CalWORKs in California Community Colleges: An Academic Senate Perspective

Recommendations

Academic Senate Policy Level Recommendations

The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges:

1. Recommend continued support of CalWORKs programs in California;
2. Support the rights of students to receive both job and academic skills in a "career ladder" environment;
3. Oppose the reductions in the CalWORKs programs reflected in the state's 2002-03 budget;
4. Oppose the use of narrow performance based outcome measures in the evaluation of CalWORKs programs;
5. Recommend the modification of CalWORKs programs to permit a longer total timeframe;
6. Recommend the inclusion of study, training and education time in the definition of work for CalWORKs students;
7. Oppose the proposed federal reauthorization changes that increase work requirements for CalWORKs students.

Recommendations to Local Senates

The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourages local academic senates to:

1. Oppose the reduction or closure of local CalWORKs programs;
2. Support the strengthening of local CalWORKs programs by integrating a "career ladders" approach;
3. Ensure the full participation of faculty in the design and implementation of CalWORKs programs at their college;
4. Ensure that curriculum for CalWORKs students responds to program timeline requirements but also maintains academic quality and integrity;
5. Ensure that faculty are involved in all support functions of CalWORKs programs, including student career workshops;
6. Urge that necessary logistical support be provided for CalWORKs students in areas such as financial aid, book support, childcare and transportation; and finally
7. Urge that faculty initiate efforts to improve retention levels for CalWORKs students.