CSU Gives Overview Of Initiative To Improve Graduation Rates

Cal State University officials gave lawmakers an overview this week of its initiative to improve graduation rates.

Last year, the four-year graduation rate was 21 percent.

CSU Vice Chancellor of Student Success Jeff Gold says that is an all-time high, but the university's goal is to raise that number to 40 percent by the year 2025.

"Probably the top strategy is to ensure students get the courses they need when they need them," says Gold. "Our students lead very busy lives and the availability of courses that they need to progress towards a degree is key."

Gold also says they're hiring more tenure-track faculty and using technology to improve course scheduling.

Sacramento State says it added 658 new course sections this year and it anticipates its four-year graduation rate will rise from nine percent last year to 12 percent this year.

The campus also has a "Finish in Four" program which encourages students to take 30 units their freshman year.

The CSU says it is also working to improve graduation rates for transfer students.

This year, 13 of the system's 23 campuses had their largest graduating classes ever.