Transfer Degree Design

Spring
2010
Resolution Number
04.03
 
Contact
Assigned to
President
Category
Articulation and Transfer
Status
Completed
Status Report

This resolution establishes a position of the Senate that will be communicated with constituent groups as necessary.

Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has previously opposed the use of the word “transfer” in degree titles (Resolution 9.02 F06) 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;

Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges adopted Resolution 4.02 F09 that established that the Academic Senate “oppose any legislation that seeks to alter its curriculum, degree, and certificate requirements and reaffirm its support of local autonomy and faculty primacy over the same”;

Whereas, Senate Bill 1440 (April 15, 2010) seeks to establish community college degrees that would guarantee admission to a California State University, prevent the California State University from requiring students who complete such degrees to take any more than 60 additional semester or 90 quarter units, and prevents the California State University from requiring students who complete such degrees to repeat transferable courses that are similar to those taken at the community college and that counted toward the associate degree, all elements of a community college degree that can only be achieved by legislation; and

Whereas, Some form of a “transfer degree” is imminent, and one that guarantees transfer, respects the professionalism of community college faculty, and generally serves community college transfer students well is preferable over the various other forms such degrees might take;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, despite its prior opposition to the use of the word “transfer” in degree titles and degrees in legislation, support legislation to allow but not mandate the establishment of transfer associate degrees that guarantee transfer and protect students from repeating coursework;

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 inform community college development of degrees designed for 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.

MSC Disposition: Local Senates, Consultation Council