Fresno State is welcoming students back to the 2026-27 academic year with a new campus dorm and the launch of innovative programs designed to expand student success and prepare graduates for tomorrow’s workforce.
Earlier this week, the university celebrated the opening of the new affordable student housing project — the first major housing initiative on campus in 50 years. The new student housing project adds 228 apartment-style units, some designed for students with children, to campus. This year, 1,598 students will be living in Fresno State Housing, including six student-families. Dorm move-in day is Thursday, Aug. 20.
Fresno State anticipates an incoming class of about 6,820 new undergraduate students — 3,623 freshmen and 3,197 transfers.
Nearly 72.7% of continuing undergraduate students have registered for the fall semester. Total enrollment for the university’s 117th academic year is projected to be about 24,688. (Enrollment numbers are not final until the campus census is conducted in early fall.)
“The start of a new academic year is one of the most exciting times at Fresno State. Our campus comes alive with the energy, ambition and promise of a new generation of students,” said Phong Yang, vice president for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State. “We are honored that so many have placed their trust in us to help them discover their potential and prepare for a lifetime of success.”
The first day of instruction is Monday, Aug. 24. Welcome stations, hosted by staff members, will be held the first two days of classes from 7 to 10 a.m. near parking lots and main walkways around campus to provide students with directions and information.
Student Involvement will host several activities and events during Welcome Week to kick off the new year and help connect students with campus traditions, clubs and organizations and programs. See a complete list of events and activities here.
Other campus updates include:
New minors and programs
The Department of Computer Science is now offering a minor in artificial intelligence with courses on the fundamentals of computer science, programming, artificial intelligence and machine learning to prepare students for jobs that require a background in AI.
The Department of Mathematics is launching a minor in middle school mathematics teaching for nonmath majors, such as liberal studies. It is designed for students who are pursuing or already have a multiple-subject or single-subject credential in another subject, allowing them to add on the California Supplementary Authorization in Mathematics.
The Master of Arts in Sport Administration program will transition to an accelerated one-year format, becoming the first program of its kind in the California State University system.
The Department of Linguistics will offer a bachelor’s degree in Chinese. The CSU consortium degree is a pilot program with San Francisco State University and other CSUs through CSU Fully Online Courses. In addition to Mandarin Chinese language and linguistic skills, the curriculum includes Chinese literature and culture, preparing graduates for diverse careers and graduate programs.
Graduate Business Programs is launching a blended program for accountancy majors that offers an accelerated path for students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and an MBA in just five years. Qualified accountancy students will begin taking graduate-level courses during their senior year, allowing select coursework to count toward both degree programs.
Department changes
The Kremen School of Education and Human Development has renamed two departments and reorganized the academic programs between them. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is now the Department of Advanced Studies in Education. The Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual and Special Education is now the Department of Teacher Preparation.
The Department of Advanced Studies in Education administers early childhood education, education, reading and special education master’s programs and the master of teaching program, along with the reading and literacy leadership specialist credential. The Department of Teacher Preparation now houses the education specialist, single subject, multiple subject and PK-3 teaching credential programs.
Completed construction
Major renovations to the Donald E. Gumz Enology Building and the campus meat lab are finished and will soon be unveiled. These locations will be used by classes this fall. Construction is also complete on a new model manufacturing lab for the Industrial Technology Department.
New campus leaders
Dr. Melinda Roberts started as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Fresno State on July 15. She previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana State University and professor in the School of Criminology and Security Studies. She succeeds Dr. Xuanning Fu who retired at the end of the 2026 spring semester.
Dr. S. Marshall Perry started as the dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State on July 20. He previously served as interim dean of the Kalmanovitz School of Education at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He succeeds Interim Dean Sergio La Porta, who returns to his role as associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State.
Motorized scooter ban
The use of motorized vehicles on campus will be prohibited starting Wednesday, Aug. 19, the first day of fall semester instruction.
Fresno State updated its Buildings and Grounds policy in April to help reduce safety risks on campus and to maintain a safe, accessible environment.
