FAQ for SBGI Students
1. What is the story of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology?
With six
locations, including campuses in Chicago, Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, The Chicago School (TCS) is the
nation’s leading nonprofit graduate school exclusively dedicated to the
applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. Founded in 1979,
TCS is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of
Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its
distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and
advocacy. The Chicago School’s community service initiatives resulted in
recognition on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
for exemplary service to disadvantaged youth. In 2009, it was named one of the
nation’s “great colleges to work for” by The
Chronicle of Higher Education.
2. How and why did the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI) and The
Chicago School of Professional Psychology come together?
The
Chicago School’s conversation with the
Santa Barbara Graduate Institute began months ago. During this time, the more
TCS and SBGI learned about each other, the more they saw a fit to align. Both
are exclusively focused on psychology and carry a lineage of innovation in the
field. The intent of the partnership is to unite our strengths. SBGI brings to
The Chicago School a means to extend and complement its presence in Southern
California. SBGI also features unique programs and delivery models that TCS
does not currently offer. TCS, in turn, provides SBGI with more capacity and
resources to better serve its campus community, including its academic and
research infrastructure.
The
next step in the process was an exhaustive due diligence, which led to a definitive
agreement signed on July 2 and a July 15 closing.
3. What happens next?
A team of representatives from TCS and SBGI have already begun working together
with the transition expected to take place over the 2009-2010 academic year.
During this time, SBGI’s business processes and IT infrastructure will be
converted to those used by The Chicago School. SBGI also will welcome new
support staff this fall.
4. What will happen to the
leadership of SBGI?
Dr. Marti Glenn will transition to the role of
campus dean and will continue to oversee all local operations and academics at
SBGI. She will report to Dr. Michele Nealon-Woods, campus president for TCS
Southern California.
5. What will happen to
current SBGI students? Will the transition be seamless and will they graduate
on time?
For now, current SBGI students will continue in
their programs with no changes to course, credit, or training
requirements—unless, of course, adjustments must be made to meet
prospects for regional accreditation and/or licensure. TCS and SBGI academic
affairs personnel will work together to evaluate and adjust programming moving
forward, with SBGI faculty retaining oversight of the somatic psychology and
pre and perinatal programs.
6. What about incoming SBGI students scheduled to start classes
this fall? Will their degree requirements be changing?
The curricula and requirements for SBGI students,
including those entering this fall, will not immediately change as a result of
the TCS-SBGI affiliation. As is the case for current students, any additional
program changes will come from SBGI academic departments. Current and
prospective students can rest assured that SBGI will continue to offer
high-quality academic programming this fall and for years to come. The
partnership will extend SBGI’s reach into the community, not just regionally
but nationally, while providing a broadened infrastructure for student services
and academic development.
7. Will students be able to
transfer to different campuses, including Chicago and Los Angeles?
Yes. Once
all campuses and student accounts are in the same system, students will have
more options in terms of where they can study. Of course, academic standards
and degree requirements must be met in all cases.
8. What about tuition for
current and incoming SBGI students?
There will be a 3.45 percent tuition increase for current
SBGI students and those entering in fall 2009, an adjustment that is lower than
any other Chicago School location. In the future, it is likely that tuition
will again be revisited; however, those decisions will be made if and when it
is appropriate to do so.
9. Will current and new SBGI
students have access to TCS financial aid opportunities?
SBGI is in the process of pursuing eligibility for
Title IV, which includes Federal Stafford Student Loans and Federal Work Study.
Information will be made available to students as that process continues.
10. Will SBGI change its name?
TCS is proud and encouraged by the reputation that comes
with the addition of SBGI. For now, the name is the Santa Barbara Graduate
Institute at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. As a result of the
affiliation, SBGI will witness a greater focus on marketing and advertising to
further build awareness of its programs and service to the community. It is
possible that the name may change in the future, but there are no plans to do
so now.
11. If SBGI is now a branch of
The Chicago School, does that mean SBGI is regionally accredited?
No. TCS is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission (HLC). Now that SBGI is a branch of TCS, we are in the process of
seeking regional accreditation. Until that process is complete, we will not
know whether or not SBGI is accredited by HLC.
The Higher Learning Commission has been notified of
the change and a site visit will be scheduled for this fall. Therefore, at this
time, SBGI is not HLC accredited.
12. What if I still have
questions after reading this FAQ?
You probably do! We recognize that each individual
may have unique concerns, thoughts, and questions—and we are eager to
address them. We will be making a great effort to keep the SBGI and TCS
communities apprised of the latest developments throughout this year of
learning and integration. Staff, faculty, and students will receive ongoing
email communications and updated FAQ documents as new information becomes
available, and will have many face-to-face opportunities to ask questions and
learn more. In addition, we have established a central email address, SBGI@thechicagoschool.edu, through
which you may submit questions and comments at any time, and receive a prompt
response. |
