“We have a system that admits you and then says you are relegated to these classes that don’t get you any credit,” Mr. Minor said. “That sunk a lot of ships. We have heard very consistently that it invites students to question whether or not they belong in college. That has serious implications for whether they stick around.”

A study released last fall by the Public Policy Institute of California found that remedial courses in community colleges usually do not help students complete degree programs.

The chancellor’s order does not address how campuses should implement the changes. Campuses could extend a semester-long course over a longer period of time, for example, or provide extra tutoring for students who need help.

Mr. Minor dismissed any notion that the changes would amount to a watering-down of courses.

“We’ve been explicitly clear that we are not going to be compromising our academic quality or rigor,” Mr. Minor said. “Our job is to meet students where they are and get them the help they need.”

What do you think? Will eliminating remedial courses help Cal State students? Tell us at: CAtoday@nytimes.com.