07-11-2022, 10:54 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-11-2022, 10:55 AM by PositiveSoul.)
I am a PsyD student at California Southern University (CalSouthern) and today I received an Important California Southern University Notification. Following is the content of that notification:
![[Image: 3a607a54-8fe6-49db-3602-233fbc1b254c.png]](https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/v1XcNAU_ZXe3oOA0wbT8CPRvF6113UsAqkY-Qy3WxYBThYKyWpMnd71d6f1IaywArbPrLqe2Z6X18wrf4n-9_zeYdgZ7noLT6Mdkpidka0jqmeAAvZw69JIlp85q1nQezBJf0uFPkgN9NN9t9AxQpwLbOCsH0g=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/3aa02c064fb3e1e5e6d0422f7/images/3a607a54-8fe6-49db-3602-233fbc1b254c.png)
July 5, 2022
Dear CalSouthern Learner:
I write to share the exciting news that California Southern University (CalSouthern - www.calsouthern.edu) is now a member of the American InterContinental University System (AIU System - www.aiuniv.edu). Like CalSouthern, AIU System is an accredited, predominantly distance education provider that offers flexible learning options for its students. The final approval for this change occurred late last week. I write today to provide you important information about this acquisition.
With this change, CalSouthern becomes a member of a larger institution while maintaining its unique learning methodology and experience-based curriculum that is developed and taught by professionals in their respective fields. It is important for you to know that there will be no changes to the operations or academic programs, nor to the level of support and service you have come to know with CalSouthern. There will be no change to your tuition amount and all payment plans (if applicable) will remain unchanged. Also, there will be no changes to the following areas:
• program of study: structure, content, delivery, courses
• faculty
• student advising and financial services
• graduation requirements
• institutional policies
CalSouthern is now institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC - www.hlcommission.org) within the scope of the AIU System’s HLC accreditation. As a result, CalSouthern is relinquishing its institutional accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC - www.wscuc.org). This change will not impact current programmatic accreditations or other approvals.
As part of the AIU System, your program will be licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and CalSouthern’s approval by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (CA BPPE) will be relinquished. The AIU System is registered as an out-of-state online institution with the CA BPPE (school code: 13951562) and will continue to collect Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessments from student who are California residents or enrolled in a residency program, and to otherwise comply with STRF regulations.
In the event that you choose to discontinue your program, a refund may be requested pursuant to CalSouthern’s Refund Policy as found in your Enrollment Agreement and Catalog. The AIU System will become the custodian of CalSouthern’s learner records as well.
In addition, for California residents who do not choose to continue with CalSouthern, when you enrolled you may have paid an assessment to the STRF. The State of California created STRF to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by California residents who were learners while attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov).
We are excited about this news. As always, we remain committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals. If you have any questions, please contact me, your academic advisor, or any CalSouthern representative.
Sincerely yours,
![[Image: 49bf7604-90a9-a5c8-72a7-68ec7f86e422.png]](https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/L1PeSHLW8SNAIuGIaA5NEiCWffqUlVldxYnFGFt7uXjJL1zqqkKCotpjuSZT3GDCjY1uigsSDlpgEfvYznC58rVe25Ff119tKoi4iynWmCpvsZXqyYxx3w-ymrplo5jqrHCEM-TVAJvn0oTJJqsvfRWJSipQqw=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/3aa02c064fb3e1e5e6d0422f7/images/49bf7604-90a9-a5c8-72a7-68ec7f86e422.png)
Clinton Gardner, Ph.D.
President
Cc: Dr. James Rieger
Learner Support Services
Registrar's Office
Dear CalSouthern Learner,
On July 5, 2022, you were sent a notice regarding an important University update. We understand that there may be questions and concerns regarding this update. We remain dedicated to supporting the success of our learners during this transition and into the future. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below that will provide you with answers to the most common questions we have received.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Transition to the AIU System
Q1-What is the difference between HLC and WSCUC?
A-The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) are similar in that they are both institutional accreditors, previously referred to as regional accreditors, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
Q2-Where can I find that CalSouthern is accredited by HLC?
A-You will find the accreditation information on the HLC website by searching for American InterContinental University System (AIUS or the AIU System).
This is CalSouthern’s official accreditation statement: California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Q3-Is CalSouthern still regionally accredited?
