UC Online

UC Global Language Network FAQs

Updated June 2026

This document will continue to be updated as the initiative evolves

1. What is the UC Global Language Network?

The Global Language Network (GLN) is a University of California systemwide initiative intended to expand access to language courses across UC campuses through shared online instruction, credit reciprocity and faculty collaboration. 

The GLN was organized in 2024 by a group of humanities deans from all nine UC undergraduate campuses. The initiative is supported by UC Online and its cross-campus enrollment system. GLN is being guided by a UC-wide task force, and deans, associate deans, faculty and language experts at UC campuses are coordinating with instructors, including lecturers and ladder faculty, to incorporate and develop courses. 

GLN courses are available to undergraduates and graduate students at all campuses, with a goal of establishing credit reciprocity such that all GLN courses can satisfy each campus’s foreign language requirement (where applicable). GLN courses are intended to supplement in-person language instruction across UC campuses and expand access to language learning, not to replace existing offerings.

2. How does GLN address challenges related to language instruction?

Language study is vital for global understanding, cultural preservation and academic excellence. More than 100 languages are taught across the UC system, and many of them are classified as less commonly taught languages, or LCTLs. Less commonly taught language classes typically have low enrollments, which can make them challenging to sustain over the long term. 

By drawing students from across the UC system rather than from individual campuses alone, the GLN helps sustain language courses with lower enrollments and support the long-term preservation of the University of California’s language offerings. In addition, the GLN offers languages in high demand not available at all UC campuses, such as Korean and American Sign Language. 

3. Why are you introducing the Global Language Network now?

Throughout American higher education, language programs are being minimized or removed entirely. Since 2000, more than 2,000 foreign language programs have been lost; and since 2009, enrollment in foreign language classes has declined by more than 30%. 

The University of California recognizes the vital role of foreign language study in higher education for cultural enrichment, professional development and career readiness. In response, the university created the GLN to scale up language offerings and expand access. 

4. To what extent were faculty members consulted?

The GLN is being planned and developed in partnership with faculty from all UC undergraduate campuses, divisional Academic Senates, campus administrations and the University of California Office of the President. The network’s phased rollout — including which languages are being offered through GLN — is informed by input from across the UC system. GLN was developed from the ground up, and is not a top-down initiative or mandate.

5. Is online foreign language instruction effective? 

The GLN emphasizes evidence-based instructional design and faculty engagement to support high-quality language learning experiences online.  Research indicates that well-designed language instruction, whether in-person or online, effectively supports measurable language learning outcomes. The effectiveness in particular is present when courses include evidence-based pedagogical practices, such as synchronous interaction, collaborative activities, regular feedback and opportunities for spoken communication. 

GLN courses are intended to expand access and complement existing in-person opportunities, not to eliminate them. The UC campuses were founded as residential educational experiences, and many students continue to seek the opportunities for in-person community, cultural engagement, and immersive interaction that campus-based learning can provide.  UC also recognizes that high-quality online learning can also foster strong academic connection, collaboration, and community.

6. Is the Global Language Network active now?

Yes. As of May 2026, the GLN is in Phase 2 of a multi-phase rollout. Phase 1 began in fall 2025. The GLN is adapting existing UC Online enrollment infrastructure and protocols to ensure UC students can seamlessly register and receive credit for GLN courses. The following languages, most of which are otherwise only available to students at two or three campuses, have been offered or are being offered currently:

Winter Quarter/Spring Semester 2026

Spring Quarter 2026

7. What is the timeline for GLN?

Phase 2 of the GLN, which began in January 2026, focuses on developing and delivering online language course sequences that expand systemwide access to language instruction while complementing existing and planned language offerings. Students will have opportunities to take languages that, for the most part, are not offered at their home campus. 

Phase 2 will include sequences of eight languages that will be developed into online courses with proven pedagogy. These include less commonly taught languages and several languages in higher demand that are taught at fewer campuses.

We expect the rollout timeline for the GLN to differ across the UC system, depending on interests, needs and decision-making at each campus. Future phases will incorporate lessons learned during the first two phases, emphasizing coordination and collaboration across the UC system. The GLN is designed to evolve as student needs, faculty interests and campus capacity change over time.

8. Will GLN replace campus language departments or in-person instruction? 

No. GLN is designed to expand access to foreign language instruction and support the long-term sustainability of language study across the UC system. Decisions about curricula and instructional delivery remain under campus and departmental authority through established academic governance processes.

9. How are languages selected? 

Languages are selected based on the level of interest in developing a language sequence at a particular campus, current availability of the language in the system and student demand — at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All decisions about GLN are made collectively, guided by principles of cross-campus equity, collaboration and thoughtful distribution.  

10. Will the GLN utilize AI-generated virtual instructors? 

No. Language learning is inherently social and relies on authentic interaction, cultural context and meaningful communication with a human instructor. As with any course, faculty may choose to use generative AI tools to supplement instruction, provide practice opportunities or support course design. It should be noted that AI tools are not required as part of GLN course development or instructional delivery because these tools are not a substitute for the human interaction, feedback and engagement between instructors and students that remain at the heart of high-quality language education and the UC learning experience. GLN courses are designed to provide instructor-driven learning that emphasizes synchronous conversation, comprehension and a collective learning experience.