That figure tops the record for the number of students enrolled in any semester at the university set in fall 1988 with 31,575 students. It also beats last semester's enrollment figure by 233 students.

"We are proud to see a record enrollment at CSUN," said Lorraine Newlon, the university's director of admissions. "This is a testament to our superior instructional programs and our state-of-the-art facilities."

Enrollment at Cal State Northridge in fall 2000 was 29,066 students, in spring 2001 it was 28,939, for an annualized figure for that academic year of 29,003.

This year, the annualized headcount is 31,565, a combination of 31,448 students in fall 2001 and 31,681 students this spring.

Newlon said that unfortunately this demand for a CSUN education also has led to the early closing of admissions to several fall semester programs.

University officials announced last month the closing of admissions to lower-division undergraduate transfer students for the fall 2002 semester as well as to all post-baccalaureate and second bachelor of arts or bachelor of science applicants.

Newlon said she has been impressed with how smoothly the university has been able to absorb the increase in the number of students it serves.

"We've learned from the late 1980s, the last time enrollment was 31,000," she said.

She pointed out that the university has tried to meet the needs of students by offering classes when students indicate they need them, such as at night and on Saturdays. It also offers classes in a variety of modes such as distance learning and on-line.

"Because of the value they place on higher education, the students also are increasingly flexible in their willingness to take courses at the times they are offered so that they can progress toward completion in a timely manner," Newlon said.

California State University, Northridge has more than 31,000 full- and part-time students and offers 63 bachelor's and 51 master's degrees. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the third largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education."