Along with the new additions being planned for SF State, it is also expanding to include a new downtown San Francisco location.

The new space is being acquired in order to "have a major academic presence in the heart of the business community, enriching the university’s continuing education and graduate business opportunities," said the Director of Public Affairs, Ellen Griffin.

The Extended Learning program and the College of Business are scheduled to start occupying the new extension in the spring of 2007. SF State is renting the entire sixth floor and parts fifth of the Westfield San Francisco Center located on 835 Market St., according to a SF State's public affairs Nov. 15 press release.

"San Francisco State’s alumni drive the region’s economy, and it is time for us to have a major academic presence in the heart of the business community," stated SF State President Robert Corrigan in the press release.

According to Nancy Hayes, dean of the College of Business, the department is looking forward to the opening of the new addition.

"We hope to provide a convenient location for the working professional that is interested in getting their graduate business degree and broaden their access to the business community in San Francisco," said Hayes in a phone interview.

Jamie Way, SF State business senior, is in favor of the expansion.

"I think the expansion of SF State’s MBA program is great. It is very conveniently placed, so public transportation is easy, and it's in a great place for nine to fivers working on their degree," said Way. "I think because of the demand for more and more space in SFSU, it is common sense to make this move."

SF State’s highest populated major is business, approximately 1,100 students graduated with different business administrative degrees last year. There are about 447 graduate students currently in the MBA program.

The College of Business will hold meetings with its graduate students to discuss the move and students will be updated throughout the year, according to Hayes.