The festivities will take place in front of the Bayramian Hall/Student Services Building on the west side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The celebration--which will feature free food, live entertainment and a chance to learn about the university’s various student clubs and organizations--will be split in two to accommodate students taking classes at night. Activities will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Each year university staff and faculty, including Northridge President Jolene Koester, volunteer to serve refreshments to the students during the picnic. It provides students, faculty and staff the chance to interact on a more informal basis than they usually do during the school year.

Classes for the fall 2005 semester began at Cal State Northridge on Monday, Aug. 29.