Impaction at San Diego State University

SDSU is seeking to adjust the impaction criteria for several academic programs for the 2027-28 academic year. In all cases, the intention is to enable more pre-majors to migrate into their respective major of choice.

Summary of Proposed Changes and Supporting Documents

Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility, BS (20994)

The program is seeking to replace one lower-division prep for the major course (PHIL 140: Technology and Human Nature) with a new course focused more specifically on A.I. and its impacts (LING 120: Machines, Minds, and Society). The goal is to better prepare students for upper-division classes in the discipline. SDSU will work with regional community colleges on the curriculum change, develop articulated course agreements, and will hold prospective transfer applicants harmless in the admissions review process if lacking this class due an inability to enroll in an equivalent course at their home institutions. As the major is still relatively new, the volume of transfer applications is currently limited (11 transfer applications received for fall 2026).

Environmental Sciences, BS (49011) and Geological Sciences, BA/BS (19141)

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences is seeking to add a new 3-unit class, GEOL/ENV S 204: The Climate System, as a required major preparation course for its majors in Environmental Sciences and Geological Sciences (which has four different emphases). The change emanates from an academic program review recommendation to establish more of a shared curriculum, remove redundancy and build new synergy among the department’s majors. Community college partners will be proactively informed to ensure that students understand the change and are able to complete their transfer requirements without delay or disruption, and the new course will be offered fully online so that prospective transfer students can enroll in it through concurrent enrollment. Transfer applications volumes are leaner for these programs compared to more popular STEM majors such as biology and engineering (46 transfer applications received for Environmental Sciences and 40 for all Geological Sciences emphases combined for fall 2026).

Virtual Public Hearings

Notice is hereby given that San Diego State University will hold public hearings to receive comments on the proposed changes to the impaction criteria for several academic programs for the 2027-28 academic year. The hearings will also enable attendees to learn more about how SDSU's first-year admissions criteria continues to evolve during this period of rapid change.

Any person may present oral comments at the public hearings. Persons with similar concerns or opinions are encouraged to choose one representative to speak. Time limitations on presentations may be imposed.

• February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• February 25, 2026, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Public Hearing

Other Stakeholder Updates

• Wednesday, February 18: Academic Affairs Deans and Associate Vice Presidents
• Thursday, February 26: Region X Community College Transfer Center Directors
• Monday, March 2: University Senate Undergraduate Council Subcommittee
• Tuesday, March 3: University Senate Academic Policy and Planning Committee
• Monday, March 9: Associated Students Board of Directors

Public Comment and Submittal of Evidence

Individuals wishing to comment on the proposed changes are invited to submit their comments below.

To be evaluated and considered by campus personnel and the CSU Chancellor's Office, all written comments must be received by San Diego State University by March 1, 2026. Late submittal of written comments or evidence will not be allowed or accepted.

Contact

For additional information, please email us at [email protected].