The University begins operations in Escondido on Sept 25, new freshmen arrive on Sept 27, and classes begin on October 2nd at our new campus in historic downtown Escondido. The University has completely remodeled its new 24,000 sq. ft. academic building at 155 W. Grand Ave, which sits at the intersection of historic Grand Avenue and the Maple Street Pedestrian Plaza. The University is in escrow to purchase the 5,600 sq. ft. 200 W. Grand Ave to house administrative offices. The University has leased 237 W. Grand Ave to house the University's 'Incubator on Grand', and faculty offices will be housed in leased space at 220 W. Grand Ave. These four building will form the nucleus of our new urban campus. The University has leased 23 apartments in the new downtown Latitude 33 apartment complex.

University president Dr. Derry Connolly expressed that 'We are very excited to move to Escondido. Very many people in the community have reached out to welcome us. The charm and ambience of the historic downtown is very attractive to our creative entertainment media students. The California Center for the Arts is a major asset. This Fall, we launch an 'Acting for Stage and Screen' emphasis within our Communications Media degree program. Our students living, studying and filming downtown will add a positive vibrancy and will create a media buzz on Grand Ave. The University will build an entertainment media industry cluster - creating new and attracting existing media production and video game development companies to Escondido and the region.'