To foster the 'learn by doing' philosophy by providing learning experiences on a working ranch with diversified agricultural and forest resources while insuring the integrity of the Swanton Pacific Ranch. An updated academic plan was developed by a university wide committee and approved in 1998. Facilities include accommodations for 14 student interns and field trip housing comprised of two 30-foot yurts and a renovated ranch house. A distance learning system was installed to offer interactive video courses to and from campus. This system transmits images through telephones lines.
Students can see and hear instructors teaching, while instructors can see and hear students.
A variety of courses have been offered using this technology, including literature, history, political science, geography, animal science, and forestry classes.