General Questions
What exactly is happening?
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is taking over the Chicago and San Diego campuses and programs including the online Cosmetic Acupuncture Program of Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS). As part of the arrangement, SCU is also taking ownership of Pacific Center for Lifelong Learning and the annual Pacific Symposium and intends to continue hosting and growing this important event, maintaining its prestige and deep roots in the acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community.
Note that PCHS will continue to own and operate its New York campus and all NY-based programs, as well as all other PCHS Online degree programs including the Transitional Doctorate, Medical Cannabis Certificate, Holistic Nursing Certificate, RN to BSN, and MSN. Those entities are NOT part of this arrangement.
Can you tell me more about SCU?
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is an accredited, non-profit healthcare institution and one of the world’s only universities dedicated to integrative, whole-person health—teaching students to combine the best of conventional medicine with proven complementary approaches, and to treat the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Founded in 1911 as a chiropractic college, SCU has spent over a century challenging convention and advancing healthcare. Today, the university offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics and Genomics, Medical Science, Physician Assistant Studies, Ayurvedic Medicine, Whole Health Leadership, and more. SCU has had an acupuncture program since 2000; their entry-level doctoral degree in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine was the first recognized in California and one of the first two to be ACAHM-accredited in the United States.
From its 25-acre campus in Whittier, California, SCU serves approximately 1,600 students through online, hybrid, and in-person programs.
SCU has also earned national recognition as a Great College to Work For multiple years in a row, including Honor Roll distinction in six categories: Confidence in Senior Leadership; Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging; Compensation and Benefits; Faculty & Staff Well-Being; Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness; and Professional Development.
When will the transaction be finalized? How long will the process take?
Transactions in higher education take time and it can be difficult to predict precisely how long each step in the process will take. That said, we anticipate receiving the necessary regulatory approvals and closing the transaction around May 2026. At that time, the Chicago and San Diego locations and their faculty, staff, and students will officially join SCU. The following are the basic steps in the process.
- Conduct Due Diligence (COMPLETE):
- During this step, leaders from PCHS and SCU comprehensively evaluated the academics, operations, financials, etc. of the other—to ensure a thorough understanding of both the opportunities and potential challenges of entering into a formal agreement.
- Sign a Definitive Agreement (COMPLETE):
- After thorough due diligence and related negotiations, PCHS and SCU decided to move forward. Both institutions then signed a legally binding contract (known as a Definitive Agreement) outlining the exact terms and conditions of the transaction.
- Request Regulatory Approvals & Begin Planning for Integration (WE ARE HERE):
- Having signed a Definitive Agreement, PCHS has submitted requests for approval or notifications to our institutional accreditor (WSCUC) and other regulatory bodies like the Department of Education (DOE). We anticipate receiving those approvals in the first half of 2026, although this timeline could change if one or more approval processes take longer than anticipated.
- As we await regulatory approvals, we will be forming a Transition Team that includes a range of employees from both institutions. The team will work together to flesh out the granular operational and academic logistics for blending our two organizations—from reporting structures to integration of technology systems to academic policies and more.
- Receive Approvals & Close:
- When we receive the necessary approvals from our regulatory bodies, we will move to closing, which will make the transaction final and official. This is similar to closing on a house in the sense that, once we close, the Chicago and San Diego locations and their faculty, staff, and students will officially join SCU. We anticipate closing around May 2026.
- Post-Close
- By the time we close, the Transition Team will have been working for months to ensure a smooth transition.
- Even with careful planning and close collaboration between PCHS and SCU, the integration may take a full academic year or more
Will the PCHS name be changed in San Diego and Chicago?
Yes, when the San Diego and Chicago campuses become part of SCU, those campuses will undergo a name change and become known as Southern California University of Health Sciences. For PCHS alumni, nothing changes; they graduated from PCHS and PCHS will therefore remain on their diplomas and transcripts. When current PCHS students who graduate after the closing reach graduation, SCU (which will then be the largest TCM program in the nation) will be on their diplomas and transcripts.
Is there a chance this transaction will not occur?
It is unlikely but, yes, there is always a chance that it doesn’t go through, or that it takes longer than anticipated.
How can I stay informed? Who should I contact if I have questions or would like more
information?
We are committed to keeping you well informed throughout this transition period through monthly email updates, postings on the Hub, townhall meetings, and other communications. In addition, you may email the Transition Team at [email protected] with specific questions, concerns, or ideas.
PCHS Employee-Specific Questions
Will there be layoffs?
The Transition Team (comprised of leaders from both PCHS and SCU) will be looking at roles and working through staffing details in the months to come. However, SCU's plan is to retain all, or virtually all, faculty and staff to maintain the level of services and resources currently in place for the Chicago and San Diego campuses. That said, as with any institution or organization going through a significant transition, there may need to be changes in how these services and resources are delivered because the San Diego and Chicago campuses will no longer be supported from New York.
