From President Drake: Creating more opportunity

At the University of California, true inclusive excellence requires an ongoing focus on expanding access to the University. By creating more opportunity, we cultivate thriving and diverse campus communities. That is one reason we are working to streamline paths for community college students aiming to transfer to the University of California. And it’s why we are taking time this week, during National Transfer Student Week, to uplift this work and remind potential transfer students up and down the state: You belong at the University of California.

I am proud that 27% of our undergraduate students begin their studies at a California Community College and go on to thrive at the University of California. With partners in the state Legislature and with the support of Gov. Gavin Newsom, we’ve been able to expand outreach to transfer students and we’re working to reach new transfers with creative and innovative support. We are also excited about a new collaboration between the University of California and state leaders that will establish a new Associate Degree for Transfer pilot program at UCLA. We are fortunate to have leaders in Sacramento who are strong advocates for transfer students, and I know that we are going to continue pushing the needle forward on this important effort.

As one famous transfer student and UCLA alumnus, Jackie Robinson, once put it: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” To the many people across the University of California who work hard every day to support the academic success of our transfer students, I want to say thank you. You have a big impact on transfer students, and we are very grateful.

Fiat Lux!

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
President
University of California