The Task Force began its deliberations in February 1996 and immediately initiated a review of the University’s outreach goals, strategies, programs, and activities. Data gathering activities included the following:

1. Testimony on the California Educational Landscape and Infrastructure

The Task Force heard testimony from experts who have studied issues of college preparation and enrollment. In particular, the Task Force received information on levels of University of California eligibility among graduating California high school seniors and how various measures of academic achievement leading to postsecondary enrollment correlate with different income levels, parent education, geography, race, and ethnicity.

2. Surveys of Outreach Programs and Methods

Outreach program directors provided testimony regarding the goals of their individual programs, as well as methods employed in assisting students, in enriching pre-college curriculum, and in promoting the best instructional practices. Directors also discussed program evaluation and outcomes, areas of greatest need, and areas for expansion.

3. Evaluations of Program Effectiveness

A major point of concern on the part of the Task Force was outreach program effectiveness and outcomes. The Task Force reviewed evaluations of University outreach programs and of similar programs state and nationwide; it also heard expert testimony on program methodology and the match between program focus and issues to be addressed in preparing a diverse student population.

4. Task Force Subcommittees

At its meeting on April 15, 1996, the Task Force divided into five subcommittees:

• Pre-K-16 Outreach;
• Community College Outreach;
• Graduate/Professional School Programs;
• Assessment and Evaluation of Outreach Programs; and
• Communication and Technology in Outreach.

Each subcommittee worked independently in defining outreach issues related to its particular subject matter, holding focus groups and meetings, consulting experts in the field, and preparing recommendations to advance thinking and practice on the individual topics.

5. Commissioned Research

The Task Force commissioned several studies. Two of these studies were conducted by independent consultants: 1) Higher Education Outreach Programs: A Synthesis of Evaluations, conducted by a research agency, Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE); and 2) The Focus Group Report for the University of California Outreach Task Force, conducted by the firm of Stoorza, Ziegaus, Metzger and Hunt to measure the understanding, and define the perspective, of potential students, their families, and their high school counselors regarding the University’s policies and programs. A third study, conducted by the Community College Outreach Subcommittee, compiled the views of community college officials regarding the transfer function and how it could be strengthened to serve disadvantaged students. Finally, a survey of graduate and professional school outreach programs was conducted by the Graduate/Professional School Subcommittee to determine the most substantive and cost-effective outreach programs for this student constituency.

6. Testimony from State and National Outreach Practitioners

National experts in outreach and preparation for postsecondary education spoke to the Task Force regarding educational outcomes at the secondary level among different groups of students, highlighting particular issues that must be addressed in order to achieve equality of educational opportunity. In addition, the Outreach Task Force was informed by a conference on outreach issues at UC Santa Cruz. This conference was designed to help frame the work of the Task Force by consulting with 200 outreach practitioners from throughout the State representing all major California outreach programs -- K-12 teachers, principals, and counselors; community college and University faculty; and outreach staff. Following extensive discussion, conference attendees prepared a series of recommendations for improvements in pre-college preparation of disadvantaged students.

7. Public Comment Period

The draft Report dated May 16, 1997 of the Outreach Task Force was sent out for public comment to over 2,700 groups and individuals internal and external to the University, including all major educational segments, all California public high school principals and superintendents, appropriate government officials, numerous community organizations, and others. In addition, the Report was posted on the University of California Office of the President website (http://www.ucop.edu/acadaff/otf.html). In response, a large number of comments were received, the substance of which was incorporated to the extent possible into subsequent versions of the Report.