Besides the new state-of-the-art apartments on the south side of campus, the Fall 2010 freshman class of almost 1,300 students will enjoy many new ‘smart’ and recently-modernized classrooms.
The total incoming class of full- and part-time students is estimated at close to 2,500.
College Creek opened on time for the Aug. 23 start of the 2010-2011academic year. It will see the unveiling next semester of state-of-the-art retail and market space, a 10,594 square foot community center and a regulation NCAA synthetic turf soccer field made of recycled rubber.
The $47 million complex houses 434 students in four buildings and provides modern amenities, including furnished kitchens with microwaves and dishwashers. A typical unit houses three bedrooms, double occupancy, with two baths and a living area.
College Creek is bounded by 14th Street to the south, College Avenue (“Willow Walk”) to the east, Harpst Street to the north and L.K. Wood Boulevard to the west.
Construction funding is provided by state bonds that are repaid using rent paid by students, and separate from the university’s operating and academic budgets.
The estimated first-time freshmen class of 1,300 would have reached record levels for the fourth year running if the university had not been forced by state budget cuts to curtail enrollment by 6.5 percent for 2010/2011, said HSU Director of Admissions Scott Hagg. “Nevertheless,” he said, “the grand total for this fall, 2,468, is strong, and our campus-wide efforts to raise the number of underrepresented students have proved exceptionally fruitful, with increases in first-time freshmen Latino, black and Native American students.”
Latino enrollments are 317, versus 290 a year ago; blacks 83, up from 57; and American Indians nearly doubled in number, to 21 from 11.
Looking ahead, Hagg said Humboldt State will require higher academic standards for new freshmen seeking admission for the Fall 2011 semester. HSU is receiving more qualified applicants than can be enrolled. Prospective freshmen will have to document higher grades and SAT/ACT scores.
“We will review all freshmen applications after the submission period ends on November 30,” Hagg said. “Our admissions letters are generally sent by the end of December and we will begin offering admission to the most qualified applicants.”