Cal State Fullerton University Extension offers students flexible and innovative pathways to achieve their academic goals through programs like Open University and Summer and Winter Session. Here’s a recap of key achievements and milestones from the 2023-24 fiscal year.
In the past year, Open University saw a 5% increase in participation, with 3,638 course enrollments and 1,629 students. Strategic initiatives, including efforts to improve online self-service technology and reduce enrollment barriers, played a key role in this growth.
The year was also a transitional one for the OU team, with Margaret Luzzi, program adviser and administrator, retiring after a dedicated 35 years of service. Up until her retirement, Luzzi spearheaded campus academic and administrative departments to improve the OU enrollment process. Advisers Suzanne Batista and Michelle Hernandez also took initiative, with Batista conducting pre-enrollment orientations for University Semester Abroad students and Hernandez meeting with California State University counterparts to advance the goals of Bring Back Titans, a program designed to support CSUF students returning to campus to complete their degrees.
Summer Session 2023, open to currently admitted students, offered 752 different courses, predominantly offered online, and saw a total of 7,237 students. This included students who participated in summer study abroad programs. Students traveled abroad to Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea and Spain.
By enrolling in summer courses through University Extension, students were able to stay on track for graduation, accelerate their graduation date, boost their GPA, explore a new culture while earning course credit studying abroad and more. Summer Session continues to be a vital resource for students to achieve academic success while exploring opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.
Winter Session 2024 experienced a 6% enrollment increase with more than 2,500 students across 115 courses. The condensed format of two to four weeks, combined with the convenience of primarily online offerings, allowed students to efficiently complete coursework during the winter break.
Faculty-led study abroad programs were another highlight of Winter Sessions. 30 Business Honors students studied International Economy in Brazil and Argentina through a program led by Lorenzo Bizzi, professor of management, and 25 students studied in Costa Rica with Diana Robles, lecturer in child and adolescent studies.
The 2023-24 year was marked by growth, innovation and a commitment to student success across University Extension’s programs. Whether through Open University’s expanded accessibility, the diverse opportunities of Summer Session or the efficiency of Winter Session, students continue to have resources for achieving their goals.
Read more about 2023-24 achievements in University Extension’s 2024 Annual Impact Report.