April 8, 2010
- Q: What is TCS Education System and what is its relationship with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology?
A:
SBGI joins The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) as a division of TCS Education System (TCS ES). TCS ES was founded in 2009 as a not-for-profit organization with a mission of preparing innovative, engaged, purposeful agents of change who serve our global community.With a mission rooted in advancing the greater good, TCS ES features a network of specialized institutions that offer a fundamentally new approach to higher education, one that prepares socially responsible, culturally competent professionals in applied fields such as psychology and behavioral sciences , health and human services, and education and human development. The System also includes an early childhood and K-8 school devoted to delivering a progressive, evidence-based curriculum; an online education delivery and services division; and TCS Foundation, which cultivates charitable contributions to support social change endeavors throughout the system. Our ongoing business success coupled with a social change mission that unifies all of our entities distinguishes TCS Education System from any other educational system today.
- Q: How and why did the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI) and TCS ES come together?
A:
The “why” is simple, the affiliation offers benefits to all parties: TCS ES and SBGI students, faculty, alumni, and staff. SBGI brings TCS ES a stake in the Santa Barbara community and unique programs and delivery model that were not previously offered by TCS ES through another of its divisions: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. TCS ES, in turn, provides SBGI with more capacity and resources to better serve its campus community, including its academic and research infrastructure. After months of conversations in early 2009, the next step in the process was an exhaustive due diligence, which led to a definitive agreement signed on July 2, 2009, and a July 15, 2009, closing. - Q: Now that SBGI is a division of TCS ES does that mean SBGI is regionally accredited?
A:
No. While TCSPP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), SBGI will seek separate regional accreditation. If successful, this course will allow SBGI more flexibility and autonomy as a degree-granting institution than it would as an affiliate of another school. - Q: At one time the website referenced SBGI as an affiliate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Why the update?
A:
The update was the result of recent changes that have occurred on the higher education landscape as it relates to accreditation. As mentioned above, TCSPP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the same agency that was approached to explore possible accreditation for SBGI. In February 2010, however, the Department of Education issued a policy letter changing some of the practices long in place for recognizing campuses that operate across regional accreditation lines. This document resulted in a reevaluation of how SBGI approaches accreditation since HLC oversees a different region of the country. In an effort to proactively stay ahead of this change, a decision was made to transition our accreditation efforts for SBGI from HLC to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which is the regional accreditation agency that oversees California, Hawaii, Guam and the Pacific Basin. - Q: What are the benefits of pursuing WASC accreditation for SBGI?
A:
By going the WASC route, SBGI will eventually carry its own regional accreditation. It remains affiliated with TCSPP insofar as both institutions are part of TCS Education System. This approach will allow SBGI to have more flexibility to grow and serve its community and mission, but with the benefits intact of being connected to a System of like institutions dedicated to innovative and student-focused approaches to higher education. - Q: What is the timeline for WASC accreditation?
A:
We have a committed and experienced team of experts in place who will work with WASC to advance SBGI through the process as fast as it can be accomplished. Of course, WASC will determine when SBGI is qualified to become a regional accredited member of their organization. - Q: What happened to the leadership of SBGI?
A:
Dr. Marti Glenn remains involved and committed to the school’s mission as an SBGI leader and educator. - Q: What will happen to current SBGI students? Will the transition be seamless and will they graduate on time?
A:
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 state approval, regional accreditation and/or licensure. TCS ES and SBGI academic affairs personnel are working together to evaluate and adjust programming moving forward, with SBGI faculty retaining oversight of the somatic psychology and pre and perinatal programs. - Q: What about incoming SBGI students scheduled to start or continue classes? Will their degree requirements be changing?
A:
The curricula and requirements for SBGI students, including those who entered in fall 2009, will not immediately change as a result of the TCS ES-SBGI affiliation. Current and prospective students can rest assured that SBGI will continue to offer high-quality academic programming for years to come. We hope that once all necessary approvals have been received, the affiliation will allow SBGI to extend its reach into the community, not just regionally but nationally, while providing a broadened infrastructure for student services and academic development. - Q: What about tuition for current and incoming SBGI students?
A:
The tuition and fees schedule for SBGI can be found by visiting: http://sbgi.edu/admission/tuition-and-fees/ - Q: Will current and new SBGI students have access to Title IV financial aid opportunities?
A:
Eligibility for Title IV, including Federal Stafford Student Loans and Federal Work Study, is dependent on achieving accreditation from WASC. It is possible that once SBGI receives preaccreditation (candidacy) status from WASC, SBGI may then apply and become eligible for Title IV funding. SBGI will seek regional accreditation under WASC with the assistance and full commitment of TCS Education System leadership. We will move forward in the process as expeditiously as possible; however decisions affecting the pace of the process and ultimate approval lie with the accreditation agency. Thus, while we cannot provide you with any estimated timeframe for approval, we will of course update all of our students as that process continues. - Q: Will SBGI change its name?
A:
We are proud and encouraged by the reputation that comes with the SBGI name. As a division of the TCS Education System, SBGI has experienced a greater focus on marketing and advertising to further build awareness of its programs and service to the community. A new website also was launched in late 2009. It is possible that the name may change in the future, but there are no plans to do so now. - Q: What if I still have questions after reading this FAQ?
A:
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 ES communities apprised of the latest developments throughout this year of learning and integration. In addition, we have established a central email address, SBGI@tcsedsystem.org, through which you may submit questions and comments at any time, and receive a prompt response.