In addition, SCU needs to evaluate the existing services provided through EduTech Loft. SCU anticipates that they may actually find that they need to add positions. In fact, they have already identified one additional position (a National Director of Campus Operations) to support the campuses, and they believe there may be others.
Bottom line: SCU does not see this as an opportunity to cut costs. They see this as an opportunity to continue to build their university. They want and need the experienced, knowledgeable teams at San Diego and Chicago to do that.
Will my role, team, or supervisor change?
Non-academic and non-clinical personnel at the San Diego and Chicago satellite campuses will report to their Campus Directors. Those Campus Directors will begin reporting to SCU’s centralized University Administration.
Faculty at the San Diego and Chicago campuses will continue to report through their campus academic leaders.
Clinical personnel at the San Diego and Chicago campuses will continue to report into the Clinic.
Of note, SCU will be creating a new and dedicated College of Eastern Medicine that will include all Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine programs, as well as all San Diego associate and certificate programs (e.g. massage therapy). The College of Eastern Medicine will be led by a newly appointed Dean to whom San Diego and Chicago academic program leaders will report.
Will my compensation and benefits change?
SCU does not anticipate changes to the compensation of PCHS staff and faculty who are becoming employees of SCU, although some adjustments may be necessary to align with SCU salary ranges. All PCHS staff and faculty will, however, be switching to SCU’s benefit plans, which may result in some changes. SCU will provide ample training and support for this transition.
Of note, SCU has been named a Great College to Work For (with special Honor Roll distinction) for multiple years in a row. One of the six areas in which SCU achieved Honor Roll distinction was Compensation and Benefits (in addition to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Confidence in Senior Leadership, Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness, Faculty & Staff Well-Being, and Professional Development).
Will my work location and/or hours change?
SCU has no immediate plans to alter work locations or hours for any PCHS employees. That said, there may be future opportunities for you to transfer between campus locations and take on new or different roles should you wish to do so.
Will the leadership at my location change?
SCU will retain the current Campus Director model in place at the Chicago and San Diego locations, and all non-academic and non-clinical personnel will report up through those Campus Directors. However, as noted above, San Diego and Chicago academic personnel will report up through the new College of Eastern Medicine, and clinical personnel will report up through the SCU Chief Clinical Officer.
Will there be changes to HR systems, email, or other operational platforms?
Employees from the San Diego and Chicago campuses will eventually transition to all SCU’s systems (e.g., email, HR, payroll, learning management). Transition times may vary by system. Training will be provided when necessary, and SCU will attempt to do this in the least disruptive way possible.
PCHS Faculty-Specific Questions
Will I be a part of a new College or Academic Department?
SCU will be creating a new and dedicated College of Eastern Medicine that will include all Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine programs, as well as all San Diego associate and certificate programs (e.g. massage therapy). The College of Eastern Medicine will be led by a newly appointed Dean to whom San Diego and Chicago academic program leaders will report. Faculty at the San Diego and Chicago campuses will continue to report through their campus academic leaders.
Will my teaching load and compensation change?
SCU is not planning to make changes to teaching loads or faculty compensation during the 2025-26 academic year. However, on or before the start of the 2026-27 academic year, former PCHS faculty will move to SCU’s compensation and workload models, which will likely result in changes. SCU recently completed an extensive, multi-year study to bring its compensation and workload plan in line with national standards.
Will my teaching schedule change?
SCU is not planning to make changes to teaching schedules during the 25/26 academic year. Of course, as with any institution, it is possible that adjustments could be necessary due to unexpected changes in enrollment levels, employee turnover, etc.
Your teaching schedule may change during the 26/27 academic year.
Will I be expected to teach different classes or teach in a different modality?
SCU is not planning to make changes to class assignments and/or modalities during the 25/26 academic year. Of course, as with any institution, it is possible that adjustments could be necessary due to unexpected changes in enrollment levels, employee turnover, etc.
You may be asked to teach new courses and/or teach in a new modality (online, hybrid, in-person) during the 26/27 academic year.
Will I have the opportunity to meet and work with my colleagues at other locations?
As SCU becomes a more national institution (with multiple campus locations), there will likely be ample opportunities for you to collaborate with your peers at other campuses and/or transfer between SCU’s various locations should you wish to do so.
PCHS Student-Specific Questions (FOR FACULTY & STAFF REFERENCE)
What will be on my diploma?
If you graduate after the formal closing (which is anticipated to occur between January and May of 2026), you will graduate from SCU—meaning that your diploma will be from SCU. If you graduate prior to the closing, your diploma will be from PCHS.
Will the academic calendar change?
Thankfully, the PCHS and SCU academic calendars are remarkably similar, and both are on a trimester system. As a result, we don’t anticipate significant changes in your term start and end dates. You may view SCU’s academic calendars here: www.scuhs.edu/student-services/?activetab=content_calendars
Will my course requirements change?
