Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a pair of bills Sept. 29 that make it easier for community college students to transfer to the California State University and University of California systems starting fall 2011.

Senate Bill 1440 will require the Cal State systems to guarantee admission to community college students that have obtained an associates degree and meet all requirements for transfer in a particular major.

“I think this bill is a good thing for students because it guarantees you a spot at a four-year when you are done with your AA,” nursing major, Charlene Henriquez said.

The second bill, AB 2302, calls for the California University system to examine the creation of a similar streamlined process for student transfer.

“Guaranteeing admission into a CSU for any community college student who completes the newly established transfer degree under SB 1440 is a monumental step forward for California’s higher education system,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

According to the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy, 73 percent of California college students attend community colleges. However, only 22.7 percent of those students who intend to transfer to a four-year university actually do so.

While SB 1440 will result in a streamlined process for students to reach the CSU level, the details of which universities students would be given admittance into not been worked out.

Vice Chancellor for Communications of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Terri Carbaugh, said, “This should level the playing field and give students more options. It is premature to know how exactly it will work, but the task force is hoping to have details within 30 to 60 days.”

While Carbaugh says students will stat seeing the effects of the law relatively soon, Cerritos College transfer counselor, Brittany Lundeen believes it might be longer, “They are working on getting it done by fall 2011. However, in reality it is looking like 2012 is when it will happen.”

According to Lundeen, one of the reasons the changes might not take effect at Cerritos is because the curriculum only changes once a year when the schedule is is printed.

As of now, California community colleges are assigned a primary university, in to which, a majority of their students are to transfer to.  When a student wishes to transfer to a university outside of their zone, they can do so. However, the requirements that student must meet are higher.

With the details not fully clear, many are hoping that it will change the way transfer partnerships are utilized right now.

Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bryan Reece, believes this is a step in the right direction. “A lot of work still needs to be done. However, it is going to simplify the application process for students. If we get the zones broadened, then we are talking about something really good for students, why can’t they choose?”