Honoring Our Traditions, Building Our Future

Pacifica’s Campus Transition

January 28, 2025

After much thoughtful consideration and analysis, it has been determined that Pacifica will not renew our lease of the Lambert Campus following its expiration in April 2027, and all the Institute’s operations and on-campus programs will move to the Ladera Campus starting in the Fall 2026 quarter.

We understand and share how this announcement evokes a range of emotions and questions, reflecting the deep and personal significance of the beloved Lambert Campus in shaping the Pacifica experience for so many over the years. At the same time, we recognize the understandable concerns about what it means to transition to a one-campus model. By making this decision, it enables the Institute to reallocate significant resources toward enhancing the experience of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, while also advancing Pacifica’s growth and impact as a depth psychological, academic institution.

Please read the announcement in full below, as well as further information on the decision, plans to honor the Lambert campus, and next steps in this process. Updates will continue to be shared across the community and on this page as the transition develops.

As an initial step in what will be a thoughtful and collaborative process, we warmly invite the Pacifica community to share your input and questions regarding this decision, your support needs, and your ideas for honoring and celebrating the Lambert Campus and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Pacifica in 2026.

Questions, feedback, and ideas can be left on Pacifica Campus Transition – Questions, Ideas, & Feedback Form.

We deeply appreciate the passion and dedication this community holds for the Institute and are committed to ensuring that this campus transition and Pacifica’s future honor and reflect that profound care.

Sincerely,
Pacifica’s Board of Trustees

Dear Pacifica Community,

We write today to inform you of an important decision regarding the future of Pacifica’s campuses. After much thoughtful consideration and analysis, it has been determined that Pacifica will not renew our lease of the Lambert Campus following its expiration in April 2027, and all the Institute’s operations and on-campus programs will move to the Ladera Campus starting in the Fall 2026 quarter.

We understand and share in how this announcement evokes a range of emotions and questions, reflecting the deep and personal significance of the beloved Lambert Campus in shaping the Pacifica experience for so many over the years. At the same time, we recognize the understandable concerns about what it means to transition to a one-campus model.

This decision was reached after extensive deliberation and careful consideration of various scenarios as part of the Institute’s long-range planning process. It also aligns with the findings of a Campus Utilization Study, conducted at the recommendation of our WSCUC accreditors, to guide the development of a comprehensive Facilities/Campus Master Plan.

We recognize the emotional and logistical challenges involved in closing a campus, especially given the meaning the Lambert campus and its spaces have held for Pacifica over nearly 35 years. By making this decision, it enables the Institute to reallocate significant resources toward enhancing the experience of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, while also advancing Pacifica’s growth and impact as an academic institution. Transitioning to a single campus brings the Pacifica community – both psychologically and physically – into the same house, fostering a collaborative, interactive, and integrated environment. We believe this shift will contribute to a stronger shared sense of identity, story, and vision.

As we continue to expand access to Pacifica’s programs through multiple delivery modes (in-person, hybrid, and online), we remain committed to the depth psychological mission of Pacifica, the pursuit of rich and rigorous education, and the value of a vibrant campus experience. Consolidating our community within one physical space strengthens opportunities for meaningful connections across programs, offices, and initiatives, making the benefits of campus life even more tangible.

This marks a transformative moment, bridging Pacifica’s storied history with its bright future as we commemorate our 50th anniversary in 2026. The Lambert campus has been more than merely a place – it has been a significant symbol to all those who have been on its land, and it will be honored as such. The transition to a single campus is a testament to our ongoing commitment to imagination, community, and the enduring spirit of our mission.

As the Board of Trustees, we hold fiduciary responsibility for the Institute, ensuring its long-term planning and overall health, both of which are currently in a strong and stable position. This decision was not made in isolation, nor does it reflect financial challenges or downsizing of operations or programs. Instead, it stems from extensive time, thoughtful deliberation, and broad involvement, all focused on investing in the Ladera campus and enhancing the student experience to support the present and future of Pacifica.

Moving forward, we will rely on collaboration across the entire community, trusting the school’s leadership to engage inclusively in the preparations and planning for this transition over the next two years.

Please know this is just the first of many communications and engagements on this topic as we prepare for the transition in the fall of 2026 and start of the 2026-2027 academic year. Students in coursework at Lambert will remain there for the remainder of this current academic year and for the 2025-2026 academic year. Our goal in relaying this announcement now is to allow the time and space needed for collective planning, processing, and ritual. Regular communications and updates will be sent as we engage further on the implementation of this transition, as well as on providing support systems and resources.

In the meantime, further information on the decision, honoring the Lambert campus, next steps, and logistics can be found on this webpage.

As an initial step in what will be a thoughtful and collaborative process, we warmly invite the Pacifica community to share your input and questions regarding this decision, your support needs, and your ideas for honoring and celebrating the Lambert Campus and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Pacifica in 2026. Questions, feedback, and ideas can be left on Pacifica Campus Transition – Questions, Ideas, & Feedback Form.

We deeply appreciate the passion and dedication this community holds for the Institute and are committed to ensuring that this campus transition and Pacifica’s future honor and reflect that profound care.

Sincerely,
Pacifica’s Board of Trustees

As part of the Institute’s long-range planning and in response to the recommendation from our WASC accreditors to develop a Facilities/Campus Master Plan, Pacifica conducted a Campus Utilization Study in 2023. This study, undertaken by a committee of faculty, staff, and administration representatives, along with external consultants, explored current space usage and potential scenarios.