SCU does not intend to make changes to your course requirements due to the acquisition of the San Diego and Chicago campuses. Therefore, if you remain continuously enrolled--and there are no regulatory changes beyond SCU's control--your course requirements are expected to remain unchanged. That said, like any university, SCU reserves the right to change its requirements, policies, and procedures at any time.
Will it take me longer to graduate?
SCU's goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible for students. Therefore, if you remain continuously enrolled and progress in the same courses at the same pace--and there are no regulatory changes beyond SCU’s control--your time to completion/graduation should remain unchanged. That said, like any university, SCU reserves the right to change its requirements, policies, and procedures at any time.
Will my clinical experience be impacted?
SCU does not intend to make changes to your clinical training requirements due to the acquisition of the San Diego and Chicago campuses. Therefore, if you remain continuously enrolled and progress in the same courses at the same pace--and there are no regulatory changes beyond SCU's control--your clinical training requirements and the cities/areas in which there are clinics available for you to rotate should remain unchanged. That said, like any university, SCU reserves the right to change its requirements, policies, and procedures at any time.
Will my learning technology (i.e. how I access online coursework and assignments) change?
You will eventually be migrating to SCU’s technology platforms. Our Transition Team will be working through the logistics and exact timeline for the migration and will keep you informed as things progress. We are committed to providing you with the best learning experience, and ample training and support to make the transition as easy as possible for you.
Will my faculty change?
SCU does not intend to make changes to your local faculty as a result of this acquisition. However, this transition will result in the following changes:
- Depending on where you are in your program, you may gain access to SCU faculty that teach online courses at your level.
- You will no longer have access to PCHS faculty who teach exclusively for PCHS New York.
Of course, as with any workplace, we cannot guarantee that some employees won’t choose to leave SCU based on their personal and professional aspirations.
Will my tuition or fees change?
If you enrolled at PCHS prior to this acquisition, and if you remain continuously enrolled, SCU will honor your existing tuition. Your fees will, however, be adjusted to SCU’s fee structure.
Any student that enrolls after the acquisition will enter under SCU’s tuition and fees.
Of note, SCU offers a “Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee” to all students, ensuring that tuition does not increase as long as a student maintains continuous full-time enrollment in a degree program.
Will my financial aid be impacted?
As an SCU student, you should have access to all or most of the same federal loan and grant programs that you had access to at PCHS.
Will I have to apply for financial aid again?
If you have not yet completed the 2026-27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid) then you will need to complete it and add both the PCHS and SCU School Code (001229) to the FAFSA. For the current award year (2025-26) you should add the new SCU School Code (001229) to your FAFSA. If you have questions, SCU's Financial Aid team can provide instructions on how to complete this process.
Will my institutional scholarships or grants still be honored?
Yes, if you remain continuously enrolled, SCU will honor your current scholarships and grants, to ensure you enjoy the same amount of financial support you received at PCHS.
I’m an international student. Will this impact my F1 Visa status?
While SCU cannot give legal advice and/or predict future legal changes, we do not anticipate any impact on your F1 Visa status. SCU's Primary Designated School Official is working through the details and will provide F1 students with more information at a later date.
I’m a veteran. Will this impact my VA benefits?
SCU does not expect any impact on your VA benefits. SCU’s VA Certifying Official will provide VA benefit eligible students with more information at a later date.
Will I have the option to transfer between SCU locations (i.e. the main Whittier CA
campus and the Chicago and San Diego satellite campuses)
Yes, you may have the option to transfer between SCU's various campuses. That said, similar to PCHS transfers, specific program offerings may vary by campus. Transferring could mean changes to your course requirements, tuition, and/or learning format (e.g. in-person, online, hybrid).
Will student services change (e.g., counseling, academic advising, disability
services)?
Over time, student services will transition to a unified model that reflects the best of both institutions. SCU recognizes that PCHS has developed valuable student support systems, and as part of the transition, SCU will assess all existing services to identify and retain best practices. Their goal is to ensure that all students benefit from high-quality, accessible support—whether through existing SCU resources, current PCHS services, or newly integrated solutions.
PCHS Alumni-Specific Questions (FOR FACULTY & STAFF REFERENCE)
Am I still considered a graduate of PCHS?
Yes, because you graduated from PCHS, you will always be an alumnus of PCHS and PCHS will remain on your transcripts and diploma forever.
Will I be part of the PCHS or the SCU alumni community?
SCU hopes you’ll consider yourself part of both! The SCU alumni community is large and vibrant and looks forward to welcoming you into the family. To join the SCU Alumni mailing list, complete the form on this page: Connect with Alumni | SCU | Health Sciences. You may also begin following SCU You may also begin following SCU Alumni on LinkedIn or Instagram (@scuhs_alumni).