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Academic Transition Policy

1.0 Overview 

1.1 This policy enacts the Equitable Academic Excellence Working Group’s recommendation to preserve the Lifelong Learning (UNV 101) requirement, which was removed from GE requirements under EO 1101 (2024) and AA 2024-07, and ensure equitable access to such a course for all undergraduate students by making the completion of at least one (1) Academic Transition Course a requirement at CSUDH.

1.2. An Academic Transition Course (ATC) is one that supports one of the multiple transitions students make: from high-school to college, transfer from community college, or movement from lower-division to upper-division courses.

1.3. This policy calls for the creation of the Committee on Academic Transitions (CAT) whose purpose is to oversee the implementation of the ATC requirement, ensuring that ATCs support students across all points of transition while also minimizing impact on students’ time to degree. The charge of the CAT is outlined below.

2.0 Responsibilities of Various Campus Entities Regarding Academic Transition Courses (ATC)

2.1 The Academic Senate shall review and recommend approval for changes in policy and implementation of the Academic Transition Courses (ATC).

2.2. The Office of Academic Affairs has administrative authority over the Academic Transition program.

3.0 Committee on Academic Transitions (CAT) Service and Composition

3.1 Committee Charge

3.1.1 The Committee on Academic Transitions (CAT) shall oversee the implementation of the University Academic Transition Course (ATC) graduation requirement to support students during important academic transitions (first-year, transfer, and lower- to upper-division courses).

3.1.2 The CAT initiates and/or reviews all policy proposals pertaining to ATCs and submits formal recommendations to the Academic Senate for review and approval.

3.1.3 The CAT shall implement and oversee policies and criteria for the ATC requirement, including establishing and maintaining standards for ATC certification that adhere to the EAE Working Group’s recommendations.

3.1.4 The CAT shall review and approve courses for ATC certification as part of the curriculum review process.

3.1.5 The CAT shall support faculty and programs in developing and adapting courses for ATC certification that maintain efficient pathways to degree completion.

3.2 Committee Composition

3.2.2.1 Voting Members
One faculty member from each of the following Colleges and Units elected by the faculty of those Colleges:

3.2.2.1.1 College of Arts & Humanities
3.2.2.1.2 The University Library
3.2.2.1.3 College of Business Administration & Public Policy
3.2.2.1.4 College of Education
3.2.2.1.5 College of Health, Human Services, & Nursing
3.2.2.1.6 College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences

3.2.3 As a university-wide deliberative body, the CAT seeks an inclusive, multi-disciplinary membership, including non-tenure track faculty. As Colleges and other equivalent academic units might be re-named, re- structured, or grow in number, the policy will not have to be revised when such changes occur.

3.2.4 Ex-Officio (non-voting)

3.2.4.1 One member of Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) with undergraduate standing elected by ASI Leadership.
3.2.4.2 Dean of Undergraduate Studies
3.2.4.3 The Chair, or designee, of the Educational Policies Committee of the Academic Senate

3.2.5 Committee Service

3.2.5.1 Service of elected members shall be in staggered two-year terms, with initial term lengths determined by lot at the first CAT meeting of each academic year.

3.2.6 Committee Chair(s)

3.2.6.1 The Co-Chairs shall report on the committee’s activities to the Academic Senate during regularly scheduled meetings at the request of the Senate Chair.

4.0 Academic Transition Course Certification

4.1 All certifying courses must meet criteria set up by the CAT for approval as part of
the university’s curriculum review process.

4.2 Academic Transition Courses shall address these requirements and general outcomes:

4.2.1 Outcomes for these courses should be decided by the CAT in its preliminary meetings based on recommendations from the EAE Working Group and existing UNV 101 review criteria.

4.3 The CAT will be responsible for keeping the above stated requirements and outcomes consistent with current best practices and scholarship as determined by the committee.

4.4 Faculty who teach Academic Transition Courses will be provided with training developed by the Faculty Director of First- and Second-Year Experiences that includes a detailed explanation of the requirements for such courses outlined in section 4.2.1.