Based on the study of our space, usage, analysis of resources, and the long-term needs and health of the Institute, it was determined that the Lambert campus has become underutilized and that operating as a single-campus institution is both feasible and advantageous. This approach would allow Pacifica to maintain the Pacifica learning experience and scheduling, while reallocating resources to strengthen the Institute’s position for the future.

As a result, Pacifica will not renew its lease of the Lambert Campus when the current term expires in April 2027. Beginning in fall 2026, with the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, all operations, including residential class sessions, will be consolidated at the Ladera Campus. Note: students in coursework at Lambert will remain there for the remainder of this current academic year and for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The weight and impact of this decision are deeply acknowledged. While we honor the historical importance of the Lambert Campus to Pacifica’s journey, the move to consolidate operations under one campus reflects great hope and promise for the Institute’s future and its ability to carry forward its mission.

It is important to note that Pacifica does not own the Lambert Campus but does own the Ladera Campus property. Operating the Lambert Campus—encompassing lease payment, property taxes, maintenance and utilities—accounts for approximately 7% of the Institute’s total annual operating expenses, a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years. Consolidating all operations at the Ladera Campus will free up significant resources enabling us to make strategic investments that enhance the experiences of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, while also advancing Pacifica’s growth and impact.

Additionally, the Lambert campus has become underutilized in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shift toward more hybrid and remote operations and programs. Since that time, the Lambert campus is now used only 34% of available days in the year. This transition to Ladera reflects both a practical response to evolving needs and an exciting opportunity to strengthen our collective future.

Transitioning to a single campus brings the Pacifica community – both psychologically and physically – into the same house, fostering a collaborative, interactive, and integrated environment. While naturally bringing a shift to some long-standing places, practices, and rhythms for campus sessions, we believe this transition will contribute to a stronger shared sense of identity, story, and vision.

As we continue to expand access to Pacifica’s programs through multiple delivery modes (in-person, hybrid, and online), we remain committed to both the depth psychological mission of Pacifica and the value of a vibrant campus experience. Consolidating our community within one physical space strengthens opportunities for meaningful connections across programs, offices, and initiatives, making the benefits of campus life even more tangible. This is an especially significant marker as both a bridge to Pacifica’s storied history and its bright future with the commemoration of our 50th anniversary in 2026.

Let us also make it clear that Pacifica is in a strong position financially and organizationally, and that this is not a step to downsize our operations and programs. The decision not to renew the lease of our Lambert Campus allows us to reallocate resources to further enhance the Pacifica experience. These resources will be dedicated to strengthening the Institute’s ability to meet future needs, improve accessibility, expand its impact, and support growth, all while remaining aligned with its mission.

Pacifica remains committed to its mission to foster creative learning and research in the fields of psychology and mythological studies, rooted in the traditions of depth psychology, as well as to its motto of “tending soul in and of the world.”

Departing from the Lambert Campus is not an easy decision; it is a place that holds deep meaning and cherished memories for the Pacifica community.

For nearly 35 years since the Institute moved to the campus on Lambert Road in Carpinteria – the site of the old Fleischmann Estate – the beauty of its land and spaces has been a source of inspiration, fostering transformative learning, meaningful connections, and lasting memories. The campus has been home to countless people, collections, and programs, with its grounds lovingly designed and tended, including by those who continue to work there today.

As we navigate this transition, rest assured that there will be opportunities over the next two years to honor the legacy of the Lambert Campus and the shared experiences it has cultivated. We are committed to involving the Pacifica community in planning how best to celebrate and commemorate this special place.

The move to a single campus in 2026 coincides with Pacifica’s 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone. This transition will serve as a time to embody the gatherings, rituals, and reflections that are distinct to Pacifica’s culture. . Additionally, we plan to collaborate on the transition of the library collections and archives at Lambert, as well as with the cohorts who have donated gifts to the campus, to ensure these are handled thoughtfully during the move.

More information will follow as plans develop, and we look forward to celebrating this next chapter together.

To leave your ideas on how to honor the Lambert Campus, please fill out the following form: Pacifica Campus Transition – Questions, Ideas, & Feedback Form.

Next Steps & Logistics

Beginning in September 2026, at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, all Pacifica residential class sessions will take place at the Ladera Campus. The transition will be guided by a collaborative and thoughtful planning process leading into the fall 2026 quarter. All operations, such as offices and collections, will be moved to the Ladera campus by early 2027.

In preparation for this move, significant work lies ahead to ensure its smooth implementation. Aligned with our shared governance commitment, the transition will involve collaboration across the administration, staff, and faculty to create a process that is thoughtful, transparent, and respectful of the learning and work experience.

Pacifica administration, staff, and faculty are working together to develop a plan for hosting campus sessions that supports effective space-sharing among programs while preserving the learning needs and typical schedules of their residential sessions. Plans are underway to expand classroom space at Ladera in preparation for the transition. Student housing for on-campus sessions will still be split between the residence hall at Ladera and hotel lodging in Carpinteria.

The session calendars and 2026-2027 campus overview schedules will be shared in the months ahead.

Students in coursework at Lambert will remain there for the remainder of this current academic year and for the 2025-2026 academic year. By announcing this transition now, we aim to provide ample time for collective planning, processing, and meaningful rituals to mark this change.

Regular communications and updates will be shared as we move forward with this transition process.
Support systems and resources will also be provided – please continue to monitor this page and other communication channels for the latest information.