City and civic representatives with join educators next Tuesday to officially open the University of San Francisco's new Pleasanton campus.

Classes are already in session at the school, which is located at 6120 Stoneridge Mall Road, "but it's time for a special ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Pleasanton campus," said Anne-Marie Devine, the university's senior director of Media Relations.

The campus has six SMART classrooms with integrated networking, A/V equipment and wireless Internet. The professionally staffed library and computer lab offer assistance to students and faculty during the week and on Saturdays. Administrative and advising offices, a multipurpose room, student lounges, private faculty offices and a faculty lounge are all designed to provide a comfortable learning environment.

"The new USF Pleasanton campus builds upon our extensive 30-year history in serving the academic and professional development needs of the East Bay," said Desiree Shaw, director of USF's Pleasanton campus. "We are excited about the move and the opportunity to expand our program offerings and host workshops and educational seminars for the community-at-large."

Added Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, herself a USF graduate: "The University of San Francisco enjoys a top-notch reputation across the entire country, providing quality education leading to improved life-skills and meaningful careers. Through its campuses, this premier institution makes possible a quality educational experience to those who might otherwise not have access."

"The East Bay campus made it possible for me to realize my dreams," Hosterman said. "And now, I am so pleased to welcome the University of San Francisco's East Bay campus to the city of Pleasanton."

Classes at the USF's Pleasanton campus are primarily scheduled on nights and weekends to accommodate adult professionals who wish to complete their bachelor's degree, earn a teaching credential or a master's degree. The academic programs at the Pleasanton campus are offered through the School of Management, School of Education, and School of Nursing and Health Professions.

USF President Stephen A. Privett, Provost Jennifer Turpin and a number of elected officials and business leaders from around the Bay are expected to join in next Tuesday's celebration, Devine said.

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