By Jillian Beck | Cal State LA News Service
Cal State LA has once again been recognized for its exemplary efforts in enrolling and supporting transfer students.
The university was among 15 colleges and universities in California recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity as 2019 Champions of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer. The institutions included 12 community colleges and three California State University campuses.
This is the second consecutive year Cal State LA has received the recognition, which honors colleges and universities that have increased the number of students earning an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling those students at a CSU with junior status, and graduating them with bachelor's degrees.
An Associate Degree for Transfer, sometimes called a “Degree with a Guarantee,” is a special degree offered at all California Community Colleges that guarantees transfer to many four-year universities in the state, including the CSU.
The goal of the partnership is to provide a clear pathway for students to transfer under the same program of study as their ADT to ensure timely and cost-effective completion of their bachelor’s degree program.
Of Cal State LA’s nearly 3,000 transfer students in fall 2018, 28% were ADT students on a guaranteed pathway in their program of study, according to the Campaign for College Opportunity.
“Having the structure of the ADT program not only helped me save money, but it gave me peace of mind and made me feel like I have accomplished a significant step towards earning my bachelor’s degree,” said Leily Sanchez, a Cal State LA transfer student majoring in business administration with an option in marketing. She expects to graduate in spring 2020.
Cal State LA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jose A. Gomez praised the efforts of ADT students and their contributions to the university.
“We are gratified to be recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity for a second straight year,” he said. “Of course, the true winners are the transfer students who are working so hard to get ahead and pursue their dreams. They add immeasurably to the culture of student success that we champion at Cal State LA, and we’re privileged that they have chosen us as the place where they will complete their bachelor’s degree studies.”
The colleges and universities were recognized on Nov. 14, along with California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, at an event celebrating the Campaign for College Opportunity’s 15th anniversary. Cal State LA President William A. Covino accepted the award on behalf of the university.
“Every year, we are excited to see thousands of students earning their Associate Degrees for Transfer and continuing their education at a university,” said Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “The Campaign is proud to honor the top California leaders and campuses that are doing the necessary work to ensure transfer students can achieve their college dreams.”
Photo: Cal State LA President William A. Covino (far right) accepted the award from the Campaign for College Opportunity at an event with alumni and students. (Credit: Cal State LA)
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 28,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.
Cal State LA is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex and the TV, Film and Media Center. For more information, visit www.CalStateLA.edu.
12/19/19