2011-2012 -- Rostrum article written on this topic.
Whereas, Current regulations allow students to re-take a course after earning a substandard grade or a “W” up to seven times, and individual districts may have policies that limit students to fewer “takes” of a course;
Whereas, Data indicate that student success diminishes for students who take the same course multiple times, and students who re-take courses prevent other students from access to those courses;
Whereas, Reducing the number of times a student can take a course has both advantages and disadvantages for current and potential students, colleges, and taxpayers because of access, success, and funding, respectively; and
Whereas, If regulations change to reduce the number of times a student may re-take a course, faculty will need to strengthen placement processes, establish necessary prerequisites, revisit probation and disqualification processes, revise curriculum, and develop strategies to increase student success;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges support further limiting the number of times a student may re-take a course for which he or she earned a substandard grade or “W”;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges provide guidance and advice to colleges in order to review placement processes, establish prerequisites, revisit probation and disqualification processes, redesign curriculum, and develop strategies to increase student success once a further limitation to repetition and withdrawal becomes effective; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges recommend that colleges inform students of any new consequences of earning a substandard grade or “W” on their transcript as soon as possible.
MSC Disposition: Local Senates