Related Links
Documents:
- Transfer Reform Fact Sheet
- SB 1440 Official Bill Language
- AB 2302 Official Bill Language
Research:
- Crafting a Student-Centered Transfer Process in California: Lessons from Other States, Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy
- California Community College Transfer: Cutting the Gordian Knot, Mary Gil
Links:
- SB 1440 & AB 2302 Policy Endorsers
- SB 1440 Implementation & Oversight Committee
- Transfer Reform in the Media
Transfer Pathway Reform
Historic Legislation
On September 29, 2010, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a historic transfer reform package into law (SB 1440 and AB 2302), this landmark legislation establishes a streamlined transfer process from our community colleges to our four year universities so that students have a clear path to a bachelor’s degree. This will help California produce more college graduates and keep the state competitive and innovative.
Students across California have faced numerous barriers to transfer, a core function of the California Community College system. The process is inconsistent, duplicative and coursework requirements are ever-changing. These barriers frustrate and discourage students and add expense to both the student and the state and contribute to the unacceptable low transfer rates for degree-seeking students in California of only 25%.
The Streamlined Process
Transfer reform will mean the following:
- A clear transfer pathway for students requiring 60 semester unites form the Community College system to the California State University (CSU), beginning in the fall of 2011
- Students completing the transfer pathway will earn an Associate Degree and guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system
- The University of California (UC) is requested to develop a transfer Associate Degree pathway similar to the one offered by the CSU
- The Chancellor’s Office of the CCC’s will establish a process to facilitate the seamless acceptance of credits at multiple colleges (in case students move from one campus to another).
Streamlining the transfer process could save the state approximately $160 million annually and enable the community college system to serve 40,000 more students and the CSU system 13,000 additional students per year. This is even more crucial during these tough budget times when budget cuts to higher education are limiting enrollment, reducing course offerings, and increasing student fees.
After decades of resistance, successfully passing these bold student-centered transfer reform policy solutions is only half the battle. The Campaign and its coalition is working to ensure that SB 1440 and AB 2302 are implemented effectively.
Implementation
The Campaign’s implementation strategy focuses on three areas: Oversight, outreach, and the establishment of a successful implementation model statewide.
Why We Do What We Do:
Do you wonder why we are so passionate about improving community college transfer reform? We know the data, but it is the stories of college students like Reid Milburn that keep us focused on making a clear transfer pathway from community college to university possible. Click here to read her story.