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Academic Planning
The Placer Pilot launches Spring, 2025: As part of the Cross-Institutional Pilot working group, representatives from Sierra College and Sacramento State are building pathways for Sierra students to transition into Sacramento State. The focus is on developing concurrent enrollment structures (microsites) at Sierra College to build capacity for students in high-demand programs to further access higher education. To launch this effort, we have Faculty Ambassadors now teaching Sac State classes at Sierra College! These efforts will expand the Placer model and help us develop systems to offer interdisciplinary programs at a new shared campus by Fall 2028.
Chairs: Associate Dean Pamela Wimbush and VP of Student Services, Lucas Moosman.
Spring Work Groups
Last academic year, exceptional strides were made to advance a Sac State satellite campus in Placer County. Hundreds of people provided input on the creation of academic clusters, and by January we launched 6 workgroups, comprised of 60 faculty and staff from both Sac State and Sierra College. During each session, we considered various questions, such as:
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- How can interdisciplinary studies solve complex problems by focusing on creative innovations and emerging technologies?
- What kinds of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certifications can we offer along the pathway from community college to/through doctoral degrees?
- How can we further leverage industry partnerships in Placer County to provide paid academic internships to our students that connect directly to workforce needs and career paths?
- What kinds of experiential learning labs will advance our teaching and research needs?
- What happens to our curriculum and pedagogy when wellness and equity are centralized?
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Each workgroup exceeded expectations, completing a white paper and creating public presentations on the future of their disciplines, workforce needs, and how to partner with local industries. Building on this work, we are launching a pilot program this spring with Sierra College. And we have 16 Placer Planning Fellows who are continuing to carry the vision forward.
Since our goal is to create interdisciplinary and industry-based learning connections, we are discovering new innovative ways to further teach, learn, and lead.
Significant Milestone Achievements 2023-2024
- Fall – Convenings with hundreds of stakeholders. Academic Clusters identified.
- Winter – On January 31, 2024, the CSU Board of Trustees unanimously approves the Master Plan for Sacramento State Placer. Two weeks later, on February, 13th, the Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approves an agreement with the University for the design of a forensics laboratory.
- Spring – 60 faculty and staff experts from Sac State and Sierra College successfully complete the Phase 1 Academic Plan for Placer.
- Summer – Letter of Intent signed between Sac State and Sierra College further advancing the partnership.
Contributors
A special thanks to all of the faculty and staff who continue to contribute and help shape the Placer Campus.
The greatest part of my job this past year has been meeting experts across various academic disciplines and professional roles at both Sierra College and Sacramento State. It is these individuals that have ignited our Placer possibilities. The genuine nature of our partnerships has translated into profound pathways forward.
Dr. Vajra Watson
Interim AVP, Placer Campus
The Placer Campus embodies our commitment to innovative education. Through this collaboration, Sierra College and Sacramento State are creating seamless pathways in high-demand fields. We're expanding access to quality higher education, empowering students to achieve their goals locally. More than just a campus, we're cultivating a hub of opportunity that will drive our region's growth and development.
Rebecca Bocchicchio
Sierra College Vice President of Instruction