructional offerings and to provide growth opportunities for students.

The Student Resource Center is located within the Student Activities area.  It provides students with resource materials and equipment for the publicity and promotion of meetings and activities at minimal or no cost.

Reservations for Student Union facilities may be made by contacting the Director’s Office.  The experienced and helpful staff have assisted with the coordination and setup of meetings, conferences, dances, receptions, movies, banquets and various special events.  Rental charges vary depending upon the facility utilized and whether a student group, campus department, or off-campus guest.  In addition to tables and chairs, the Student Union has portable stage risers and a variety of audiovisual equipment including portable light and sound systems for use within the building.

The Student Union hours of operation vary throughout the year.  Contact the Director’s Office or Information desk for specific days and hours of service.

Associated Students, Inc. provides an official voice through which students’ rights and interests are protected.  Working to provide more than just student government, various cultural and social activities are supported by ASi. Activities and services from low cost child care to financial support for campus clubs and organizations are sponsored by ASi.

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The Walter W. Stiern Library - The Walter W. Stiern Library, completed in 1994, provides state of the art facilities for information technology, as well as housing the library collection of more than 600,000 books and periodicals, the Media Center, the instructional television program, and most of the campus’ computer laboratories.

The Stiern Library is the first building on campus planned from conception to take full advantage of the new technology for storing and retrieving information.  A revolution in communications technology has changed the way information is handled and that new technology has been introduced into every corner of the new library.  The library provides access to the information superhighway and a global network of resources.  Many new electronic services are available through the Internet and the World Wide Web.

The Media Center and computer labs occupy the lower level.  The main entrance on the first floor houses basic services and collections: circulation, reference, government publications, and a reading room.  The second floor holds the university’s extensive periodical collection, the audiovisual collections, and other materials.  Reading tables, individual study carrels, and group study rooms are located beside the open stacks on the third and fourth floors.

The library staff share with faculty the responsibility of developing a comprehensive library collection to serve the university.  The staff work closely with faculty to help students learn how to use the library through practical exercises related to classroom assignments.

A well-established interlibrary loan network enables students and faculty to use the library resources at all California State University campuses, the University of California libraries, as well as other libraries nationwide.

The library has been designed and arranged for self-service, with most books and other reference materials available on open shelves.  Several microform reading and printing stations, microcomputers and terminals, and limited listening and other audio visual equipment are also available.

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