Sacramento State University is on the rise, and it’s not just in enrollment numbers—although they’ve reached a whopping 31,307 students this fall. President Luke Wood is navigating the waves of change in his third year, proposing a shift from a commuter campus to a more residential environment. This includes a new stadium and an on-campus living requirement for incoming students. It’s a plan that sounds promising, but is it the answer to student success, or could it alienate many prospective students?
The university is feeling the pinch from budget cuts in the California State University system, which has had a ripple effect, forcing Sac State to reevaluate its spending. With a 3% budget cut looming and tuition hikes on the horizon, Wood believes that increasing student housing could be a game changer. He argues that living on campus fosters better academic engagement, with students benefiting from close access to tutoring, advising, and other resources.
However, not everyone is on board with these proposed changes. Many worry that the on-campus living requirement could make college less accessible for those financially strapped. Yet, conjoining athletics with academics by upgrading facilities might elevate Sac State’s profile, positioning graduates for greater success in the job market. As the saying goes,“you’ve got to spend money to make money.”Just how far will Sac State go to transform student life—and can it do so without sacrificing accessibility?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
hello I'm Andrew and I built LocalBeat!
