Expanding Non-Credit Programming at California State University Chico
California State University Chico’s Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) department faced a critical opportunity to diversify and expand its program offerings. With a mandate to increase revenues through non-credit programs, the university needed to pivot from a focus primarily on academic and event-based programs to a broader portfolio that better served the Chico community and Northern California. This case study explores how we addressed this challenge, the strategic solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved.
🔍 The Opportunity
At the heart of this project was a significant shift for Chico State’s PCE department. Historically focused on supporting academic programs and hosting events, the department aimed to develop a robust non-credit program portfolio. However, the team was limited by its experience and capacity for researching and developing new programs. With a focus on credit programs and existing events, they needed support to effectively explore and launch new non-credit offerings.
Clare Van Ness, Dean of Professional & Continuing Education at Chico State, identified a critical need for a Program Leader to spearhead this initiative. Previous attempts to fill this role had been unsuccessful due to the challenge of finding someone with the necessary skills and background. To address this, The Spur Group was brought in to fill the role temporarily, bringing in deep expertise in program research and development and providing training to the existing team.
“There were so many obstacles we faced in the programming project. As a client, I am sure we did not make it easy, but The Spur Group took it in stride. In the end, even through all the hurdles, Spur left us with 10 program recommendations we are excited to move forward with and even helped us understand how to best find the next people to oversee our new program portfolio."
💡 The Solution
To meet the challenge, The Spur Group implemented a multi-faceted approach:
- Leadership Integration: Dr. Sarris, a seasoned expert in program research and development, was integrated into the Dean’s cabinet. This role included not only leading program development but also training the existing team on best practices in program research.
- Feasibility Research: Comprehensive feasibility studies were conducted to identify viable program areas. This involved analyzing demographic data, evaluating competition, and exploring potential collaborations with local business partners.
- Training and Tools: The Spur Group introduced new technologies and research methods, including customized program development worksheets. These tools helped the team understand and execute the research, budgeting, and hiring processes necessary for successful program development.
- Collaborative Development: Dr. Sarris worked closely with the marketing, technology, and learning groups within The Spur Group to ensure that all aspects of the program lifecycle—from conception to alumni engagement—were addressed.
“This was an incredibly challenging project for us because it was a major shift in how PCE worked at Chico State,” said Van Ness. “It was The Spur Group’s patience and resoluteness to see through so many aspects of the project that impressed us the most.”
📈 The Outcome
The project yielded several key outcomes:
- Program Portfolio Expansion: At the end of the project, Chico State had 10 new programs tailored to the needs of their community. These programs were designed to fill gaps in the market and leverage local opportunities, but also pinpointed unique offerings that could scale nationally.
- Enhanced Team Capabilities: The existing team, now trained in effective program research and development, became proficient in identifying and designing successful programs. The implementation of new technologies and methodologies streamlined their workflow and improved efficiency.
- Successful Program Implementation: Several programs were successfully developed and launched, meeting the university’s revenue and engagement goals. The team’s newfound skills enabled them to continue this success independently.
- Leadership Transition: The Spur Group assisted in crafting the job description for a permanent Program Leader, ultimately helping the university hire an internal candidate who has excelled in the role. This seamless transition ensured continuity and long-term success for the program portfolio.
Clare Van Ness
Dean, Professional and Continuing Education at California State University, Chico
“There were so many obstacles we faced in the programming project. As a client, I am sure we did not make it easy, but The Spur Group took it in stride. In the end, even through all the hurdles, Spur left us with 10 program recommendations that we are excited to move forward with, and even helped us understand how to best find the next people to oversee our new program portfolio.”