SSU generally accepts all qualified students who apply from high schools in its service area; 80 per cent of the first-year students and 55 per cent of the junior transfer students come from outside the North Bay region. With 34 per cent of the student body living on campus, it is one of the most residential campuses within the California State University system. The SSU educational experience fosters intellectual, cognitive, social and personal growth. The faculty and staff provide collaborative relationships with students and an education that fosters ethical exploration, civic engagement, social responsibility, and global awareness combined with a solid foundation in an academic discipline. Many classes average fewer than 40 students, allowing close interaction between students and faculty. SSU commits to graduating students who can think critically, ethically, and effectively use information technology.