California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Catalog. The 1972-1973 academic year was the first for the campuses of the California State University (CSU) system, although the campuses of the CSU existed under different names prior to 1972. The system can trace its history through the state Normal Schools, dating as far back as 1862. The Northridge campus, located in the San Fernando Valley region of greater Los Angeles, became an independent college in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College (SFVSC). Catalog, 8.5 x 5.25 in.