CSUN administrators are reporting an increase in applications for admission, in correlation with a similar trend throughout the entire CSU system.

Harold Hellenbrand, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said CSUN has seen an increase of around 4,000 applicants this year.

“In the last year, we’ve seen an increase of at least 20 to 25 percent more students applying to the university,” Hellenbrand said. “Even though tuition has gone up 8 to 10 percent over the last few semesters. We still offer students a good deal.”

Javier Hernandez, director of Student Outreach and Recruitment Services, said he feels students are applying in greater numbers due to increased outreach efforts. Outreach representatives at CSUN now visit about 165 schools, up from 100.

“Students tend to be a little bit more knowledgeable of CSUN thanks to the coordinated efforts between our department and Admissions,” Hernandez said.

These outreach programs are effectively recruiting high school students from the Valley and Greater Los Angeles area, Hellenbrand said.

“We used to focus on ninth and 10th graders,” said Frank Colon, Student Outreach and Recruitment outreach specialist. “Now we are focusing on 11th graders, informing them about the admissions requirements and the EOP program.”

The Student Outreach and Recruitment Services sponsors onsite admission days as well. These events draw in large numbers of prospective students.

To ensure a quick response, applicants are encouraged to apply during the priority registration period. Applying during this period is important if students plan to attend campuses that are in high demand, said Hernandez.

“The Outreach Recruitment program advises students to apply during the priority registration period,” Hernandez said. “If students apply during that time and are eligible, they will be admitted.”

Another aspect of recruitment is the college intern. The interns do presentations at various high schools and junior colleges in an attempt to inform and bring in new students.

“The interns are doing a marvelous job reaching out to the students,” Hernandez said. “They inform students about the great opportunities here at CSUN.”

During the in-class presentations, interns also inform potential students about student life and make an impact on the students, because they are relatively close in age to the students.

“The outreach program is extremely successful as we visit schools throughout the valley, Ventura, Los Angeles, and even the Antelope Valley,” said Jerry De Felice, Outreach Internship Program coordinator.

“CSUN also has great graduate programs,” Hernandez said. “Students come here because they find the programs they are looking for.”