California State University, Fresno

Henry Madden Library

The Henry Madden Library is a main resource for recorded knowledge and information supporting the teaching, research, and service functions of Fresno State.[17] Because of its size and depth, it is an important community and regional resource and a key part of the institution's role as a regional university.

The library recently underwent a $105 million renovation that was completed in February 2009. The library held its grand opening on February 19, 2009 and is now home to a variety of book collections. The library houses 1,000,000 books in its 327,920 sq ft (30,465 m²).[18] The library is home to the largest installation of compact shelving on any single floor in the United States. The shelves amount to over 20 miles (32 km) in length.[18] It is currently the third largest library in the CSU system (in terms of square footage), and among the top ten largest in the CSU system based on the number of volumes. It also is the largest academic building on the Fresno State campus.[18] The five-story building features seating areas for almost 4,000 people, group study rooms, wireless access and a Starbucks.[19]

Public computers are available. Student, faculty and staff have access to over 200 wireless laptops, a media production lab for editing digital video and audio, and an instruction and collaboration center (Studio 2) for teaching information literacy skills. Reference assistance can be accessed by telephone, e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and in-person in the Library.[19]

The Henry Madden Library features a number of special collections such as the Arne Nixon Center, a research center for the study of children's and young adult literature, and the Central Valley Political Archive.[20]

Michael Gorman, the former dean of the Library, was the President of the American Library Association in 2005–2006.[21] As of 2017, Delritta Hornbuckle is the Library's Dean.[22]

• 
  Henry Madden Library
• 
  Music Building
• 
  The Craig School of Business with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background
• 
  The Old Administration Building, Fresno State's first permanent building (now part of Fresno City College)
• 
  Tree Walk, part of Fresno State's arboretum
• 
  Joyal Administration building

Science 2 Building

California State University, Fresno is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The five engineering programs in the Lyles College of Engineering are each accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Craig School of Business is AACSB accredited. The university is classified by the U.S. Federal government as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI),[28] Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and an Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) because the Hispanic undergraduate full-time-equivalent student enrollment is greater than 25%.[29]

Student Union

In May 2019, the university saw the largest graduating class in its history, with over 6,200 graduates.[30]

• Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
• College of Arts and Humanities
• Craig School of Business
• Kremen School of Education and Human Development
• Lyles College of Engineering
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Science and Mathematics
• College of Social Sciences

The Smittcamp Family Honors College is a program providing top high school graduates a fully paid President's Scholarship, which includes tuition and housing, as well as other amenities for the duration of their studies.

Admission to the Smittcamp Family Honors College is highly competitive and candidates must exceed one or more of the following: have a minimum 3.8 GPA, rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, have a combined SAT score of 1200 or an average ACT English and Mathematics score of 27.[31]

Smittcamp Honors Scholars must also complete rigorous academic and community service requirements. International study abroad programs are available. Smittcamp Honors College students receive priority registration for all courses, regular interaction with the university president, and special honors recognition at commencement.[32] The Honors College is named after longtime campus friends and philanthropists Earl and Muriel Smittcamp.

• In its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Fresno State tied for 196th out of 389 U.S. national universities and tied for 100th in its ranking of 209 "Top Public Schools".[40]
• In its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report also ranked Fresno State tied for 26th in "Top Performers on Social Mobility" among national universities and tied for 60th in the nation in its "Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs" at schools where doctorates are not offered.[41]
• Money magazine ranked Fresno State 62nd in the country out of 739 schools evaluated for its 2020 "Best Colleges for Your Money" edition[42] and 40th in its list of the 50 best public schools in the U.S.[43]
• In 2020, Washington Monthly ranked Fresno State 26th out of 389 schools on its National Universities list. Washington Monthly assesses the quality of schools based on social mobility, research, and promoting public service.[44]
• In 2019, Forbes magazine's "America's Top Colleges" list ranked Fresno State 417th out of 650 universities, liberal arts colleges, and service academies nationwide.[45]
• In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Fresno State first in the nation in its list of best public universities in graduation rate performances.[46]

The Student Involvement Center[49] provides services, programs and co-curricular educational activities that give student the opportunity to develop skills and expand their knowledge. Their core purpose is to promote engagement and cultivate student growth through support and teamwork, service, growth and learning, leadership and inclusion.[50] Some key events the Student Involvement Center plan are Convocation, Homecoming Week, Vintage Days, Commencement, and more.

• Fraternities and sororities has been part of Fresno State for 89 years and includes 42 single-sex fraternities and sororities consisting of over 1,400 men and women.[51] The Student Involvement Center is charged with advising the four Greek Councils at Fresno State: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Panhellenic Association (PHA), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the United Sorority & Fraternity Council (USFC). Councils are provided support in the areas of programming, council management, leadership development, membership recruitment, policy interpretation, scholastic achievement, and public relations.[52] Chapter directory can be found here.[53]

Kremen School of Education

Student clubs and organizations are groups that have been recognized by the university. Clubs and organizations can be based on academic, cultural, recreational, religious or other special interests. These groups are required to apply for recognition to receive support from the university.[54]

ASI is the recognized student body government at Fresno State. Through ASI, students participate in the governance of the university through fostering awareness of student opinions on campus issues and assisting in the protection of student rights.[55] Twenty students are elected each year. There are four executives who include a President, Vice President, Vice President of Finance, and a Vice President of External Affairs, ten at-large senators and eight college senators. Those elected serve annual terms from June 1 to May 31.[56]

ASI provides funding for student-related projects on campus. Sponsored Activities Funding provides supplemental event funding for recognized student clubs and organizations. The Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) fund provides funding for activities and laboratory experiences that are partially sponsored by an academic program, discipline, or department. Grants provide financial support for graduate and undergraduate student research, projects, and other scholarly endeavors in all academic disciplines.[55]

Downing Planetarium

The campus on a foggy morning

In February 2006, the Student Recreation Center opened. Construction costs were paid for and operating funds are derived from a semester student-use fee. While an Association entity, the Student Recreation Center is under the direction of the Division of Student Affairs. The Student Recreation Center is adjacent to the Save Mart Center arena.[57]

Any student who has paid the USU student-use fee in the current semester is eligible to use the Recreation Center. Faculty and staff may join at a monthly rate. This facility is not available to the general public.

The center has four full-size basketball courts, a dance studio, a 1/8 mile (200 m) indoor running track, locker rooms, 2 racquetball courts, aerobic equipment, and weight-lifting machines. Services include personal training, group fitness classes, towel service and personal lockers.[57]

In late 2018, students voted in construction of a new student union. Construction is slated to begin in early 2020 and end in 2021. The new student union will be built to accommodate a campus of around 25,000 students. The new union will feature "new retail dining concepts, a large, multi-purpose ballroom, space for student clubs and organizations, offices for Associated Students, Inc. and Student Involvement, and many other needed programmatic spaces." A fee of $149 will be included in students tuition costs once the faculty opens to repay its construction costs.[58]

The original student union was constructed on November 11, 1968 and was built to accommodate a campus of 10,000 students. The building is 52,000 square feet and has three levels, one of which is underground.[59]

Home to 1,100 students, University Courtyard consists of nine housing communities of both suite and community style living. Fresno State's classrooms, library, computer lab, student activities, athletic facilities, theater, Save Mart Center, Student Recreation Center and health center are all within walking distance of the residence halls.

University Courtyard offers a computer lab and an outdoor swimming pool. The Courtyard has lighted parking, an electronic room and hall lock system, gated bicycle racks and campus escorts. During the fall and spring, all halls have live-in staff available 24 hours/7 days a week.[60]