1993

Whereas outside forces are causing the members of the community colleges to develop strategies to deal with the budget crisis, and

Whereas brainstorming of ideas by individual segments may cause fragmentation and loss of morale, and

Whereas the legislature needs to hear a strong, uniform message from the community colleges,


Resolved that the Academic Senate urge that all segments of the California community colleges unite to show a strong unified force to the legislature on issues developed jointly and agreed upon by all segments.

Resolved that the Academic Senate reaffirm its support for the California Master Plan for Higher Education.

Whereas community colleges are facing an unprecedented budget cut ($300 million), and

Whereas all aspects of California community colleges are being examined for cuts, including state support of the system office, and

Whereas the Academic Senate has recognized the need for state regulatory oversight in such areas as Affirmative Action, Student Equity, matriculation, 50% law, 75:25 ratio and related areas,

Whereas the governor of California has proposed an increase in student fees to $30 per unit taken by each student who does not possess a bachelor's degree, and

Whereas the governor of California has proposed an increase in student fees to $104 per unit for students with bachelor's degrees, and

Whereas the increase in fees will have a negative effect on access to the community colleges, and

Whereas the governor has proposed a $300 million cut to California community colleges,

Resolved that the Academic Senate support and encourage local senates' participation in the FACCC Lobby Day, May 17, in Sacramento as a means to promote our position to legislators.

Whereas the proposed increase in tuition to $30 a credit has its greatest impact on the student, on education, and on the classroom, and

Whereas there are other areas that should be looked at for cuts, and

Whereas decentralization at both the state and local level can result in cost savings, and

Whereas the "marginally motivated" student in the Legislative Analyst Office report refers to the very student that community colleges have traditionally helped to achieve further education in order to contribute to the state through employment, and

Whereas community colleges are facing a $300 million budget cut, and

Whereas the proposals from the Governor, such as raising tuition to $30 a unit, will hurt students and their education most, and

Whereas it may be possible to find alternative funding for community colleges,


Resolved that the Academic Senate investigate the possibility of the legislature offering tax credits to businesses that give financial support to community colleges.

Whereas students who have a bachelor's or higher degree from any public or private postsecondary educational institution are required to pay a state mandated fee of $50 per unit per semester, with certain exemptions for dislocated workers, displaced homemakers and recipients of benefits under AFDC, SSI or general assistance programs, and

Whereas students who have a bachelor's degree from selected foreign colleges and universities may not apply these degrees for the purpose of academic evaluation or credit for matriculation and transfer purposes,

Whereas local colleges have the most knowledge of the needs of their students, and

Whereas local colleges are best able to determine enrollment priorities,


Resolved that the Academic Senate urge the legislature to permit local colleges and districts to set their own enrollment priorities.

Whereas the California economy indicates a need for retraining of many workers who may be bachelor's degree holders, and

Whereas any exemptions to the fees are restrictive and difficult to administer, and

Whereas the differential fee discourages displaced workers with degrees from seeking retraining leading to underemployment which decreases the tax revenue base,


Resolved that the Academic Senate reaffirm its strong opposition to differential fees for Bachelor's degree holders.