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CatalogIf you missed the SD Student Town Hall on September 30, 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.
SD Student Town Hall Recording:
Passcode: 9$9K7%Jh
- Overview and Motivation for Transition:
- Announcement that Pacific College’s San Diego campus will join Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) in May 2026.
- The main reason is that regulatory challenges prevented the expansion of Pacific’s integrative nursing model in California, whereas success was found in New York.
- SCU was chosen for its strong alignment with integrative health and whole-health philosophy.
- Pacific and SCU will collaborate to ensure a seamless transition for students and retain Pacific College’s legacy at the symposium and alumni network.
- SCU Leadership and Institutional Values:
- SCU has extensive programs in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic, Ayurvedic medicine, occupational therapy, genetic counseling, psychology, and more.
- The focus is on whole-person, patient-centered care, utilizing a collaborative, team-based model.
- Diploma and Academic Continuity:
- Students who graduate before May 2026 receive Pacific College diplomas; those after will get SCU diplomas.
- No anticipated changes to course requirements or graduation timelines; faculty expected to teach at SCU and programs will remain as signed up.
- Both institutions are on a trimester calendar, which helps reduce scheduling conflicts.
- Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid:
- Tuition rates will stay fixed for continuously enrolled students throughout the transition.
- Fee structure will change to match SCU; analysis pending and further updates coming.
- Existing financial aid and scholarships will continue; students switching to SCU will need to add the SCU school code on FAFSA.
- Student Services and International/Veteran Students:
- Merging and integration of student services over time; robust online and ground support available.
- No anticipated changes for international or veteran students; SCU honors F1 visas and VA benefits.
- Veterans’ concerns about benefit processing and access to VA reps at SCU highlighted; transition team will address individual cases.
- Study abroad and symposium attendance not covered by VA, but SCU will explore veteran-focused support and resources.
- Course Structure, Scheduling, and Technology:
- SCU’s programs to mirror Pacific College’s scheduling structure, including flexible day/evening options.
- Coordination among faculty between campuses will craft future curricula after the transition, but no anticipated changes to current students’ course schedules Students will get new SCU email addresses, and the transition plan is to allow access to Pacific email and resources for alumni and current students.
- Moodle course resources will have a grace period for students to download materials ahead of transition to Canvas.
- Faculty Recruitment, Compensation, and Clinic Supervision:
- Commitment to maintain an ample “bench” of adjunct, part-time, and clinic supervisors, both locally and via integration with SCU faculty.
- SCU pays faculty for all work, including office hours and development, and is recognized as an honor roll institution for compensation and benefits.
- Low turnover of faculty; SCU faculty report satisfaction with working conditions.
- Clinic Training, Partnerships, and Intensive Programs:
- Questions about participating in hospital partnerships (e.g., VA and Children’s Hospital Orange County) and increased clinical opportunities with SCU.
- Plans to create more intensive clinic opportunities during terms, with financial aid coverage, rather than between terms.
- Students may be able to do clinical rotations at SCU, pending capacity and patient flow at clinics; this is still being evaluated.
- Degree Naming and Comprehensive Exams:
- Degree names controlled by accreditation requirements (ACAHM); both Pacific and SCU must use approved nomenclature.
- Comprehensive exam structure will remain unchanged for current students; future changes will be announced if needed.
- Library Access and Alumni:
- Alumni to retain their Pacific College email addresses and continued access to Pacific library resources; SCU alumni resource access details are under discussion.
- Program Additions and Innovations:
- Questions about Facial Acupuncture Certificate and potential in-person residency; plans are open to expanding this program at Whittier and will be clarified over time.
- Healthy food options in the student lounge are under review with feedback to be provided directly to campus director and vendor.
- Graduation Ceremonies:
- Final Pacific College graduation will be held in May, followed by SCU ceremonies; campus-specific graduations will remain to support local student communities.
- Next Steps and Communication:
- Transition teams from both colleges will coordinate operations, academic, and student affairs; timeline and process updates will follow.
- Students encouraged to communicate concerns via email for ongoing updates and resolutions.
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