Pace+ Competency-Based Education
What is Pace+?
Pace+ is Coastline College’s Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education (CBE) program. Unlike traditional education models that focus on seat time and credit hours, Pace+ allows you to progress by demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge—at your own pace.
What is Competency?
A competency is a clearly defined skill, ability, or body of knowledge that you must demonstrate to complete a course or program. Competencies are:
- Measurable: You can show evidence of your learning.
- Relevant: They align with real-world skills and industry standards.
- Transparent: You know exactly what is expected of you.
Think of competencies as building blocks of your education—each one brings you closer to your degree and career goals.
What Does It Mean to Demonstrate Mastery?
To demonstrate mastery means you’ve proven you fully understand a competency and can apply it in real-world or academic scenarios. This is done through:
- Assessments (projects, papers, exams, presentations)
- Portfolios or practical demonstrations
- Reflections or self-assessments
You must meet a high standard of performance—80% or higher on your summative assessment—to pass. If you don’t meet the standard on your first try, you’ll receive feedback and can revise and resubmit.
How Pace+ Works
- Student-Directed Pacing: You control your schedule. Move quickly through what you know, and take time where you need it.
- Flexible Terms: Start dates are more frequent, and you can complete competencies as soon as you’re ready.
- Affordable, subscription-based pricing: Instead of paying for each course during a semester, Pace+ students pay one, low fee for a 14-week term that allows you to complete as many competencies during the term as you want.
- Teaching Faculty Support: For each competency, you will have a Teaching Faculty member who supports your progress and provides feedback. When you are ready to move into the Demonstration Phase, your Teaching Faculty will approve you to take the Summative Assessment.
- Summative Assessor Faculty Support: The Summative Assessor Faculty member will support you from this stage forward! You will get details about your summative assessment, and have ten business days to complete your submission. Your Summative Assessor Faculty member will grade the summative assessment and provide feedback.
The possible grades are:
- M for Mastery: Congratulations! You have demonstrated Mastery of this competency! You will receive credit and can now move forward to your next competency!
- M+ for Mastery with Distinction: Congratulations! You have demonstrated mastery in your competency and have demonstrated exceptional mastery in at least one Behavior Indicator for your competency!
- NY for Not Yet. Your Summative Assessor Faculty will provide you with feedback and guidance so you can learn what you need to do to succeed. Then, when you’re ready, you can submit the Summative Assessment again!
Student Engagement Coaches: You’ll be paired with a Student Engagement Coach who supports your progress and is there to answer any questions or guide you to the support you need.
Learning Resources: You’ll have access to curated materials, tutorials, and practice tools to help you succeed.
Understanding Subscription-Based Financial Aid in Pace+
Term Structure:
Pace+ operates on a subscription-based model with 14-week terms. Instead of paying per course or credit hour, students pay one low flat fee per term, which covers access to all learning materials, assessments, and faculty support.
How It Works:
- One Fee, Full Access: Each 14-week term gives you unlimited access to the program’s competencies. You can complete as many as you’re able to master during the term.
- Average Completion Time: Most students complete the program in 5 terms (approximately 18 months), depending on their pace and prior knowledge.
- Flexible Progress: If you finish early or need more time, you can adjust your pace without financial penalties—just continue to the next term.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Student enrolled in Pace+ are eligible for both federal and state financial aid, including:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Direct Loans
- State Grants (where applicable)
To receive aid:
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by mastering competencies and staying engaged.
- Reapply for aid annually and meet all eligibility requirements.
Key Points to Remember
- Financial aid is applied per term, not per course.
- Aid is based on your enrollment status and academic progress.
- You must actively participate and demonstrate mastery to remain eligible.
Pace+ Academic Calendar Overview
Pace+ runs on a flexible schedule designed to fit your life. Here's what you need to know:
How the Terms Work:
- The academic year is divided into 3 student terms: Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3.
- There are 4 tracks (A, B, C, and D). Each track has its own start and end dates.
- You can start in any track, but once you choose, you’ll stay in that track for the rest of the program
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Term Dates by Track | |
| Track A | |
| October 6, 2025 - February 1, 2026 | Term 1 |
| February 16 - May 31, 2026 | Term 2 |
| June 8 - September 20, 2026 | Term 3 |
| Track B | |
| July 14 - October 20, 2025 | Term 1 |
| November 3, 2025 - March 1, 2026 | Term 2 |
| March 16 - May 31, 2026 | Term 3 |
| Track C | |
| August 4 - November 16, 2025 | Term 1 |
| December 1, 2025 - March 29, 2026 | Term 2 |
| April 13 - July 20, 2026 | Term 3 |
| Track D | |
| September 15, 2025 -January 11, 2026 | Term 1 |
| January 19 - May 3, 2026 | Term 2 |
| May 11 - August 30, 2026 | Term 3 |
Scheduled Breaks (No Faculty Availability)
- Aug 18–24, 2025
- Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
- Mar 30 – Apr 5, 2026
- Jun 1–7, 2026
- Aug 17–23, 2026
You can still study during breaks, but faculty won’t be available for support.
