California’s higher education systems are advancing new models for addressing student housing shortages through intersegmental collaboration between community colleges and universities. This session highlights two pioneering partnerships, Riverside Community College District with UC Riverside, and Merced College with UC Merced. These partnerships demonstrate how shared vision, coordinated planning, and innovative delivery approaches can expand access to affordable, student-centered housing.
Panelists will discuss how these collaborations were formed, the governance and planning frameworks used to align resources across systems, and the design and operational strategies that support seamless student transitions between institutions. The conversation will focus on centering the student experience while navigating institutional differences, regulatory environments, and funding structures. Attendees will gain insights into how intersegmental partnerships can advance equity, strengthen transfer pathways, and create scalable housing solutions that support student access, belonging, and long-term success.