This Resolutions was assigned to SACC, but primarily handled by the Baccalaureate Degree Task Force. Adoption of Baccalaureate Degree Handbook and new Title 5 section 55009 completes the resolution in the immediate term.
Whereas, SB 850 (Block, 2014) authorized the Board of Governors to establish a statewide baccalaureate degree program at not more than 15 pilot colleges;
Whereas, No perceived difference in breadth, rigor, and utility should exist between the quality of a baccalaureate degree offered by the California community colleges and those offered in any other segment of the California higher education system; and
Whereas, Pilot programs are currently in planning and implementation stages, so establishing standards of excellence will help to ensure program and student success;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to modify Title 5 to define baccalaureate degrees at California community colleges as a minimum of 120 semester units including a minimum of 24 upper division units; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to ensure that upper division courses are defined as requiring lower division knowledge and applying that knowledge as demonstrated measures of critical thinking through writing, oral communication, or computation, and allow that upper division coursework may encompass research elements, workforce training, apprenticeships, internships, required practicum, or capstone projects.
MSC