California State University Chancellor Timothy White has approved Fresno State’s proposal to modify the current campus enrollment plan starting in the 2016-17 academic year, in order to deal with growing student demand that cannot be fully accommodated.

The campus will develop an “impaction” plan for all first-time freshmen and new upper division transfers. Impaction will include a variety of tools to manage enrollment.

Impaction occurs when a campus receives more qualified applicants than its state funding model will support. Enrollment at Fresno State has grown significantly in the past five years. Since the fall 2010 term, applications for admission have been at a historic high and continue to increase at a 6 percent rate. At the same time, state budget restrictions across California and throughout the CSU continue to limit the University’s ability to serve all qualified applicants.

Three public hearings were held in March to receive comments and evidence on the proposed change before Fresno State submitted its request to the CSU.

A plan adjusting admission requirements will be developed and will be shared with faculty and administrative bodies. Admission changes will be implemented starting in fall 2016, with impacts as minimally as possible to meet state- and CSU-mandated enrollment targets.

“We are committed to student success, and for some student access to Fresno State through a community college route may be a better path,” said Frank Lamas, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “We know that students who come to us from community colleges have a higher graduation rate than those who arrive as freshmen.”

Lamas said Fresno State’s Outreach Services office and academic advisers will work closely with community colleges to assist these students.