To transfer from a California Community College to a University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), or Private Institution, students must learn how to navigate ASSIST. ASSIST College is the official repository of articulation agreements between California’s public colleges and universities and the California Community Colleges.

What is ASSIST org, and how can it be used?

  • ASSIST (Articulation System Stimulating Interinstitutional Student Transfer) website provides the most up-to-date and accurate information on student transfer in California; it is the official repository of articulation agreements for California’s public institutions. Articulation indicates how courses completed at one school may be used to meet requirements at another institution.
  • ASSIST not only provides a list of courses that satisfy university admission and general education requirements but also transferable elective courses needed to reach the number of units required for transferring to a university.
  • ASSIST does not contain information about private, out-of-state, or international colleges/universities.

ASSIST should be one of the many tools you use in planning, preparing, and executing your transfer admission process and eventual graduation.

Related: Transfer College Using ASSIST Org | California Transfer Support

ASSIST is not a replacement for the counselors at your university. Instead, it was created to help form a partnership between students and counselors so that they may find the best path for transferring from community colleges in California to universities.

ASSIST Website Logo Transfer Courses
ASSIST Website Logo Transfer Courses

California Community College Students

Prospective community college transfer students will utilize ASSIST to identify how courses will transfer from one public California college to one of the many UC and CSU system institutions.

The California Community College system engages with stakeholders at the California State University and the University of California to develop up-to-date information on the official repository of articulations for courses between the three systems of higher education.

California’s Public Colleges

Students interested in transferring to one of California’s public colleges and universities can identify the CSU transferable courses or UC transferable courses that the student transfer requires to transfer from California community colleges to an academic program at the California State University or University of California system.

California State University Logo with Lettering
California State University Logo with Lettering

Related: CSU Apply Tips | California State University Application

What is an Articulation Agreement?

An articulation agreement is a written agreement between two or more universities that consists of a process leading to a partnership that provides formal pathways for student transfer.

Curious about how course agreements turn into credits earned by other institutions? An articulation agreement is an exact document demonstrating the transferable courses for various majors between California’s public colleges and universities (i.e., the University of California and California State University) and the California Community College system.

Example of Articulation Agreement and Course Transferability
Example of Articulation Agreement and Course Transferability

ASSIST provides information that can be used to:

The “Explore Majors” function allows you to research and locate majors at specific campuses. In addition, you can:

  • View lists of all transferable courses and transfer admission requirements
  • Discover which courses fulfill requirements for a specific major at a CSU or UC campus
  • Look up the courses that will fulfill general education/breadth requirements, including IGETC, CSU GE-Breadth, CSU American Institutions, and/or UC campus GE Breadth requirements.
ASSIST org "Explore Majors Function"
ASSIST org “Explore Majors Function”

Related: 6 Impacted Majors at UCLA you Should Know About | 2023

Related: Majors at UC Merced: Exploring the Different Offerings

Related: The Conclusive List of Capped Majors at UCSD | UC Admissions Dates & Deadlines 2023

Is ASSIST org legit?

Today, ASSIST is funded through the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California and is the articulation data repository for California universities and colleges.

Considering ASSIST is the official repository of articulation between California State University and the University of California system, it remains a legitimate resource of articulation for California’s public colleges and universities.

Related Reading: What is ASSIST Transfer & California Community College Process?

The website contains up-to-date information and lists of CSU transferable courses that provide the most accurate account for course articulation agreements.

What are ASSIST-certified courses?

Assist Student Picture - California Transfer Support Network

ASSIST is best combined with counseling at your school. The program aims to assist students and counselors in establishing a proper way to transfer from a private California community college to a public California university. Information on the 2020-23 academic period has been released.

Things to Consider

If you are a student transfer, make sure you select the correct academic year in the ASSIST articulation system.

The articulation agreements between community colleges and the University of California or California State University change yearly. When you view agreements, it is best to ensure you have selected the correct academic year and the proper academic program.

Moreover, student transferable courses apply to the ASSIST website through the various majors or “Explore Majors” function.

When you examine the explore majors function, take the time to view the agreement and identify whether the classes needed for your particular UC or CSU campus are recommended or required.

Related: When do UC Decisions Come Out? 2023 UC Decision Date

ASSIST always provides the most accurate information about transferring from community college to university, but each campus and institution have different requirements depending on the major.

One UC or CSU campus could require that students fulfill all of the courses on the articulation agreement before transferring. Other institutions may only recommend completing the courses and will still apply your credits earned for degree progress.

Conclusion

Transferring from a California Community College to a UC or CSU can be an intimidating task without the correct resources and support. ASSIST provides up-to-date information for all students who plan on making the transfer.

The website is a legitimate source of information that can be used with your community college counselor. Keep in mind that each school and major has different requirements, so make sure to review the agreement carefully.

Overall, ASSIST is a great resource for any student looking to transfer from a community college to a public university in California. If you need help transferring from a California Community College to a UC or CSU institution, please Contact Us for free support and resources.

California Transfer Support Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting California community college students through transfer. If you support our mission, consider making a tax-deductible Donation.