Auditor Finds University of California Lacks Transparency in Online Courses

Inside Higher Ed

Lauren Coffey

June 10, 2024

The University of California system needs more oversight and transparency when working with online program management firms, a state auditor’s report found.

The California auditor’s office reviewed 30 of the 51 contracts the university system has with online program managers (OPMs), according to the report released last week. The state audit found each of the campuses with reviewed contracts—UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara—had incomplete or misleading information about OPM relationships, including overstating the value of courses and a lack of transparency about OPMs teaching courses.

In response to the report, the UC system told Inside Higher Ed in a statement that the “university recognizes that providing transparent information on partnerships with OPMs is essential for prospective program participants to assess whether a program aligns with their personal and professional goals.”

“We will continue to diligently review and responsibly implement these recommendations to address any misalignments with state and federal best practices and our own commitments to excellence,” the statement said.

The audit comes after six lawmakers sent a letter last year to the state auditor’s office, flagging a potential misuse of funds involving relationships with online program managers.

Continue Reading