Public postsecondary education: admission, transfer, and enrollment.

Senator Cabaldon's legislation establishes a direct admission program at California State University campuses while extending and modifying existing transfer pathways. Under the new CSU Direct Admission Program, eligible high school students from participating school districts would automatically qualify for enrollment at designated CSU campuses based on their academic performance through grade 11, including A-G course completion and GPA requirements.

The bill extends the CSU's dual admission program through the 2035-36 academic year, allowing first-time freshman applicants who do not initially meet CSU eligibility criteria to secure guaranteed future admission by completing transfer requirements at a community college. Students now have three years, rather than two, to complete an associate degree for transfer or equivalent coursework. Community colleges must promote the program through new student orientations, email communications, websites, and counseling offices.

Additionally, the legislation requires the Associate Degree for Transfer Intersegmental Implementation Committee to develop at least five new transfer model curricula unrelated to existing associate degrees for transfer. Once finalized, community college districts must create corresponding transfer degrees that guarantee admission to similar CSU bachelor's degree programs, with no more than 60 additional units required after transfer if students maintain their prescribed academic pathway.