SPOTLIGHT: UC pilot online ed initiative tackles transfer barriers through math strategies
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium and member UC Merced have joined forces with the University of California Office of the President and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to launch a pilot program expanding community college students’ access to advanced mathematics courses through cross-campus online education: Campaign for Transfer Excellence (CTE), a UC systemwide initiative designed to improve transfer pathways—particularly for stem majors—from California Community Colleges (CCCs) to UC campuses. This article from California Competes’ “Promising Practices in Online Education” series — highlighting ways California institutions and faculty harness online education for student success — chronicles how this collaborative effort with Central Valley community colleges tackles transfer barriers by pooling institutional resources and using technology to overcome geographic and institutional constraints.
How UC Merced Uses Online Education to Strengthen Rural STEM Transfer Pathways
COMMENTARY / JULY 29, 2025
By Laura Bernhard, PhD
Senior Researcher, California Competes
This bright spot is part of our “Promising Practices in Online Education” series highlighting ways California institutions and faculty harness online education for student success.
California Competes continues to research and document these innovations in support of a more agile higher education system responsive to the needs of today’s students and economy.
The Challenge: Meeting Advanced Math Course Demand in California’s Rural Communities
Community college students in California’s Central Valley face unique challenges on their path to four-year institutions, including limited access to the required course needed to transfer. The challenge is particularly acute in advanced mathematics courses like Linear Algebra & Differential Equations—a key stepping stone for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among the Central Valley’s 15 community colleges, fewer than 5 offer the advanced math course regularly. This scarcity comes from the fact that courses typically require minimum enrollment thresholds to run, but rural colleges struggle to meet these numbers consistently.
When students can’t enroll in required courses, they are more likely to stop out the next term.1 And once they have an initial stop out, they are more likely to have subsequent stop outs and less likely to graduate.2 With advanced math course availability limited at many rural colleges, talented students in these communities face barriers to staying on track. And because nearly half of all STEM jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher, these access gaps have consequences for both economic mobility and regional growth.3 The result is a cycle where students from rural communities face limited opportunities to secure high-paying STEM careers, while rural regions remain underrepresented in high-growth industries and miss out on the economic growth and innovation that comes with a skilled STEM workforce.
With Central Valley community colleges transferring fewer students to the University of California (UC) than other community colleges across the state, a UC- led initiative focused on improving transfer outcomes in the region.4 The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) sought to address these transfer inequities by strengthening pathways between local community colleges and UC Merced—the region’s sole UC campus.
“Education is a social justice issue. In 2025, the technological and structural elements are in place to address the longstanding obstacle of talent being widely distributed across California but opportunity lacking that same distribution.” – Rolin Moe, Executive Director of UC Online and one of the facilitators of this cross-institutional partnership
The Innovation: A Cross-Institutional Online Mathematics Partnership to Expand Course Access
UCOP, UC Merced, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, and the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium partnered to launch a pilot program to expand community college students’ access to advanced mathematics courses through cross-campus online education. This collaborative effort with Central Valley community colleges tackles transfer barriers by pooling institutional resources and using technology to overcome geographic and institutional constraints. The pilot features:
- Course Consolidation: The program streamlines the academic pathway by combining two sequential mathematics courses into one, reducing both the number of courses students need to take and time to completion, while maintaining academic quality and rigor.
- Virtual Cross-Enrollment: Through formal state agreements, community college students across the region can enroll in the UC course at no additional cost beyond their regular community college rates, removing financial barriers.
- Online Tutoring Support: The course incorporates online tutoring where students receive support to succeed in the advanced math course while developing the independent learning skills for transfer success.
- Enrollment Aggregation: By bringing together students from multiple community colleges into a single online course, the program reaches the enrollment threshold needed to run the math course consistently, addressing the low enrollment problem that has hindered rural institutions.
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- Guaranteed Transfer Credit: The course is fully integrated into the UC Merced math sequence, ensuring it counts directly toward students’ degree requirements. This eliminates the risk of lost time and money from having to retake courses at their transfer institution.
The Impact: A New Model for Collaboration and Smoother Pathways to STEM Success
Although the pilot is still underway, its early structure offers a model for how California’s higher education institutions can work together and harness online education to improve student outcomes.
- For Students: Students gain access to high-quality, transfer-guaranteed courses that create equitable pathways to STEM opportunities previously unavailable or limited in their regions—opportunities that are especially critical for students in underserved communities.
