Higher education

A look back on University of California Merced’s first 20 years.

The lawsuit by a former coach and instructor is part of mounting criticism and pressure against Carole Goldsmith, chancellor of the State Center Community College District.

The investigation started after faculty spoke out at a State Center Community College District board of trustees meeting.

The University of California looked at three sites as finalists for the campus, including two in the Fresno area, before awarding the campus to Merced.

Stanislaus State issued layoff notices to 18 employees in March. Budget deficits loom at Fresno State and CSU Bakersfield as well.

Expenses for lawsuits, investigations, labor negotiations and contract reviews at the State Center Community College District rose from $300,000 in 2016 to more than $1.2 million in 2024.

Some lecturers at University of California Merced were laid off at the start of the year. But university officials neither wanted to confirm the layoffs nor answer questions about how it will impact courses.

The inaugural baccalaureate class was part of a new program called "Degrees of Change."

Since 2018, the number of San Joaquin Valley teenagers obtaining associate degrees has nearly doubled.

A new report shows college completion in the San Joaquin Valley is low, but Valley leaders are looking for ways to raise those numbers.