Guided Pathways & Transfer Update

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Academic Affairs Updates

Please see the update below on our progress with the Guided Pathways (GP) framework and the critical transfer work occurring at the state level with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and our partner colleges across Oregon.

The GP initiative is now firmly moving into a phase of technical implementation, directly supported by the recent reorganization within General Education and Transfer Studies (GETS), to better align our administrative structure with the GP strands.

Our most immediate work, which requires your expertise and leadership, centers on preparing for the adoption of new academic planning software:

  • Program Map Review: We are relying on you to review and refine all existing full-time program maps to ensure course sequencing, prerequisites, and alignment with transfer institutions are accurate.

  • Half-Time Map Development: A critical step is developing half-time program maps for part-time students, which will be essential for the new planning software to create predictable, student-centered course schedules and facilitate timely completion for all our students.

  • Statewide Context: Chemeketa is actively involved in the Guided Pathways across Oregon Community Colleges initiative, which focuses on scaling the GP framework and corequisite curriculum strategies across the state, directly supporting the HECC Strategic Roadmap.

Transfer, HECC, and Common Course Numbering (CCN) Updates

Significant changes are on the horizon for transfer students across Oregon that will directly impact our curriculum:

  • New General Education Block (HECC): The HECC Transfer Council has endorsed a new concept called “General Education Complete”. This will be a block of 30–45 credits that all Oregon Public Universities (OPUs) must accept as fulfilling their bachelor’s degree general education requirements. This block is intended to replace the existing Core Transfer Map to reduce costs and prevent credit loss for transfer students.

  • Common Course Numbering Implementation:

    • The Transfer Council approved the alignment of numerous courses in Business, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Math, and Sociology for implementation in the 2025–2026 academic catalog.

    • For the Calculus series (MTH 251Z, 252Z, 253Z), which was previously delayed, the CCN has been approved at 4 credits each.

    • The debate over Communications CCN courses (3 vs. 4 credits) is ongoing and is a major topic of discussion at the Transfer Council. There is significant pressure to reduce these to 3 credits, which would require eliminating content at institutions like Chemeketa and creating a “ripple effect of credit reductions across disciplines”. This issue is likely to be discussed again in January.

    • Some OPUs, such as OSU, have already implemented credit changes on their end for earlier CCN courses, for example, moving ENG courses from 3 to 4 credits, and adjusting their requirements for BA 101Z.

This statewide work requires our careful attention, particularly as we work to ensure our curriculum aligns with these mandates while maintaining the integrity and rigor of our courses. I want you to know that your continued participation in these discussions is invaluable.

Thank you for your tireless work and dedication to our students’ success.

Chris Kato, Executive Dean – General Education and Transfer Studies