Spring

A Transfer Discussion Document

The three segments of the California public higher education system currently operate several programs intended to facilitate the transfer of students between the California Community Colleges and California State University and University of California systems. However, too often these intersegmental transfer programs have been established without specific, clear plans for how they will interface with other existing programs.

Working with the 2002 Accreditation Standards: The Faculty's Role

The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has a long standing tradition of encouraging faculty involvement in the self study process and in serving on accreditation teams and at the Commission. Though the Academic Senate takes exception with the 2002 Accreditation Standards, particularly their reliance on marketplace values, faculty roles in accreditation are essential to a healthy peer review process and founded in the Education Code and Title 5 Regulations.

Textbook Issues: Economic Pressures and Academic Values

The rising cost of college textbooks has recently become a topic of intense public debate. It is perceived as a significant barrier to college attendance, and an assortment of legislative remedies has been proposed. This position paper of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges explains that profit is just one of a complex series of interacting issues that determine the ultimate cost of textbooks to students. Educational and ethical issues surrounding the adoption of course material are explored, and a wide variety of interested parties and their concerns are identified.

Academic Senate Constitution

Preamble

We, the faculty of the California Community Colleges, through local academic senates, do hereby establish a statewide organization to represent the faculty in the California Community Colleges at the state level.

Name

The official name of this organization shall be the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, Inc.

Purposes

It shall be the purpose of the Academic Senate to

Qualifications For Faculty Service In The California Community Colleges: Minimum Qualifications, Placement Of Courses Within Disciplines, And Faculty Service Areas

The Education Code and Title 5 Regulations clearly lay out the requirements for faculty members hired to teach courses and perform other services in the California Community Colleges. Since passage of the Community College Reform Act (AB 1725) in 1988, faculty have had the primary role in determining who is hired to their ranks and specifically which courses each faculty is qualified to teach. This paper explains the various roles faculty play in this area.

Roles and Responsibilities of Faculty Academic Chairs: An Academic Senate Perspective

This position paper of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges begins by examining the philosophy behind different structures in an academic institution. This discussion leads to a discussion of the roles and responsibilities of "chairs" within that structure and how they might be fulfilled by department chairs, division chairs or deans. The paper concludes that institutional success can only come from widespread discussion and agreement on such philosophy and structure prior to implementation or change.

The Impact of Computer Technology on Student Access and Success in the California Community Colleges

Computer technology has permeated the fabric of American society. Computer technology affects the way people communicate, the way they learn, and the way they do business. The ability to use computer technology effectively has become a distinct advantage in school and work. As computer technology has become a crucial element in educational and vocational advancement, concerns have grown that disparities in access to such technology limit the opportunities for many.

Survey of Effective Practices in Basic Skills

Most first-time community college students are not prepared to succeed in college-level courses without one or more courses in basic skills to develop necessary reading, writing, and mathematics skills. The mission to provide basic skills is directed at a vast number of students who enter our community colleges today. To serve these students as well as we can, we must encourage faculty, administrators, and others in decision-making positions to employ effective practices so that under-prepared students may complete transfer and occupational programs within a reasonable timeframe.

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