President and the Vice-president have expressed the faculty role in the development of z-degrees to the Chancellor’s Office, the Governor’s Office, and legislative staff.
Whereas, The Department of Finance has introduced budget trailer bill language to incentivize California Community Colleges to develop “Z-Degrees” designed so that students can complete a degree with zero costs for textbooks;
Whereas, The development and review of curriculum and degree programs, as well as the selection of textbooks and other instructional materials, are items of faculty primacy under the 10+1; and
Whereas, The trailer bill language calls for consultation with the local academic senate but fails to recognize the primacy of faculty in these types of decisions;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourage and support local and statewide discussions regarding degree paths, known as Z-Degrees, with zero text book cost to students;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges assert the primacy of faculty in curricular decisions regarding degree and program developments, including Z-Degrees, and communicate the assertion to the legislature and others evincing interests; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges recommend that the 2016 budget trailer bill language ensure that the primacy of faculty is retained by including the local academic senate’s approval of the development of Z-Degrees as well as participation in any kind of incentive program related to Z-Degrees.
MSC