A-Yes, although the terminology has changed. In 2020, the USDE changed its classification of accreditation agencies to combine regional and national agencies under the combined umbrella identified as “institutional” or “nationally recognized”. This change affected the former “regional” accreditation agencies (i.e., HLC, WSCUC, SACSCOC, MSCHE, NECHE, and NWCCU). HLC (which was previously classified as a regional accreditor) is an institutional accrediting agency.
Although some external agencies, including state licensing boards, have not updated their regulations and requirements to reflect this change in terminology, any references to a “regional” accrediting agency includes HLC. CalSouthern continues to be accredited by an institutional accrediting agency that is recognized by the USDE.
Q4-Where is CalSouthern located?
A-Effective 7/1/2022, CalSouthern is located at 2200 East Germann Road, Suite 120, Chandler, AZ 85286 and all academic activities are based at this location. The AIU System, which includes CalSouthern, is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The Costa Mesa, CA, location will continue to operate as an administrative center only.
Q5-Does this change impact me and my educational requirements?
A-Your program requirements will not change because of this transition, and the pursuit of your degree will not be interrupted. CalSouthern still provides the same quality education and will continue to operate as it does now. However, as a member of AIUS, we have additional resources we may use to continue to offer our learners a quality educational experience.
Q6-Will CalSouthern change its name?
A-California Southern University will retain its name with the addition of the AIU System member statement. The name effective 7/1/2022 is California Southern University, a member of the American InterContinental University System.
Q7-What school name will be shown on my diploma?
A-Learner diplomas, transcripts, and other University documents will be updated effective 7/1/2022 to reflect the California Southern University, a member of the American InterContinental University System name.
Q8-Why did the owners sell the school?
A-The founder/owner operated CalSouthern for close to 45 years. After making the decision to retire, the owner wanted to ensure that CalSouthern’s legacy continued to exist as an on-going quality educational institution. As a result, CalSouthern became a member of the AIU System to ensure that the operational, financial, and faculty mentor and staff resources will continue to be available to secure its future.
Q9-Will tuition be increased?
A-No, this change has not triggered any changes in the CalSouthern tuition. As stated in the catalog, the learner who has enrolled in a program of study, signed an Enrollment Agreement and commenced courses, will not be subject to a tuition increase during the duration of the enrollment provided the learner makes satisfactory academic progress and maintains continuous enrollment. Subsequent Enrollment Agreements will reflect the tuition in effect when the agreement is signed.
Q10-Will external financial assistance be available to me?
A-There are no changes in financial assistance; we will continue to provide learners with the same zero interest payment options.
Q11-Can I transfer credit to other regionally accredited Universities?
A-There is no change to the transfer credit policy. As stated in the catalog, the transferability of credits you earn at CalSouthern is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of credits, degree, or certificate you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits, degree, or certificate that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution.
Regards,
![[Image: f4150b8e-aafa-b28f-1a50-350176961b86.png]](https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/J1nbr5iVHulz4pmDuN3XoE2Rolane5kNSA7OSuuYQdB0FJtsfdgV1XflY4lI-TeTPHgBiJFkoUjBLjW4KvAmiVGYHf5pLCW-hDFNYxlMzNrlbpm7gc29BU-YGQAu786BnyVC9-b57UXt2gwumG5fC6_IjrgBYw=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/3aa02c064fb3e1e5e6d0422f7/images/f4150b8e-aafa-b28f-1a50-350176961b86.png)
Dear CalSouthern Learner:
I write to share the exciting news that California Southern University (CalSouthern - www.calsouthern.edu) is now a member of the American InterContinental University System (AIU System - www.aiuniv.edu). Like CalSouthern, AIU System is an accredited, predominantly distance education provider that offers flexible learning options for its students. The final approval for this change occurred late last week. I write today to provide you important information about this acquisition.
With this change, CalSouthern becomes a member of a larger institution while maintaining its unique learning methodology and experience-based curriculum that is developed and taught by professionals in their respective fields. It is important for you to know that there will be no changes to the operations or academic programs, nor to the level of support and service you have come to know with CalSouthern. There will be no change to your tuition amount and all payment plans (if applicable) will remain unchanged. Also, there will be no changes to the following areas:
• program of study: structure, content, delivery, courses
• faculty
• student advising and financial services
• graduation requirements
• institutional policies
CalSouthern is now institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC - www.hlcommission.org) within the scope of the AIU System’s HLC accreditation. As a result, CalSouthern is relinquishing its institutional accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC - www.wscuc.org). This change will not impact current programmatic accreditations or other approvals.
