The following is a press release from University Communications, released on the evening of Jan. 17:­

For the first time in Fresno State history, the university surpassed its spring enrollment target on the first day of classes by 778 students with an unofficial headcount enrollment of 20,780,­reports­Bernie Vinovrski, associate vice president for enrollment.

Spring semester classes began today.

The enrollment figures include a growth of more than 200 new upper division transfer students over spring 2011 numbers. The retention of continuing students continues to improve as well, Vinovrski said.

He attributes the increased numbers to the quality of faculty at Fresno State and the university’s outreach efforts.

The official enrollment is released in a few weeks.