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.

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Sacramento State Placer’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science will occupy academic labs, classrooms, and administrative space for students and faculty within the shared facility enabling applied, supervised learning alongside practicing forensic professionals, reinforcing national standards, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practice that prepares students for entry into public safety and forensic science careers under real-world conditions. The degree will be unique, available only to Sacramento State Placer students.*

This collaboration between the Placer County District Attorney and Sacramento State Placer, is innovation at its highest, and this facility will raise the bar for preparing forensic scientists, and we are extremely appreciative of the partnership and the confidence Placer County has placed in Sacramento State to deliver a state-of-the-art curriculum to match the facility design.

The target start date for the BS in Forensic Science is fall 2028, to coincide with the opening of the Placer County Forensic Science Laboratory.

*Sacramento State (Main Campus) and Sierra College students completing the correct prerequisites, will seamlessly move into the BS in Forensic Science.

Student Life

Sacramento State is currently in discussions with Sierra College to create a “One-Stop” space that will house advising, admissions, financial aid information, student government, peer advising and other relevant student and recruitment services. These services will be offered at Sierra College to support the new Sacramento State Placer degrees as well as current degrees at the Sacramento State Main Campus.

sac@sierra

Sacramento State is currently offering upper division coursework, in-person on the Sierra College campus. The courses are taught by Sacramento State faculty and open to both Sierra College and Sacramento State students. Quick Facts:

• Sierra College students do not pay enrollment fee for courses.
• Courses are taught by Sacramento State faculty.
• Sacramento State students and Sierra College students planning to transfer to Sacramento State can use the courses are part of their degree and/or general education requirements.
• Current Sacramento State students follow the normal registration process.
• Some courses are unique to the Sierra College location, and are not available on the Sacrament State Main Campus.

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:

1. • 1. How can interdisciplinary studies solve complex problems by focusing on creative innovations and emerging technologies?
     2. What kinds of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certifications can we offer along the pathway from community college to/through doctoral degrees?
     3. 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?
     4. What kinds of experiential learning labs will advance our teaching and research needs?
     5. What happens to our curriculum and pedagogy when wellness and equity are centralized?

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