Reversal of Position Regarding Baccalaureate Degrees and Removal of Pilot Designation

Fall
2019
Resolution Number
06.01
 
Contact
Assigned to
President
Category
State and Legislative Issues
Status
Completed
Status Report

This resolution has been met with the passage of AB 927 (Medina, 2021). 

Whereas, In 2010 legislation was introduced calling for the creation of baccalaureate degrees in the California Community College System, and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) voted to oppose such an action for multiple reasons, including opposition to “any expansion of the California community college mission as proposed in AB 2400 (Anderson, March 2010)” [1];

Whereas, While subsequent attempts to create baccalaureate degrees in the California Community College System were met with opposition from the ASCCC, SB 850 (Block, 2014) established a “statewide baccalaureate degree pilot program at not more than 15 community college districts, with one baccalaureate degree program each, to be determined by the chancellor and approved by the board of governors” [2] with a pilot sunset date of 2022-23 that was later extended to 2025-26;

Whereas, Initial reports from the baccalaureate pilot program colleges have demonstrated positive results, including over 200 graduates with baccalaureate degrees; and

Whereas, Students may be hesitant to enroll in baccalaureate programs at California community colleges if they believe that the programs will only continue through 2025- 2026, despite the demonstrable success of such programs;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges remove its opposition to the creation of baccalaureate degrees in the California Community College system; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges urge the removal of the designation of “pilot” from the baccalaureate degree programs.

MSC


[1] ASCCC Resolution 6.01 S10: Opposition to Proposed Modification of the CommunityCollege Mission

[2] SB 850 (Block, 2014)