California community colleges and California State University have announced a joint task force charged with the implementation of SB 1440, the Student Transfer Achievement Act, which was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger and goes into effect in fall 2011. The statute establishes a transfer associate degree (A.A.) for those students who have completed 60 transferrable units that include general education and major preparation courses. Community college students that obtain the associate degree designated for transfer will be admitted to the CSU with junior standing.
“I am delighted to serve on the committee that will deliver a clear transfer pathway for community college students to a California State University,” said Eloy Oakley, president of Long Beach City College. “As a community college transfer student myself, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be. I look forward to implementing this new law that promises to help students achieve a college degree and transition into the workforce in a shorter period of time.”
Committee member Douglas Freer, vice president for student affairs at Cal Poly Pomona, said the group hopes to move quickly through the process in order to be ready for fall 2011. “With more than 60 percent of CSU students coming from our community colleges, it is critical that we work to implement SB 1440 as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition and help more students earn their bachelor’s degree.”
An initial meeting of the task force is expected in the next few weeks.
