This resolution was generated by the publication of the Citizens' Commission report, "A State of Learning: California Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century," in which the "high fee-high aid" concept was endorsed. As with most of the rest of that report, this suggestion has found no public, legislative, or system support. The Committee recommends that this item be removed from its agenda.
Whereas the political rhetoric of higher education reform focuses on the need to increase fees for community college students, and
Whereas the "2005: A Report of the Task Force for the Chancellor's Consultation Council" document indicates substantial disparate effects on student enrollment when fees are increased, and
Whereas additional political rhetoric suggests through anecdotal accounts that the balance to the impact of high fees is high student financial aid, and
Whereas the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has historically opposed fees for California community college students,
Resolved that the Academic Senate reaffirm its commitment to no fees for students, based on studies proving a disparate effect of high fees on student enrollment and access, and
Resolved that the Academic Senate oppose the high fee -high aid concept being touted as a solution to funding community colleges, and
Resolved that the Academic Senate direct the Executive Committee to study the effects of increasing fees on student access and success, including the concept of high fee - high aid, and publish a document reporting the results.