Stephanie Dumont, Golden West College, Executive Committee
Whereas, Assembly Bill 440 (Beall) as of July 2, 2009 would authorize a community college to award an associate degree in a major or area of emphasis designated “for transfer” to students who complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units consisting of an approved transfer general education program (e.g., IGETC or CSU GE) and a major or area of emphasis as locally defined and requires colleges that do so to refrain from requiring additional local requirements that are not included in the GE package or the major/area of emphasis;
Whereas, There is a great deal of support for the concept of a “transfer degree” in the legislature and public, and it is possible that a bill will move forward that would put California community college degrees in statute rather than in Title 5, and such a bill could require degree standards that could be inconsistent with the Academic Senate positions; and
Whereas, Placing any degree in statute is inappropriate and could effectively lead to legislative curriculum dictates, but making a change in Title 5 regulations would retain control of degrees within the California Community Colleges and codify degrees that many colleges are already awarding;
Resolved, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to change Title 5 regulations such that colleges would be permitted to offer associate degrees in a major or area of emphasis designated for transfer to students who complete GE (IGETC or CSU GE) and 60 transferable semester units with a minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis and require the colleges that do so to refrain from requiring additional local requirements that are not included in the GE package or the major/area of emphasis.
MSR Disposition: Referred to the Executive Committee to collect further information and return in Spring 2010.