FAQ for SBGI Students

  1. What is the story of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology?
    With six locations, including campuses in Chicago, Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, The Chicago School (TCS) is the nation’s leading nonprofit graduate school exclusively dedicated to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. Founded in 1979, TCS is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The Chicago School’s community service initiatives resulted in recognition on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service to disadvantaged youth. In 2009, it was named one of the nation’s “great colleges to work for” by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
  2. How and why did the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI) and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology come together?
    The Chicago School’s conversation with the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute began months ago. During this time, the more TCS and SBGI learned about each other, the more they saw a fit to align. Both are exclusively focused on psychology and carry a lineage of innovation in the field. The intent of the partnership is to unite our strengths. SBGI brings to The Chicago School a means to extend and complement its presence in Southern California. SBGI also features unique programs and delivery models that TCS does not currently offer. TCS, in turn, provides SBGI with more capacity and resources to better serve its campus community, including its academic and research infrastructure.
    The next step in the process was an exhaustive due diligence, which led to a definitive agreement signed on July 2 and a July 15 closing.
  3. What happens next?
    A team of representatives from TCS and SBGI have already begun working together with the transition expected to take place over the 2009-2010 academic year. During this time, SBGI’s business processes and IT infrastructure will be converted to those used by The Chicago School. SBGI also will welcome new support staff this fall.
  4. What will happen to the leadership of SBGI?
    Dr. Marti Glenn will transition to the role of campus dean and will continue to oversee all local operations and academics at SBGI. She will report to Dr. Michele Nealon-Woods, campus president for TCS Southern California.
  5. What will happen to current SBGI students? Will the transition be seamless and will they graduate on time?
    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 regional accreditation and/or licensure. TCS and SBGI academic affairs personnel will work together to evaluate and adjust programming moving forward, with SBGI faculty retaining oversight of the somatic psychology and pre and perinatal programs.
  6. What about incoming SBGI students scheduled to start classes this fall? Will their degree requirements be changing?
    The curricula and requirements for SBGI students, including those entering this fall, will not immediately change as a result of the TCS-SBGI affiliation. As is the case for current students, any additional program changes will come from SBGI academic departments. Current and prospective students can rest assured that SBGI will continue to offer high-quality academic programming this fall and for years to come. The partnership will extend SBGI’s reach into the community, not just regionally but nationally, while providing a broadened infrastructure for student services and academic development.
  7. Will students be able to transfer to different campuses, including Chicago and Los Angeles?
    Yes. Once all campuses and student accounts are in the same system, students will have more options in terms of where they can study. Of course, academic standards and degree requirements must be met in all cases.
  8. What about tuition for current and incoming SBGI students?
    There will be a 3.45 percent tuition increase for current SBGI students and those entering in fall 2009, an adjustment that is lower than any other Chicago School location. In the future, it is likely that tuition will again be revisited; however, those decisions will be made if and when it is appropriate to do so.
  9. Will current and new SBGI students have access to TCS financial aid opportunities?
    SBGI is in the process of pursuing eligibility for Title IV, which includes Federal Stafford Student Loans and Federal Work Study. Information will be made available to students as that process continues.
  10. Will SBGI change its name?
    TCS is proud and encouraged by the reputation that comes with the addition of SBGI. For now, the name is the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. As a result of the affiliation, SBGI will witness a greater focus on marketing and advertising to further build awareness of its programs and service to the community. It is possible that the name may change in the future, but there are no plans to do so now.
  11. If SBGI is now a branch of The Chicago School, does that mean SBGI is regionally accredited?
    No. TCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Now that SBGI is a branch of TCS, we are in the process of seeking regional accreditation. Until that process is complete, we will not know whether or not SBGI is accredited by HLC.
    The Higher Learning Commission has been notified of the change and a site visit will be scheduled for this fall. Therefore, at this time, SBGI is not HLC accredited.
  12. What if I still have questions after reading this FAQ?
    You probably do! 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 communities apprised of the latest developments throughout this year of learning and integration. Staff, faculty, and students will receive ongoing email communications and updated FAQ documents as new information becomes available, and will have many face-to-face opportunities to ask questions and learn more. In addition, we have established a central email address, SBGI@thechicagoschool.edu, through which you may submit questions and comments at any time, and receive a prompt response.