Visalia Unified students concerned about being accepted into college will soon have a guaranteed option on the table.
Last week, the Visalia Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Fresno Pacific University to provide a pathway for guaranteed admissions.
The big picture: Students who wish to take advantage of the guaranteed admissions will have to post a grade point average of at least 3.0 during the sophomore through senior years of high school.
- Students will also have to complete certain coursework in high school required by Fresno Pacific admissions policies along with submitting an application to the university.
- The deal will also lead to Fresno Pacific working with the district to offer college-level courses in high school, as well as exploring the development of a university high school to be located at the Visalia campus.
State of play: This is the second collegiate partnership for Visalia Unified to guarantee admissions, following last year’s similar agreement with UC Merced.
What we’re watching: Visalia Unified Superintendent Kirk Shrum and Fresno Pacific President Andre Stephens will meet on Monday to sign the contract at a press conference where they will provide an overview of the deal to the district’s families.
What they’re saying: “I think it is very powerful that students have a pathway to walk right into the door of an institution and continue their educational journey,” Shrum said in a statement.
- Visalia Unified Board Clerk Jacqueline Gaebe added, “Knowing that our students have guaranteed admissions to multiple universities reaffirms our commitment that all students can achieve at high levels and demonstrate continuous growth.”
