Jaycie Thierry
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne is implementing a program to streamline the process for students who transfer here from community colleges with an associate’s degree.
The program was designed by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to offer a two-year path to graduation for these students.
If students are following a path that is approved by the institutions, and they complete their units at the community college, they are automatically accepted to the University of La Verne, said University President Devorah Lieberman, who is also AICCU executive committee chairwoman.
Beginning spring of 2019 the University of La Verne will accept applications for select majors under the new guidelines.
“Having students come in at the sophomore, junior, senior and CAPA levels will add to our diversity and inclusivity. It will even create more intergenerational encounters between traditional students and transfers or CAPAs,” she said.
CAPA, the Campus Accelerated Program for Adults, offers flexible online, on-campus and hybrid classes gear towards busy nontraditional students seeking a bachelor’s degree.
“I chose La Verne because I didn’t want to fight for my classes,” said Lara Bauer, a junior CAPA student from Chaffey College.
“For me, I may have to spend a little more money in the end, but I’m going to get to graduate when I want to.”
The Faculty Senate voted to approve the initiative in December 2017.
“Over the past two years, we’ve sought academic justice,” said Provost Jonathan Reed, who also worked on the implementation of the transfer program.
“What we mean by academic justice is not creating (major) hurdles for students working toward graduation,” he said.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Julia Varela, a second-year criminal justice major who transferred from St. John’s University in New York.
“My worry was getting paperwork and classes transferred over,” she said.
“Fortunately mine did (transfer) but to be guaranteed that, it’s really reassuring to know that they are helping students graduate when they want to.”
Although the circumstances for transfer students vary, most agree that completing their degrees more quickly is a plus.
“The experience for transfer students really is a case-by-case basis,” said Christopher Livingston, a broadcast journalism major and CAPA student. “The opportunities and connections I’ve had because of La Verne have opened up so many doors for me. I’m glad I came to the University of La Verne.”
Reed said that he expects that students who hope to transfer to the University will see the benefits of this new pathway policy as early as fall 2019.
Jaycie Thierry can be reached at jaycie.thierry@laverne.edu.
