Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction start?

Following the CSU's allocation of bond financing, the University will complete the required financing and project-planning steps. Additional project details, including design and construction timelines, will be announced as they become available.

When will classes begin in the building?

Classes will begin once construction is complete. A projected opening date will be shared once the design and construction schedule are finalized.

What happens to Santa Clara Hall?

We are in the early and beginning stages of planning and will have more details as they become available.

What disciplines will be hosted in the building?

The long-awaited project will provide modern instructional, laboratory and collaborative spaces to support building California's engineering workforce. The new facility will expand opportunities for hands-on learning, innovation and industry partnerships while helping meet the growing workforce needs of California's industries of the future. The building will house laboratories and facilities dedicated to several academic programs, including Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Construction Management.

How much funding was secured and where does it come from exactly?

Sacramento State has received a historic investment in the nearly $150 million project, supported by approximately $132 million in Systemwide Revenue Bond financing from the California State University, a generous $15 million philanthropic commitment, and Sacramento State's investment in the project's design. This marks a transformational milestone for one of the University's highest-demand academic programs and reinforces its role as the economic engine of California's Capital region.

Where does the CSU's $132 million come from?

The funding is available through investments in facilities being made this year under the CSU Board of Trustees' 2026-27 budget plan, which supports capital projects and deferred maintenance across the CSU system. The Chancellor's Office allocated $132 million from that plan to Sacramento State for the engineering building. This funding comes from Systemwide Revenue Bonds anticipated in 2027, which the CSU will repay over time with ongoing state allocation dedicated for this purpose.

Is this the largest secured funding for a single project?

Yes, this is the largest funding amount secured for a single building project in Sacramento State's history. As California's economy continues to evolve, the facility will help prepare graduates to meet critical workforce demands and expand access to high-quality, workforce-focused education.

Who is the private donor behind the $15M gift, and why did he choose to support this project? / Who will it be named after?

Ernest E. Tschannen is a Swiss immigrant, successful real estate investor, Sacramento State's top donor, and one of its most influential philanthropists. Having come to the United States seeking opportunity, Tschannen credits much of his success to the opportunities he found here. Through his philanthropy, he seeks to help students access the same kind of opportunities that helped shape his own future. His generosity helped inspire the creation of the Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex, demonstrating how philanthropic investment can expand educational opportunities for thousands of students and strengthen the University's impact across the Capital Region. Building on that legacy and with his substantial gift to the project, Sacramento State's new engineering building will create similar opportunities for students, providing the experiences and resources needed to prepare future engineers for the region's workforce.

How many students will this benefit?

The College of Engineering and Computer Science is home to approximately 5,000 students and more than 35,000 alumni, offering six Bachelor of Science and five Master of Science degree programs that prepare graduates for careers across California's fastest-growing industries.

How does this impact the future workforce?

The College offers six Bachelor of Science and five Master of Science degree programs that prepare graduates for careers across California's fastest-growing industries. With an estimated 85% job placement rate, the College has established itself as a premier destination for engineering education and workforce development.

Why is the state/CSU Board of Trustees investing in this building now?

Sacramento State has advocated for this project for 20 years, and it was identified as a top priority for the CSU system's infrastructure investment. The BOT's decision to allocate bond financing to the project follows that long-standing advocacy and the state's recognition of Sacramento State's role in meeting California's growing demand for engineering graduates.

How long has this been part of Sac State's plans?

A new engineering facility has been part of the University's long-term planning discussions for 20 years. The project is now advancing thanks to sustained advocacy and support from University leaders and the CSU system, which helped secure the funding needed to move it forward.

What are next steps?

The next steps include developing design renderings for the new building and formulating plans to expedite construction. In the coming months, the College of Engineering and Computer Science will also engage industry partners, alumni, community leaders, and others in conversations about the project scope, facility needs, and opportunities to enhance the building's impact. Additional project details, including design and construction timelines, will be announced as they become available.

Who should I contact to learn more about supporting the project through an industry partnership or philanthropic contribution?

To learn more about supporting the project through an industry partnership or philanthropic contribution, please contact us using this form.