Cal Lutheran in new student transfer pact

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – July 25, 2018) California Lutheran University is joining with 35 other independent universities in California to provide a guaranteed pathway for community college students wanting to transfer to their institutions.

“We have been a key player in this effort, so we are thrilled that it has come to fruition,” said Cal Lutheran President Chris Kimball. “We have long opened our doors to transfer students and have many programs geared to their unique needs, and we look forward to serving more of them.”

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) and the California Community Colleges (CCC) announced the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathway agreement today. The AICCU institutions will guarantee admission for ADT applicants, give them junior standing on arrival and accept at least 60 transferred units. Students can participate in the program by graduating with an Associate in Arts for Transfer or an Associate in Science for Transfer and transferring to one of the participating four-year independent, nonprofit institutions. The agreement is similar to the one between the CCC and the California State University system.

The number of new transfer students who enroll in Cal Lutheran’s traditional undergraduate programs has increased 46 percent over the last decade, hitting 315 last year. The growth has been fueled by increased recruitment and programs for transfer students. On-the-spot admission events are held on the Pierce, Ventura, Moorpark and Oxnard college campuses. The university offers Transfer Achievement Scholarships that range up to full tuition. A transfer outreach coordinator works directly with Ventura County Community College District students, counselors and faculty members to increase the pipeline of students interested in studying science, technology and math. Science research fellowships match Oxnard College transfers already at Cal Lutheran with students at the community college to work on projects. Transfer students not only participate in all orientation activities but also in special events such as opportunities to meet one-on-one with faculty advisers. 

The AICCU-CCC agreement will help the state fill the need for more workers with bachelor’s degrees. The Public Policy Institute of California forecasts a shortage of 1.1 million qualified workers by 2030.

“The Associate Degree for Transfer program is vital to our economy, and we are proud to work with the AICCU in providing our students additional opportunities to further their education and help guarantee their chances of achieving upward social mobility,” said CCC Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley. 

“Our commitment today will provide tremendous help toward creating new regional college access opportunities for transfer students to attend an institution that best meets their educational goals,” said AICCU President Kristen Soares.