As part of the AIU System, your program will be licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and CalSouthern’s approval by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (CA BPPE) will be relinquished. The AIU System is registered as an out-of-state online institution with the CA BPPE (school code: 13951562) and will continue to collect Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessments from student who are California residents or enrolled in a residency program, and to otherwise comply with STRF regulations.
In the event that you choose to discontinue your program, a refund may be requested pursuant to CalSouthern’s Refund Policy as found in your Enrollment Agreement and Catalog. The AIU System will become the custodian of CalSouthern’s learner records as well.
In addition, for California residents who do not choose to continue with CalSouthern, when you enrolled you may have paid an assessment to the STRF. The State of California created STRF to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by California residents who were learners while attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov).
We are excited about this news. As always, we remain committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals. If you have any questions, please contact me, your academic advisor, or any CalSouthern representative.
Sincerely yours,
Clinton Gardner, Ph.D.
President
Cc: Dr. James Rieger
Learner Support Services
Registrar's Office
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Transition to the AIU System
On July 5, 2022, you were sent a notice regarding an important University update. We understand that there may be questions and concerns regarding this update. We remain dedicated to supporting the success of our learners during this transition and into the future. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below that will provide you with answers to the most common questions we have received.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Transition to the AIU System
Q1-What is the difference between HLC and WSCUC?
A-The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) are similar in that they are both institutional accreditors, previously referred to as regional accreditors, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
Q2-Where can I find that CalSouthern is accredited by HLC?
A-You will find the accreditation information on the HLC website by searching for American InterContinental University System (AIUS or the AIU System).
This is CalSouthern’s official accreditation statement: California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Q3-Is CalSouthern still regionally accredited?
A-Yes, although the terminology has changed. In 2020, the USDE changed its classification of accreditation agencies to combine regional and national agencies under the combined umbrella identified as “institutional” or “nationally recognized”. This change affected the former “regional” accreditation agencies (i.e., HLC, WSCUC, SACSCOC, MSCHE, NECHE, and NWCCU). HLC (which was previously classified as a regional accreditor) is an institutional accrediting agency.
Although some external agencies, including state licensing boards, have not updated their regulations and requirements to reflect this change in terminology, any references to a “regional” accrediting agency includes HLC. CalSouthern continues to be accredited by an institutional accrediting agency that is recognized by the USDE.
Q4-Where is CalSouthern located?
A-Effective 7/1/2022, CalSouthern is located at 2200 East Germann Road, Suite 120, Chandler, AZ 85286 and all academic activities are based at this location. The AIU System, which includes CalSouthern, is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The Costa Mesa, CA, location will continue to operate as an administrative center only.
Q5-Does this change impact me and my educational requirements?
A-Your program requirements will not change because of this transition, and the pursuit of your degree will not be interrupted. CalSouthern still provides the same quality education and will continue to operate as it does now. However, as a member of AIUS, we have additional resources we may use to continue to offer our learners a quality educational experience.
Q6-Will CalSouthern change its name?
A-California Southern University will retain its name with the addition of the AIU System member statement. The name effective 7/1/2022 is California Southern University, a member of the American InterContinental University System.
Q7-What school name will be shown on my diploma?
A-Learner diplomas, transcripts, and other University documents will be updated effective 7/1/2022 to reflect the California Southern University, a member of the American InterContinental University System name.
Q8-Why did the owners sell the school?
A-The founder/owner operated CalSouthern for close to 45 years. After making the decision to retire, the owner wanted to ensure that CalSouthern’s legacy continued to exist as an on-going quality educational institution. As a result, CalSouthern became a member of the AIU System to ensure that the operational, financial, and faculty mentor and staff resources will continue to be available to secure its future.
Q9-Will tuition be increased?
A-No, this change has not triggered any changes in the CalSouthern tuition. As stated in the catalog, the learner who has enrolled in a program of study, signed an Enrollment Agreement and commenced courses, will not be subject to a tuition increase during the duration of the enrollment provided the learner makes satisfactory academic progress and maintains continuous enrollment. Subsequent Enrollment Agreements will reflect the tuition in effect when the agreement is signed.
Q10-Will external financial assistance be available to me?
A-There are no changes in financial assistance; we will continue to provide learners with the same zero interest payment options.
Q11-Can I transfer credit to other regionally accredited Universities?
A-There is no change to the transfer credit policy. As stated in the catalog, the transferability of credits you earn at CalSouthern is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of credits, degree, or certificate you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits, degree, or certificate that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution.
Regards,
![[-]](https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/images/collapse.png)
