Academic Calendar
Blackboard
One Drive
School Email
Course Eval
Library
Moodle
Student Portal
Forms
Printing System
Well Connect
Catalog
Store
Library
Student Portal
Printing System
Well Connect
CatalogIf you missed the CH Student Town Hall on October 2, you can watch the recording at the link below, or read the detailed bullet point list of topics, questions, and answers discussed during the meeting.
CH Student Town Hall:
Passcode: ZVi0E.V&
- Transition Overview and Reasoning:
- Announcement that Pacific College’s Chicago and San Diego campuses will transition to Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) in May 2026.
- Motivation is to further an integrative medicine vision encompassing nursing, acupuncture, and massage, with nurses as central promotors of eastern medicine to patients.
- Regulatory challenges in California led to partnership with SCU after failed attempts to expand Pacific’s holistic nursing model locally.
- All relevant educational authorities have verbally approved the transition; mechanics and timeline. Finalizations are ongoing.
- SCU Institutional Values:
- SCU’s whole health model integrates Eastern and Western modalities, with experience in chiropractic, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurveda, occupational therapy, genetic counseling, psychology, and more.
- SCU was among first to offer entry-level acupuncture doctorates in California and maintains strong interprofessional and co-curricular offerings.
- Continuity for Students:
- Current students will complete their programs with existing curriculum and faculty, minimizing disruption.
- Diplomas for students graduating before the close date expected by May 1 will show Pacific College; those graduating after will show SCU.
- Tuition for currently enrolled students remains the same, but all fees will convert to SCU’s published rates after the transition.
- SCU offers fixed tuition for continuously enrolled students; new incoming students’ post-transition may have different tuition rates.
- Financial aid and scholarships will be honored; technical enrollment and financial aid processes will be clarified in future communications.
- Academic Systems and Technology:
- SCU uses Canvas as its learning management system; transition from Pacific’s Moodle will be evaluated to minimize disruption.
- Student business operations will move to SCU’s MySCU portal after the close.
- Attendance tracking may shift to SCU’s app, but decisions will aim for a smooth transition based on student and faculty input.
- Academic email, calendars, and Microsoft Suite will continue under SCU, with students assigned new MS SCU accounts and email addresses.
- Student Services and Co-curricular Opportunities:
- Both colleges plan to integrate best practices in student services and offer robust co-curricular programs, workshops, and professional development via SCU’s Student Affairs.
- Mental health services may be expanded to include in-person counseling, beyond existing virtual offerings.
- Clinical Training and Study Abroad:
- Chicago students will retain access to onsite and offsite clinics, with no need to transfer to California for clinical rotations.
- SCU maintains above average board pass rates for acupuncture, both national (NCCAOM) and California state exams.
- Study abroad programs are open to all SCU students; trips offered to top-tier universities/hospitals in China and Taiwan for approximately two weeks, usually during spring break or summer.
- These study abroad programs are extracurricular, not for credit, and typically reserved for students who have started clinical senior internship.
- Cost and scheduling for programs abroad will vary and may be partially subsidized in some years.
- Foreign students from Asia also visit SCU annually for rotation and exchange.
- Course Structure and Scheduling:
- Online courses and synchronous class times will be evaluated based on local campus needs. We hope to avoid or minimize late-night or early-morning scheduling issues.
- Solution in progress for advanced therapeutics classes for non-herbal program students; Chicago and New York faculty to collaborate, based on students’ feedback and course needs.
- Questions about Enrollment Agreements and Policies:
- Students may need to sign new enrollment agreements post-transition, per regulatory guidance, but requirements and timelines will be communicated and are focused on minimizing burdens.
- Learning disability accommodations (ADA compliance) will continue under SCU for students with documented needs.
- Payment plans for tuition will continue under SCU’s system, with specific terms to be defined during transition planning.
- Diversity and Inclusion:
- SCU affirms support for transgender and diverse students, with stated core values of inclusion across identity and background.
- Next Steps and Communication:
- Transition teams composed of Pacific and SCU professionals, will address operational details, and regular updates and workshops will be held for students.
- Students encouraged to email questions to [email protected]; answers will be posted and made accessible over time.
Online Shop