Office of the President

Implementation of the 120-Semester-Unit Minimum Requirement To Award Baccalaureate Degrees

Executive Memorandum 01-003 February 20, 2001

From: Manuel A. Esteban, President

Subject: Implementation of the 120-Semester-Unit Minimum Requirement To Award Baccalaureate Degrees

120-SEMESTER-UNIT MINIMUM REQUIREMENT TO AWARD BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

Upon the recommendation of the Academic Senate, acting upon amendments to Title 5 of the California Education Code, and with the concurrence of the Provost, I approve the implementation of a minimum 120-semester-unit requirement for the baccalaureate degree. This reduction in total units necessary for graduation will apply to those students who have met all program and graduation requirements for a baccalaureate degree including the completion of a minimum of 120 semester units. This policy is effective fall 2000 and thereafter.

Certain baccalaureate degrees may require more than 120 semester units to meet accreditation and/or traditional disciplinary standards. Faculty are responsible for recommending increases beyond the 120 units (e.g. , for higher-unit baccalaureates). Proposals for new programs which have requirements that exceed the 120 unit minimum must include justification for the exception and faculty should consider this issue during the normal program review process for existing programs.