UC Merced Chooses Eduframe for Enhanced Continuing Education Experience

In a significant move to modernize its educational services, the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) has announced a collaboration with Eduframe, a platform developed by Drieam. This partnership is aimed at elevating the operations of the university's Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), catering to the needs of non-traditional learners who are essential in today's evolving workforce.

The choice of Eduframe was made after a thorough request for proposals (RFP) process, where UC Merced PACE sought a solution that would not only facilitate operational efficiency but also provide scalability to meet the demands of a growing student population. This decision comes in light of an impressive enrollment surge within the PACE unit, which welcomed 1,000 new learners in just the previous academic year.

The PACE unit at UC Merced is dedicated to offering flexible, non-degree courses in key areas such as business, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. As the demand for reskilling and upskilling continues to rise, the university is keen on delivering programs that are accessible through various formats, including online, hybrid, and in-person classes. This adaptability is crucial for catering to a diverse pool of students, enabling them to pursue educational opportunities that align with their life circumstances.

Michael Pierick, Director of Strategic Initiatives at UC Merced PACE, emphasized that the implementation of Eduframe goes beyond enhancing operational efficiency. It aims to transform the student journey significantly. With Eduframe’s integrated capabilities, administrative burdens are lessened, allowing staff to devote more time to student support rather than administrative tasks. The integration with Salesforce for payment processing and Canvas LMS for learning management will create a seamless experience from registration to course access.

“This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about improving the overall student experience,” said Pierick. “Students will find it intuitive and immediate, helping them engage with their courses right after registration without unnecessary delays.”

The emphasis on creating an intuitive and immediate process extends to all aspects of the learner's experience, ensuring that from the moment a student registers, they are guided smoothly into their courses. Annette Roberts Webbs, Dean of Professional and Continuing Education at UC Merced, recognized this development as a game changer, highlighting that Eduframe’s capabilities allow staff to focus on student needs effectively.

In discussing the partnership, Mieke Ridderhof, CMO and Managing Director of US and APAC at Drieam, expressed her excitement about supporting UC Merced in its mission to enhance educational delivery for its Professional and Continuing Education programs. She reiterated that Eduframe’s automation technologies would empower the university to prioritize enriching the learning experience for students while simultaneously elevating its operational nature.

As part of this initiative, UC Merced PACE plans to harness Eduframe's functionalities to continuously refine and align its educational offerings with the evolving needs of both learners and industry employers. By doing so, UC Merced ensures that its graduates are not only knowledgeable but are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in today's competitive job market.

This dynamic partnership marks a significant step forward for UC Merced’s PACE and lays a strong foundation for future growth and continuous improvement in delivering high-quality education.

For more information on Eduframe and Drieam, please visit eduframe.com.