- For Community Colleges: Institutions can offer the advanced math course without the financial risk of low enrollment, expanding their academic offerings and better serving their communities.
- For Four-Year Institutions: Colleges grow a pipeline of well-prepared transfer students, especially those from underserved communities.
- For Communities: Underserved areas benefit from increased educational opportunities that can help train and retain local talent while supporting a stronger STEM workforce and industry.
This model goes beyond articulation agreements—it creates shared digital learning spaces where students across institutions can access the courses they need to advance. As community colleges and universities rethink how to meet students where they are, this joint venture between UC Merced and local community colleges shows how online education can be a powerful lever for equity and coordination.
We would like to thank Dr. James Zimmerman, Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning at UC Merced; Kari Stewart, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Success Initiatives at University of California Office of the President; and Rolin Moe, Executive Director of UC Online for taking the time to share their insights on this cross-institutional initiative. To learn more, please visit the University of California’s Campaign for Transfer Excellence website.
Stay tuned for the next blog in our “Promising Practices in Online Education” series!
1 Robles, S., Gross, M., & Fairlie, R. W. (2020). The effect of course shutouts on community college students: Evidence from waitlist cutoffs. (EdWorkingPaper: 20- 314). Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: https://doi.org/10.26300/xkck-3b89.
2 DesJardins, S. L., Ahlburg, D. A., & McCall, B. P. (2005). The effects of interrupted enrollment on graduation from college: Racial, income, and ability differences.
Economics of Education Review, 24(4), 439– 454.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272775705000853.
3 National Science Board, National Science Foundation. (2021, August 31). The STEM Labor Force of Today: Scientists, Engineers and Skilled Technical Workers (Science
& Engineering Indicators 2022, NSB-2021-2). Retrieved from https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20212/stem-pathways-degree-attainment-training- and-occupations.
4 University of California Office of the President. https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/_files/documents/ensuring
-transfer-success/final_campaign-for-transfer-excellence_ada.pdf.
See original version
BOARD NEWS: UCSF-Fresno Vice Dean Barral Sánchez
New UCSF Fresno vice dean joins CVHEC board as regional campus eyes 50th anniversary
José M. Barral Sánchez, MD, PhD, was seated on the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting May 8 in Fresno upon assuming the position of vice dean for the UCSF Fresno Regional Campus, effective May 1.
Dr. Barral Sanchez’ appointment was announced in February by UCSF School of Medicine Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD as the regional campus prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
He said Dr. Barral Sánchez oversees medical education, faculty development and research growth, including an expanding partnership with UC Merced, also a CVHEC member.
“This newly established role supports UCSF Fresno’s expansion as a regional campus,” said Dean King at the time.
Founded in 1975, UCSF Fresno was established to address the physician shortage in the San Joaquin Valley and help meet the region’s health care needs.
“With a career dedicated to academic leadership, faculty mentorship and community-driven medical education, Dr. Barral Sánchez is well-positioned to advance the UCSF Fresno Regional Campus’s mission of improving health care in the San Joaquin Valley,” added Dean King.
Dr. Barral Sánchez joins UCSF from the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM), where he has served as the inaugural chair of Biomedical Science and founding co-director of the MD-PhD Program with Caltech since 2018. He previously held leadership roles at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, including senior associate dean for Academic Affairs and vice chair of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy.
“I am looking forward to immersing myself in UCSF Fresno and learning what the needs and aspirations are of the campus community, Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley,” said Dr. Barral Sánchez. “I want to become embedded in the environment and learn how I can become a catalyst for enhancing the overall educational and research culture — everything that comprises an academic medical center and to enhance attracting health care providers to train and remain in the region.”
See original UCSF-Fresno press release.
For media inquiries about UCSF Fresno: Brandy Ramos Nikaido brandy.nikaido@ucsf.edu
For media inquiries about the CVHEC Board: Tom Uribes cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu
BOARD NEWS: Interim Superintendent/President at Taft College
Dr. Leslie Minor joins CVHEC Board
Leslie Minor, Ph.D., Taft College interim superintendent/president, was seated on the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting May 8 in Fresno. She was named to the Taft position effective Jan. 13.
Dr. Minor is an experienced and dedicated educational leader who joined Taft College initially as the vice president of Instruction in 2019. While at Taft College, Dr. Minor has collaborated on the development of the college’s Educational Master Plan and other strategic plans, accreditation self-studies, a baccalaureate degree and has worked to update processes and procedures at Taft College while promoting professional development programs for district employees.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Minor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine. Her prior administrative leadership experience spans both Oregon and California, and she brings many years of teaching experience in psychology, sociology, teacher preparation, and business human relations to her work. She was the regional representative to the Chief Instructional Officer Executive Board for the California Community College system and participates in statewide committees. She has received recognition for her work, including two international Fulbright travel awards.
