Support for a Transfer Degree

Whereas, There is great interest in establishing transfer associate degrees in the California community colleges, and the components and value-added of such degrees have not been defined;


Whereas, Title 5 §55063, “Minimum Requirements for the Associate Degree,” establishes that the associate degree consists of at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit course work, “The required 60 semester or 90 quarter units of course work must be fulfilled in a curriculum accepted toward the degree by a college within the district,” and “It must include at least 18 semester or 27 quarter units in general education and at least 18 semester or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis;”


Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has previously opposed the use of the word “transfer” in degree titles (Resolution 9.02, Fall 2006) because the use of the word “transfer” in degree titles may lead students to believe the completion of the degree ensures transfer to a four-year institution and students may believe that all courses they successfully complete for a “transfer” degree are transferable; and


Whereas, Title 5 §53200 establishes that “curriculum, including establishing prerequisites and placing courses within disciplines” and “degree and certificate requirements” are academic and professional matters under the purview of local senates;


Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges oppose the establishment of a multi-tiered degree system that permits some degrees to be awarded that do not conform to the current requirements of Title 5 §55063;


Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges support the establishment of degrees that do guarantee transfer to a four-year institution and consist solely of courses that are transferable;


Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the academic senates of the California State University and the University of California to identify common major preparation pathways to simplify student course planning and to delineate the degree composition that would be required to guarantee transfer; and


Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges strongly encourage all local senates to ensure that students are provided with the degree options that meet their needs, be that aligning degree requirements with transfer institutions or offering degrees that serve as preparation for work.


MSR Disposition: Referred to the Executive Committee to address redundancy and conflicts with other resolutions and return in Fall 2010.