As the University of Redlands and Woodbury University move toward final merger approval this summer, we know you may have questions about what this means for you. This information offers guidance on what to expect and helps set you up for a smooth transition into the Fall semester.
The new name will be the University of Redlands, Los Angeles (URLA).
The Woodbury name will continue to be reflected within different academic programs, pending final approval from the University of Redlands Board of Trustees, which is anticipated in May 2026, and includes:
Yes, the 2026–27 academic year will include a co-branded Redlands and Woodbury logo. After that time, the co-branding will be phased out, and the URLA will become the main brand. The Woodbury name will continue in the academic programs.
Yes. Your degree will still be granted by a fully-accredited institution.
No. Degree requirements for all programs remain unchanged.
Spring/Summer 2026 graduates will receive a Woodbury diploma; Fall 2026 and beyond will receive a University of Redlands diploma, with the Woodbury unit defined on it. It is important to note that all alumni degrees and academic records will remain valid throughout and after the merger process concludes. Transcripts and adjustments can still be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse.
The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the accreditor for both Woodbury and the University of Redlands, is currently reviewing the final steps in the merger process, one of which includes WSCUC approving the Los Angeles campus as an additional site for the University of Redlands to provide degrees to students. This approval, expected this summer, confirms that the combined institution meets established standards for academic quality, student support, financial stability, governance, and faculty expertise.
The merged institution will maintain accreditations including:
Yes, students will be able to access courses across all University of Redlands campuses, and participate in the Redlands Study Abroad programs, and May term programs.
Yes, you can take courses across campuses without submitting an additional application. Students will need to meet any course prerequisites and plan their schedules accordingly to accommodate travel and timing between campuses. For additional guidance and to ensure courses align with your academic plan, students should connect with their academic advisor.
Not significantly. While the University of Redlands has a number of online options (primarily business programs), most courses, especially in the College of Arts & Sciences, will remain in person for the foreseeable future.
The academic calendar has shared end dates and lecture final exam dates. Studio finals must be scheduled for the following week to accommodate the number of studio finals as well as the length of critiques. In addition, these final critiques lead into the MADE events, which are held the weekend of Commencement.
For the 2026–27 academic year, tuition and fees for the Woodbury campus will remain separate. We recently communicated the tuition and room and board increases to undergraduates. Graduate rates will be approved by the Board of Trustees in May but will be no more than 3%. We are evaluating tuition pricing between and among the Los Angeles and Redlands campuses moving forward, but remain committed to ensuring that students do not see an increase in their net tuition cost beyond annual increases in tuition and room and board. Those increases are due to typical inflationary cost increases to support teaching, learning, and campus support services.
Students will benefit from expanded access to both campuses and a broader range of course options. Additional opportunities include study away programs, such as the Salzburg semester, enhanced May Term offerings, and access to library and campus resources across multiple locations. Students will also have access to expanded career and professional support, including Udemy training access to support career readiness and workforce skill development, Career Trek experiences, and access to career and professional development platforms, as well as internships and career opportunities through Handshake.
Telehealth support will continue to be available, along with expanded Registrar support, which is working to ensure key resources, such as forms, are accessible digitally and asynchronously.
May Term is a concentrated and immersive academic term designed for courses that emphasize experiential learning, collaborative teaching and learning, service learning, and/or immersion learning. These courses often take advantage of extended time outside the traditional classroom through fieldwork, field trips, laboratory experiences, and travel. Beginning 2026–27: Students can take up to two May Term courses tuition-free, and residential students will not be charged additional housing fees for May Term (dining fees still apply).
There will be no increases for parking or technology fees for the 2026–27 academic year.
Yes, students will receive University of Redlands IDs.
The integration creates opportunities for expanded resources and long-term investment. Specific updates (i.e., facilities, services) will be shared as plans are finalized.
Future student government operations and student organization structure and continuity will be carried out through a strategic phased approach that mirrors the institutional merger in collaboration with student governments at both campuses and under the advisement of Student Affairs. This approach will focus on creating a unified and representative structure while intentionally blending distinct campus cultures.
The Woodbury Student Government will operate under interim measures while restructure is strategically planned under the guidance of Student Affairs between the student governments at both campuses.
Student organizations will remain intact and be supported under the student life offices on campus. Interim measures regarding budget and funding will fall within the same scope of the student government restructure.
Student Campus Life leadership will continue to streamline processes and policies to support compliance, student funding cost savings through collaboration, and systemwide student access to programming, education, and training opportunities, in partnership with student leadership.
Beginning April 27, students will receive a Redlands.edu email account. Access to Woodbury emails will remain available through August 1, 2026, and during this transition period, all new emails sent to Woodbury accounts will be automatically forwarded to the new Redlands email address.
Application-dependent storage (Adobe CC, etc.) will remain available and will port over to Redlands accounts over the summer.
OneDrive data will port over from Woodbury accounts to Redlands accounts over the summer. Data will remain available in your Woodbury account until the transfer is complete. Students interested in accessing their former Woodbury emails can open a ticket through https://servicedesk.redlands.edu/support/catalog/items/189.
Platform use will remain largely unchanged. Woodbury students will have access to the Redlands App and applicable additional platforms. Single sign-on via your Redlands account will give students access to most University platforms.
We are still in the planning phase for all Commencement ceremonies after April 2026, but we will convene a group this summer to make decisions that will be announced in the fall.
Commencement ceremonies can always evolve, even outside of the context of a merger. But many aspects of the current Woodbury graduation traditions are likely to remain largely unchanged.
There are no plans to combine ceremonies at this time.
Regalia will consist of black caps and gowns for undergraduate students and graduate students will wear hoods colors based on their discipline.
You will be receiving a Redlands.edu email account on or around April 27, 2026. This will be the primary communication channel, including important summer communications from areas like Housing, Financial Aid, the Registrar, and Student Affairs.
Yes. The University is working to create a single, easy-to-access location for all updates and resources.
This FAQ is ever evolving. Please click here to review the latest information and check back regularly for updates