Brandman University applauds state’s expansion of transfer pathway for California community college students

The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.

IRVINE, Calif., July 25 – As a new transfer pathway is announced today between the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Brandman University – a member of the AICCU – reiterates its strong commitment to community college transfer students and continued acceptance of all 36 Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) from the 114 California community colleges.

As a leading career-oriented education institution focused on meeting the unique needs of adult students, Brandman University has provided historical support for California’s ADT program since the California Community Colleges first developed it with the California State University system in 2010.

“Creating clear pathways from California’s community colleges to four-year institutions is one of the most beneficial ways we can support student success and meet the workforce needs of California and beyond,” said Tod A. Burnett, Ed.D., executive vice chancellor at Brandman University. “We applaud our AICCU peers who agreed to sign on to today’s MOU with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and join in Brandman University’s historical commitment to expanding community college transfer students.”

The ADT pathway is designed for students graduating with an Associate in Arts for Transfer or an Associate in Science for Transfer from a California community college and wishing to transfer to a four-year independent, nonprofit institution such as Brandman University. A memorandum of understanding was signed today by the AICCU President Kristen Soares and California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley to expand the number of California’s independent nonprofit higher education institutions like Brandman University that are committed to the access and success of students, and affordability of quality education across the state.

This pathway is the AICCU sector’s adoption of the Associate Degree for Transfer pathway between the California Community Colleges and the California State University system. Much like the current CSU ADT pathway, Brandman University continues its policy to guarantee admission and junior standing for ADT students who apply, as well as accepting a minimum of 60 units transferred. Brandman University is one of just two participating AICCU institutions that accepts all 36 ADT majors.

“AICCU has been actively engaged with Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to open up a guaranteed transfer pathway for community college students to transfer to an independent California institution,” said Soares. “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 and increases their opportunity to succeed.”

“Projections from the Public Policy Institute of California say the state will by 2030 have a shortage of 1.1 million workers holding a bachelor’s degree needed to meet workforce demands,” said Oakley. “The Associate Degree for Transfer program is vital to our economy, and we are proud to work with the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities in providing our students additional opportunities to further their education and help guarantee their chances of achieving upward social mobility.”

California’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities enroll about 8,500 transfer students annually, and, with this partnership with the California Community Colleges, hope to increase that number to ensure all students can find a place at a California institution. AICCU institutions serve nearly 189,500 undergraduate students, who reflect the rich diversity of the state. Brandman University embodies a mission of serving California’s diverse population, with flexible education programs that serve the varying needs of nontraditional students including full-time workers, active military, parents, and other adults looking to further their career.

As an independent, nonprofit institution Brandman University is at the forefront of new education initiatives, including programs with interdisciplinary perspective and corporate-academic partnerships that provide students with skill sets that are critical for success in today’s rapidly changing workforce. Brandman University offers undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs at campuses throughout California and Washington and online, and through its self-paced online competency-based education modality, Brandman MyPath ™.

For more information on the AICCU ADT pathway, visit the AICCU Transfer Commitment webpage. Visit Brandman.edu to learn more about its academic programs that meet the unique needs of adult students and working professionals.

About Brandman University
Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative curriculum and strong support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs across its schools of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and health. Brandman serves 12,000 students annually with programs available at more than 25 campuses throughout California and Washington and online, and through Brandman MyPath ™, our self-paced online competency-based education modality. The university’s online programs consistently rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. For additional information, visit http://www.brandman.edu.

About AICCU
The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is comprised of 82 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities, which make up the Independent California Colleges and Universities (ICCU) sector. The ICCU sector plays a pivotal role in the development of the state's model higher education offerings and in making California a symbol of innovation across the globe. Within California, ICCU institutions award 21 percent of all bachelors degrees and 54% of graduate degrees, making them the largest preparers of California's advanced workforce.

Media Contact:
Krystin Williamson
Brandman@allisonpr.com
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