This is an archived version of the University Catalog and is no longer being maintained. References to people, offices, policies, and web links may be outdated. View the current catalog or email catalog@csuchico.edu for updated information. Students who have catalog rights to this version of the catalog should check with an advisor for graduation requirements.

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President's Welcome

A woman in a cardinal red jacket and black pants, stands with arms folded across the front of her body, leaning to the right on a tree trunk. She wears glasses, has short brownish-red hair, and smiles.
CSU, Chico President,
Gayle E. Hutchinson

Greetings.

In this catalog, you will find a wealth of knowledge about California State University, Chico, an award-winning university and leader in sustainability and student success. As you explore this site, you will discover people, programs, admissions and advising services, and other resources of a university guided by deep and enduring values and committed to student learning. Chico State is a university that leads in teaching, service, and scholarship; this has been our legacy since our founding 130 years ago.

A comprehensive, four-year university, Chico State embraces the motto “Today Decides Tomorrow.” We take these words to heart as we focus with optimism and hope on the future, while building on the best of our past. We aspire to create a vital and collaborative living and learning experience for our 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and an environment devoted to reason, respect, civility and community, as well as an appreciation for our beautiful downtown home in the city of Chico.

Our mission is to serve Northern California, the state, the nation and the global community by adhering to a set of guiding principles.

Our focus on sustainability: We live in an interconnected world and have a duty to dwell responsibly in the present and be mindful of the footprint we leave behind. Chico State is frequently recognized for its longstanding commitment to providing leadership toward a more sustainable and resilient future. The choices we make today to maintain a clean environment, a healthy population, and sustainable practices will benefit future generations.

Our commitment to service: It is our mission to serve Northern California, the state, the nation and the global community through excellence in learning, scholarship and creativity, and public engagement. Students at Chico state have opportunities to help meet a broad base of community needs, engaging through curricular and co-curricular experiences that actively involve them in serving the public good..

Our pursuit of diversity: We hold dear the values of multicultural respect, awareness and understanding, and we pursue diversity not just as an idea to embrace, but as a community to form. We are one university, one community. Chico State has an impressive record of effective diversity efforts that spans more than 50 years. Today’s momentum in this regard will fuel our passion and enhance our efforts in ways that will make us renowned for building diverse and inclusive communities of excellence.

Our excellence in global education: Because our world is more inter-connected than ever before, we value international experiences for students on our campus and around the world. Since 2009, the Institute of International Education has ranked Chico State a top-four school for year-long student abroad participants.

It is no secret that Chico State is a top-value school. We pride ourselves on the opportunities we offer, the transformation we witness, and the remarkable success of our students and alumni. The University Catalog is a gateway that will introduce you to what-we-call the Chico Experience.

We are one University, one community, one team.

We invite you to consider joining us!

Gayle E. Hutchinson
CSU, Chico President

Catalog Cycle:18