Dr. Minor has also been an active member of her community, serving with organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Long Beach Farms, and the National Forest Service. She takes great pride in her role as a mentor and in supporting students, including her three adult children, all of whom attended community college.
Her passion for education, leadership, and service continues to inspire her work at Taft College, where she is committed to creating pathways for students to succeed academically and professionally.
Source: https://www.taftcollege.edu/faculty-staff/employee-directory/profiles/LeslieMinor.phpd
BOARD NEWS: Dr. Whisenhunt named Fresno City College president
FCC: homecoming for Dr. Denise Whisenhunt
Dr. Denise Whisenhunt – FCC President-select
Ms. Denise Whisenhunt, J.D., has been selected as the next president of Fresno City College effective July 2025 pending contract approval by the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) Board of Trustees at its May 6 meeting.
She will also take a seat on the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Board of Directors at the quarterly meeting May 8, filling the spot vacated when Dr. Robert Pimentel became chancellor of the West Hills Community College District.
A native of Fresno, Ms. Whisenhunt returns to her hometown with both personal ties and a strong sense of purpose, backed by a proven track record of leadership within California’s community college system. She has served as President of Grossmont College since 2021 and has more than two decades of leadership in education including working at San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, equity, and collaborative leadership, working side-by-side with faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students to serve San Diego’s East County communities.
She is no stranger to the complexities of higher education. She brings the seasoned perspective of a current sitting president, with the added strength of having led in a multi-college district, much like our own District.
The committee unanimously identified four outstanding finalists through a process that began nine months ago through a nationwide search with outreach to the community, a Campus Listening Session, and a Community Feedback Survey. More than 80 participants shared their expectations and hopes for the next president, which the committee used to shape the application, screening, and interview processes. Finalists participated in public forums, as well as meetings with FCC constituency leaders and Chancellor’s Cabinet members.
Ms. Whisenhunt is a student-first decision maker whose career has been dedicated to expanding access and opportunity—particularly for underserved and underprepared populations. Her leadership is grounded in equity-based practices, and her deep understanding of the California community college mission has earned her praise as a thoughtful, steady, and visionary leader.
She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, and a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Her commitment to leadership development and lifelong learning is evident in her participation in two of the most prestigious professional fellowships in higher education: the Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship and the UC Davis Wheelhouse Community College Leadership Fellows program.
Fresno City College was the first California Community College established in 1910 and second in the nation.
See SCCCD press release.
MEMBER NEWS: Coalinga College: OER Teaching and Learning Forum is May 16
‘A morning of learning and strategizing about OERs’ – Goldrick-Rab to keynote
The Teaching and Learning Forum “Relevance & Application through Open Education Resources (OER)” will be presented by Coalinga College May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harris Ranch in Coalinga (24505 W. Dorris Ave).
Sociologist Sara Goldrick-Rab will keynote the event designed to provide a morning of learning and strategizing about OERs. The event is funded through the Fresno Madera K-16 Collaborative.
The forum will feature students addressing barriers and fostering belonging and support
Participants will explore how OER enhances student access, affordability, and success; hear from faculty about their experiences developing and using OER; engage in meaningful discussions on the impact of OER in teaching and learning; and discover strategies to integrate OER into your courses effectively.
Goldrick-Rab is a scholar-activist who founded the #RealCollege movement “to support students’ basic needs and advance a more just vision of higher education.”
Her website describes #RealCollege as a global movement dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by college students:
“The work focuses on raising awareness about the real-life experiences and struggles of students, especially those from marginalized communities. It highlights often-overlooked issues reflecting students’ basic needs— food and housing insecurity, mental health, child care, transportation, and so on. The goal is to amplify students voices, foster dialogue, and drive systemic change in higher education institutions and public policies.”
Among her activism is spending six years learning from the experiences of thousands of low-income college students and writing an award-winning book, “Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream” (University of Chicago, 2016).
MEMBER NEWS: Gov. Newsom announces Master Plan for Career Education at MJC
Easier education access for CTE students, college credit for professional
experience/achievement, technical career paths through dual enrollment
Modesto Junior College hosted Gov. Gavin Newsom April 2 for the announcement of the California Master Plan for Career Education.
