The University of California Office of the President released a statement recognizing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB 1291, which will create an Associate Degree for Transfer pilot program at UC Los Angeles. 

The program will initially include eight majors by the 2026-27 academic year in collaboration with several California community colleges chosen by the campus. By the 2028–29 academic year, the UC plans to expand the pilot program to include 12 additional majors, four of which will be in S.T.E.M. fields.

The bill will also guarantee admission for transfer students who meet necessary requirements and are not offered a space at their first-choice UC campus.

“I am proud that 27 percent of University of California undergraduates begin their educational journey at a California Community College and go on to thrive on our campuses,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in the statement. “The University is committed to attracting and supporting transfer students, and we look forward to continuing to partner with transfer advocates such as Governor Newsom, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, and others in the state legislature on streamlining the transfer process.”

The bill will not affect undergraduate admissions for the 2024-25 or 2025-26 academic years.

Newsom said in the statement that AB 1291 will improve California’s world-leading higher education systems and make attending college easier and more attainable.

“With this new law, the Golden State is streamlining the transfer process, making a four-year degree more affordable for transfer students, and helping students obtain high-paying and fulfilling careers.”

A version of this article appeared on p. 3 of the Oct. 12, 2023, print edition of the Daily Nexus.

Alex Levin

Alex Levin (he/him) is the University News Editor for the 2023-24 school year. Previously, Levin was the Assistant News Editor for the 2022-2023 school year. He can be reached at alexlevin@dailynexus.com.