Campus News
Notice of open comment: UC Policy on the Use of Online Program Management Companies
The University of California Office of the President invites comments on an Interim Presidential Policy for the University of California’s Use of Online Program Management Companies.
From: Christina Ravelo, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs, and Michael Tassio, Assistant Vice Provost for Educational Innovation
August 19, 2025
The University of California Office of the President invites comments on an Interim Presidential Policy for the University of California’s Use of Online Program Management Companies. Online Program Management (OPM) companies are defined in the policy as third-party contractors who provide services including course instruction, course development, student recruitment, marketing, technical, and student support services. The interim policy was issued effective June 26, 2025, following the CA state audit of the limited use of OPM companies in the UC. Per the policy, when OPM companies are in use, new requirements are in place in the following areas:
- Instructor Transparency for Online Courses
- Course Evaluation Process and Student Feedback
- Prohibition of Incentive-Based Compensation for Recruitment, Admissions, or Awarding of Financial Aid
- Compliance with Regulations on the Use of Non-Accredited Entities
Comments on the interim policy may be submitted to the Policy Coordination Office at pco@ucsc.edu by the close of business on November 11, 2025.