Faculty Terms
Faculty are assigned based on these terms, not student terms:
- Summer: Jun 9 – Aug 17, 2025
- Fall: Aug 25 – Dec 14, 2025
- Winter: Jan 5 – Jan 30, 2026
- Spring: Jan 31 – May 30, 2026
Faculty may change during your term, and you may move in and out of competencies based on your pace.
Your Learning Hub: Canvas
Canvas is the official Learning Management System (LMS) for the Pace+ program. It’s where you’ll:
- Access your competency modules
- Submit assignments and assessments
- Track your progress
- Receive feedback from faculty
- View announcements and important updates
You’ll log into Canvas regularly to stay on top of your learning and deadlines. It’s your go-to space for everything academic.
Communicating with Faculty
Your faculty are here to support your learning journey. The best way to reach them is through:
Canvas Inbox
- Use the inbox feature in Canvas to send messages directly to your instructors.
- This keeps all your communication organized and tied to your courses.
Office Hours & Appointments
- Some faculty offer virtual office hours
- Check your course announcements or syllabus for details
Announcements
- Faculty often post updates and reminders in the Announcements section of Canvas. Be sure to read them!
Meet Your Student Engagement Coach
At Pace+, you're never on your own. Every student is supported by a Student Engagement Coach—your personal guide throughout the program.
What Do Engagement Coaches Do?
Your coach is here to help you stay on track and succeed. They will:
- Monitor your progress and check in regularly to help you stay motivated
- Answer your questions about the program, Canvas, or college resources
- Connect you with support services like tutoring, counseling, tech help, and more
- Help you set goals and manage your time effectively
How will they reach you?
Your coach will proactively reach out to you throughout the term via:
- Text messages
- Phone Calls
- Emails
So don’t be surprised if you hear from them—they’re here to support you!
Need Help? Reach out anytime !
You can contact your Engagement Coach directly at: paceplus@cccd.edu
Whether you have a quick question or need help navigating a challenge, your coach is just a message away.
Associate of Science Management (Applied) Program Structure
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Block 1 | ||
| ENGL C100 | Academic Reading and Writing (Written Communication) | 4 |
| MATH C101 | Applied Mathematics (Financial Acumen I) | 3 |
| Block 2 | ||
| CMST C100 | Interpersonal Communication (Comm & Active Listening) | 3 |
| ETHS C233 | Racial and Ethnic Relations in America (Sensitivity) | 3 |
| Block 3 | ||
| CIS C105 | Introduction to Business Office Technology (Technology Savvy I) | 3 |
| BUS C120 | Personal Finance (Financial Acumen II) | 3 |
| Block 4 | ||
| KIN C101 | Personal Fitness and Wellness (Drive & Energy I) | 1 |
| BUS C281 | Work Experience Education (Drive & Energy II) | 1 |
| BUS C101 | Introduction to Project Management (Org & Planning) | 3 |
| Block 5 | ||
| BUS C139 | Business Communication (Functional Expertise) | 3 |
| MGMT C115 | Human Relations in Business (Relationship Building) | 3 |
| Block 6 | ||
| BUS C100 | Introduction to Business (Business Thinking) | 3 |
| PHIL C140 | Business and Organizational Ethics (Integrity) | 3 |
| Block 7 | ||
| CMST C140 | Small Group Communication (Conflict Management) | 3 |
| COMM C110 | Introduction to Public Speaking (Presentation Skills) | 3 |
| Block 8 | ||
| ACCT C116 | ACCT for Non-Financial Managers, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners (Financial Acumen III) | 3 |
| MGMT C100 | Principles of Management (Team Management) | 3 |
| Block 9 | ||
| GEOL C161 | Environmental Geology (Prob Solv & Decision Making) | 3 |
| CIS C205 | Principles of Information Systems (Technology Savvy II) | 3 |
| Block 10 | ||
| CIS C280 | Data Visualization (Technology Savvy III) | 3 |
| MGMT C144 | Introduction to Leadership (Influence) | 3 |