MOU with Kaplan University

Spring
2010
Resolution Number
07.01
 
Assigned to
President
Category
Consultation with the Chancellor's Office
Status
Completed
Status Report

The Senate shared concern with local senates, the Chancellor's Office and other interested parties about the MOU between CCC and Kaplan. Local senates were advised to work with others on their campus to develop a consensus through their participatory governance processes about whether or not to participate.

Whereas, The current consultative process as described in AB 1725 has served the California Community College System, its colleges, and its students by providing for well-informed and deliberative collaboration that helps to ensure quality education;

Whereas, The recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kaplan University (December 2009) establishing a relationship between the California Community College System and Kaplan University was made outside of the consultative process and without input regarding potential problems with these types of agreements, particularly issues of accreditation;

Whereas, The System MOU with Kaplan University has been incorrectly interpreted by some to imply a commitment on behalf of individual community colleges to enter into articulation agreements but in fact does not mandate that local colleges articulate any courses with Kaplan University; and

Whereas, The articulation of courses is an academic and professional matter, and ultimate authority with respect to determining whether or not a course should be offered or accepted for articulation lies with the discipline faculty of the college, guided by the articulation officer;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges inform local senates and curriculum committees that they are not required to articulate with Kaplan University unless such articulation is approved by discipline faculty;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor's Office to examine the potential outcomes of this MOU with regard to accreditation, student costs, student outcomes, and other considerations vital to ensuring a quality education; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges have a robust discussion with the Chancellor’s Office and across the system about coordination, consultation, and collaboration precedents that protect and promote quality education in California.

MSC Disposition: Local Senates, Chancellor, Consultation Council