Stanislaus State is accepting applications through Aug. 31 for the spring 2017 semester for academically eligible first-time freshmen and upper-division transfers.

The University at this time is not accepting spring 2017 applications for lower-division transfers (transfers with fewer than 60 semester/90 quarter units.) Also, applicants seeking a second baccalaureate degree will be considered only if applying to the nursing program and will need an authorization code to apply on CSU Mentor.

Janice L. Herring, a full-time lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology at Stanislaus State, has been elected as the West Regional Vice President for The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the  nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Herring will work with Phi Kappa Phi chapter officers and members to strengthen and enhance chapters in the West region. She will serve a two-year term.

If you come to campus via Highway 99 we encourage you to use either the Fulkerth or Taylor road exits to access campus Aug. 22-24 to avoid the detour and delays due to the complete closure of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at Monte Vista Avenue.

Stanislaus State student Claudia Narez has been selected by the California State University Chancellor’s Office to receive a $3,000 Sally Casanova California Pre-Doctoral Scholarship for 2016-17.

The scholarship program, in its 27th year, provides funding to enable current CSU students to explore whether graduate school is right for them and to prepare those who already are planning to pursue a doctoral program in their chosen field of study. This year, 73 CSU and University of California students received Casanova scholarships.

Michele Lahti has been appointed interim vice president for university advancement at California State University, Stanislaus, overseeing the division’s development and communications operations. She also joins the president’s Cabinet as a member of the University’s leadership team.

Shirley Pok, vice president for university advancement at California State University, Stanislaus, has left the University, aiming to begin a new chapter in her professional career.

During her three years in the position, Pok helped foster opportunities for enhanced private support by assembling a community of fundraising volunteers and donors. During her tenure, the division heightened awareness and advocacy for the University, and reinforced and expanded alumni pride and engagement. 

The value of a Stanislaus State education continues to be recognized on a national scale, with Money magazine ranking Stan State No. 61 in the nation and No. 2 in the 23-campus California State University system for adding value to their graduates’ lives.

Money, which last year ranked Stanislaus State at No. 82 on this same list, bases its rankings on graduation rates, earnings and student loan repayment, first eliminating schools from consideration that have negative grades in any area or have a six-year graduation rate below 50%.

California State University, Stanislaus and the Turlock and Ceres unified school districts have been awarded a grant by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation to expand practice-based training for new K-8 teachers in implementing the state’s math and science standards.