Pacific Union College Announces Semester Conversion and Future Changes

On October 22, Pacific Union College officially announced its conversion from a quarter-based academic schedule to a semester system, effective fall 2028. As the college prepares for this transition, PUC assures students it will remain committed to their academic progress and provide a clear path to graduation without delays or additional tuition costs. This conversion will create new opportunities, allow more time for in-depth course engagement, and provide greater flexibility in learning experiences, aligning PUC more closely with most colleges and universities nationwide while prioritizing students' academic experience and outcomes.

Phase 1 of the conversion process is complete, with conversion committees established and policies, procedures, and roadmaps developed. PUC is currently in Phase 2, where faculty are converting course curricula to fit the new semester system, updating degree requirements, aligning learning outcomes, and completing governance approvals. The college expects Phase 3 to begin in summer 2027, with student preparation highlighted by the release of semester catalogs and degree maps, as well as advising resources and information sessions. As Phase 4 takes effect in fall 2028, PUC will ensure student support services are readily available while continuing to assess and improve them, monitor student success, and refine policies.

"A semester system will make transferring credits and planning academic pathways easier for many of our students," said VP for Academic Administration Lindsay Hayasaka. "It will create new opportunities for internships, study-abroad programs, and summer employment, give students and faculty more time to settle into their coursework, and allow learning to unfold at a more manageable pace. It will also give us all a little more breathing room around the holidays and new opportunities for learning and service beyond the classroom."

As students ask questions about how to navigate this change, the Administration team released the PUC Promise: a shared commitment to protect each student's academic progress by preserving earned credits, creating an individualized academic plan, and monitoring progress.

Students will work with their advisor and follow their academic plans as they complete all courses required to graduate. Should a course become unavailable during the conversion, the college will work with the student to find an alternate path forward to fulfill all requirements needed to graduate.

"Our responsibility is to ensure that a change in PUC's calendar does not become an obstacle between you [the student] and graduation," said Hayasaka.

Before the conversion begins, the Records Office will regularly review each student's progress to address potential problems before they arise and affect graduation.

"Your education matters," said PUC President Ralph Trecartin. "Your time matters. Your path to graduation matters. We are committed to providing the guidance and support you need so you have the confidence that you won't have to navigate this on your own."

Because the nursing program is one of the most specialized on campus and relies on approval from external organizations, such as the California Board of Registered Nursing, the associate degree in nursing will require a slightly delayed schedule. This will allow a smooth, high-quality conversion to the semester system and support students and the program. This plan will account for course sequences, clinical hours, clinical placements, progression requirements, and quarter and semester timelines while maintaining academic progress and professional goals.

"You have worked hard toward your PUC degree," said President Trecartin. "A change in the academic calendar should not take that progress away from you. This promise belongs to all of us. We will plan with you, communicate with you, and work together to help you reach graduation as expected. Our calendar is changing, but our commitment to you is not. That is the PUC Promise."

Along with the semester conversion, PUC has had an important conversation about its future, as the institution has grown in many ways, including increasing graduate programs, expanding research, and developing experiential learning opportunities for students to put their education into practice. With PUC already receiving initial approval, it is delighted to announce that it is moving forward with the process of becoming a university.

“We are very proud of the name Pacific Union College and all that it represents. It carries generations of history, faith, learning, and service. We are not leaving those things behind. We want to carry them forward as we build on the foundation laid by those who came before us,” said President Trecartin. “In many ways, the work we are doing today reflects the work of a university, and we believe that it’s time for our name to reflect that growth.”

President Trecartin and the Administration team have not yet chosen a new name. To encourage students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to help shape PUC’s future, they want to choose a name together that reflects PUC's identity, honors the college’s history and Christ-centered mission, and looks ahead to a bright future.

As PUC looks forward to exciting changes in the coming years, it remains committed to being Christ-centered and dedicated to its students, providing high-quality education and experiential learning opportunities that empower and equip students for success in their careers and beyond.

Learn more about this pivotal change on campus.