Following a year of uncertainty regarding the program’s future, the 5Cs’ Justice Education Center (JEC) appointed a new interim director, Tessa Hicks Peterson, last month. Peterson has since initiated plans to pilot multiple new partnership models next fall for Inside-Out, as the program navigates reconstruction following its partner institution’s, the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) — also known as Norco prison — closure in the fall.
Inside students currently participating in Pitzer’s Pathway-to-BA program are set to graduate on May 19 after fulfilling the 32-credit course requirement. They will then be relocated to other prisons in California, but they haven’t been told which facilities they’ll be transferred to, according to Peterson.
Tag: Pitzer College
Pomona-Pitzer welcomes Dr. Danielle Lynch as new athletics director
Pomona-Pitzer welcomed its new athletic director, Dr. Danielle Lynch, on April 1 as she left her previous post at Haverford College. Lynch brings over 20 years of administrative experience in Division III athletics, which impressed Brent Carbajal, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of Pomona.
5Cs admit class of 2030; CMC to reinstate testing in Fall 2028
As the 5Cs continue to evaluate test-optional policies, students said differences in access to standardized testing shaped their approach to the admissions process, particularly for international applicants. While some colleges have made their policies permanent, others plan to reinstate testing requirements in future cycles.
Chickens return to Pitzer Garden after theft last semester
Pitzer Student Garden introduced 10 new chicks to their coop in late February after the suspected theft of two chickens last semester. This week, the birds were introduced to the outdoor run area of their coop, providing students with an opportunity to meet them.
The recent coop expansion gives the chicks more space and allows people to peek at them through the windows. This interaction helps their socialization process, according to Garden Manager Miriam Hafkin PZ ’28.
Pomona and Pitzer move from ‘F’ to ‘C’ grades in Anti-Defamation League Rankings; Scripps maintains failing grade
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) upgraded Pomona and Pitzer Colleges’ rankings from ‘F’ to ‘C’ grades in their 2026 Campus Antisemitism Report Card released last month, while Scripps College received an ‘F’ grade again and Claremont McKenna and Harvey Mudd Colleges remained unranked.
ADL reached out to both Pomona and Pitzer prior to releasing this year’s rankings and Pomona “shared some general information about Jewish life on campus,” a Pomona College spokesperson wrote in an email to TSL.
While the spokesperson said the college is “encouraged” by the updated ranking, the numerical value is not their only measure of progress.
5Cs implement ‘Know Your Rights’ immigration and workplace protections
5C human resources departments have begun to implement California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 249) after it was passed Feb. 1. In alignment with the Act, 5C employees will receive notice of key workplace rights and have the opportunity to indicate emergency contacts, but student workers and college staff
Pitzer announces strategic vision to guide college through next decade
Pitzer College President Strom Thacker announced the college’s new strategic vision in an email to the student body on Jan. 20, outlining changes to Pitzer’s priorities and investments that will be implemented over the next five to ten years. The plan is driven by four central goals: “catalyzing bold, fearless learning, expanding student access, community-building and growing resources,” according to Pitzer’s website.
Pomona alum’s documentary sparks dialogue about exploitation and empowerment
Pitzer College’s screening of I Have a Name, Adam Bronfman’s documentary about photographer Jon Linton’s work with unhoused communities, sparked deep reflection during family weekend. Attendees considered not just the power of storytelling, but also who gets to tell those stories and how advocacy lands in a place of privilege.
‘We don’t believe that bodies are inherently sexual’: Pitzer students campaign for topless pool hours
Three Pitzer College students presented a discussion for topless pool hours during a Pitzer Student Senate Open Forum on Nov. 9.
In the wake of SNAP freezes, 5C students take on more food distribution efforts
5C community members have been ramping up food distribution efforts across campus and to neighboring communities in light of the recent SNAP benefit freeze that hindered food access for millions of Americans.