Camarillo, CA. - The priority application period for students intending to enter CSU Channel Islands (CI) or any California State University campus in fall 2010 opened at midnight on October 1.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible but, no later than Nov. 30, 2009, to be admitted to their preferred campus. Challenges brought on by California's budget shortfall are once again forcing all CSU campuses to reduce student enrollment. Twelve campuses have declared impaction and CI is anticipating more applications than ever.

Statewide most CSU campuses are not accepting new applicants for the spring semesters. While CI is open in spring 2010 for post baccalaureate programs, it will not open to new undergraduates in spring 2010 and will not open to new undergraduates in spring 2011. Students who wish to transfer from the local community colleges should plan ahead to be fully eligible to transfer in the fall semester.

Last year CI received over 6,000 applications from high school seniors and could only accommodate 500 students. Close to 2,000 transfer students applied for just 600 spaces. “Our regional students have priority,” said Ginger Reyes, Director of Admissions & Recruitment, “but this means that they must get their application in by November 30, meet all requirements, and send us transcripts, test scores (for freshmen applicants), and the $55 application fee by the published deadline.”

Since the CI campus will not be open to spring applicants, administrators advise students to plan ahead and apply during the priority filing period for fall. “Our reputation as a small campus with excellent programs has made us a destination campus for thousands of students,” said Jane Sweetland, Dean of Enrollment. “We could grow faster than the state budget situation is allowing us, but that’s our current reality.”

For more information about CSU Channel Islands admissions visit www.csuci.edu or call the Admissions office at 805-437-8520.

For media inquiries contact Nancy Gill, Director of Communication & Marketing at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-8456 or nancy.gill@csuci.edu.