Cross-Campus Instructional Funding FAQ

2025–2026 UC Online Instructional Funding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of this funding protocol?
1. The updated instructional funding protocol aims to provide consistent and transparent financial support for instructional costs related to cross-campus online courses. This includes support for instructional assistants (e.g., TAs, graders, learning assistants) and is separate from other UC Online funds (e.g., programmatic or technical infrastructure support).

Who developed this protocol
1. The protocol was developed in consultation with the UC Online Advisory Council.

When does this protocol take effect?
1. It is effective for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What qualifies as a “cross-campus” student?
1. A student enrolled in a course offered by a UC campus other than their home campus, through the Cross-Campus Enrollment System (CCES).

What is the minimum enrollment for a course to receive instructional funding?
1. Courses must have six or more cross-campus students enrolled by the end of week one to be eligible.

What happens if a course has five or fewer cross-campus students?
1. The course is not eligible for any cross-campus instructional funding.

Are all enrolled students counted toward funding?
1. Only cross-campus students enrolled at the end of week 1 are counted.

Does this funding apply to summer courses?
1. No, funding is only available for cross-campus courses offered during the academic year.

How much funding can a course receive?
1. Up to $150 per cross-campus student per term, with a maximum of $6,000 per course.

What can the funding be used for?
1. Funds may be used to support instructional roles such as TAs, graders, or learning assistants. If no support is needed, departments should request only essential funds or opt out entirely.

Can funds be used if the course doesn’t use TAs?
1. Yes, equivalent roles (e.g., graders, learning assistants) are eligible.
Will courses with six or more cross-campus enrollments automatically receive instructional funding?
1. No, funds remain on an as needed basis. UC Online will reach out to campuses after week one to discuss enrollments.

What if cross-campus enrollment exceeds a department’s TA threshold?
1. The department must request prior review and approval for TA support. It’s recommended to set course seat caps below the TA threshold unless early approval is granted.

How do I request TA support?
1. Faculty and department staff should submit a request through their campus liaison, who will notify UC Online.
  Campus Liaisons should complete the Cross-Campus TA support form

What’s the timeline for TA request decisions?
1. A joint decision by the hosting campus and UC Online will be made within ten days of the request.
What criteria are used to evaluate TA requests?
1. Consideration is given to:
  1. Whether the course is high-impact or a bottleneck for time-to-degree
  2. Whether systemwide enrollment is critical to the course or program
Should departments consider other ways to support students besides TAs?
1. Departments are encouraged to consider pedagogical or technological solutions before requesting TA support.
If a TA request is denied, can it be appealed?
1. The decision will include a shared rationale from UC Online and the campus. Faculty may reapply for the next academic year.
How long does an approved TA assignment last?
1. Approval is valid for the entire academic year.

Could I use instructional funding to revise a course?
1. No, revision funds may be available at your campus. Please reach out to your campus liaison.

Who should I contact with questions or for clarification?
1. Contact: Rolin Moe at rolin.moe@ucop.edu & Mary Wong at mary.wong2@ucop.edu

UC Online Campus Liaisons