The press conference was held at the Regional Fire Training Center where MJC Fire Academy and EMT courses and hands-on training activities are held.
Officials from Modesto Junior College, City of Modesto, Stanislaus State, UC Merced, Merced College, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Northern San Joaquin K-16 Collaborative, California State Assembly and more attended a round table discussion on career pathways in career technical education.
The Governor’s plan is focused on creating easier access points to education for students in CTE fields, providing college credit for professional experience and achievement, and allowing high school students to explore technical career paths through dual enrollment opportunities.
California’s economy is built on industries from healthcare to advanced manufacturing and information technology. The California Community Colleges is comprised of 116 colleges and serves more than 2 million students in rural, urban and suburban communities. As discussed by Gov. Newsom during the workforce panel discussion, colleges are innovating education through Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment and employer connections. All of these career pathways open doors for all Californians and are key to achieving the goals of the state’s Masterplan for Career Education.
See the full MJC press release.
Related: Master Plan for Career Ed: Does Gov. Newsom’s plan to get Californians into better jobs do enough? – CalMatters
MEMBER NEWS: Merced College honors Andersons at Los Baños Campus
Merced College President-emeritus Benjamín Durán (center) and Dr. John Spevak (3rd from right) with the Anderson family at the Los Banos Campus April 7 for the MC State of the College Luncheon address by President Chris Vitelli.
Opened in 2007, the Los Banos campus ‘has served
thousands of students providing an education that would lead to a better life’
Merced College President Chris Vitelli delivered the 11th Annual State of the College address from the heart of the Westside April 7 at the college’s Los Baños Campus.
He also presented the President’s Medallion to Larry and Georgeann Anderson of Anderson Homes, whose 2001 donation of 125 acres paved the way for a permanent Los Baños Campus to be constructed.
Dr. John Spevak
The family was introduced by Dr. John Spevak, former Los Baños Campus dean and vice president-emeritus who is now a Central Valley Higher Education Consortium project lead. Their land donation was coordinated by then -Merced College President Benjamín Durán who is now CVHEC executive director.
Vitelli, a CVHEC board member, addressed a crowd of hundreds in the Los Banos Campus quad on April 7, sharing highlights from the past year with a focus on academic innovation, student support, community partnerships and employee well-being.
“As we reflect on the remarkable progress Merced College has made this year, it’s clear that we are on a path of extraordinary growth and innovation,” Vitelli said. “Our success is not only a result of the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners, but also a testament to the enduring value of a community college education.”
The event’s Los Banos setting was fitting, given the sweeping investments underway on the campus.
Opened in 2007, the campus has since grown to serve thousands of students and is now preparing for even more growth thanks to a $46 million bond measure passed by local voters in 2024.
Recent additions include a new Child Development Center and Blue Devil’s Brew café, while plans for the Measure P bond funds call for a new Career Technical Education complex, expanded programs and services, and campus beautification projects.
The campus has also seen increased demand, now serving more than 4,100 students.
Merced College President Chris Vitelli and President-emeritus Benjamín Durán
“The Anderson Family has continued to be among the campus’s most loyal supporters,” said Dr. Spevak. “Their donation was critical. … The campus was completed in 2007, on time and on budget, and has served thousands of students since that time, providing them with an education that would lead to a better life.”
Throughout his address, President Vitelli highlighted significant institutional achievements from the past year, including the reaffirmation of the college’s accreditation, strong enrollment growth, and strategic planning initiatives shaping the college’s next chapter.
Academic innovation stood at the forefront. Merced College has made headlines with its immersive virtual reality teaching environment, powered by Dreamscape Learn, and in its revolutionary approach agriculture education, which is helping students prepare for high-tech ag careers that serve the Valley and beyond.
Vitelli emphasized the college’s continued commitment to student well-being and success, from the new MESA Center to the expansion of the Career and Transfer Center, and resources like the food pantry and TimelyCare for mental health support. He also spotlighted initiatives to support faculty and staff, including expanded professional development, employee wellness programs, and a growing culture of gratitude.
The president closed by reflecting on the bright future ahead for the college and the communities it serves.
“Looking forward, we are more committed than ever to providing access to high-quality education, driving workforce innovation, and fostering student success at every level,” Vitelli said. “To this community, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and our entire workforce, we thank you for your continued support and belief in the transformative power of education. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more vibrant Merced College—one that serves our students, community, and future generations.”
See Merced College press release
See this month’s Blue Devil’s Advocate for more on the Los Banos Campus