Spring 2009
Committee:
President, Governmental Relations Committee, Consultation Council Representatives
Whereas, The California State University at Fullerton Resource Center reported that Governor Gray Davis signed into law Assembly Bill 540 that added a new section 68130.5 to the California Education Code, creating a new exemption from payment of nonresident tuition for certain students who have attended high school in California for three years and received a high school diploma or the equivalent;
Whereas, In 2001 between 5,000 and 8,000 students qualified for AB 540 (Fireball, 2001) exemptions and since then the number has significantly increased, making California one of the first states to allow all those who finish high school may not be able to continue with higher education to pursue that dream;
Whereas, Undocumented students and out-of-state students who under the law are non-California residents have to pay higher tuition and a large number of them have been living in California for most of their lives and now qualify for AB 540 status when attending a community college don’t know the rights, duties and responsibilities stated under the law since AB 540, and students who do not qualify for state/federal financial aid may not be able to complete their education; and
Whereas, A huge number of students attending the California State University, University of California and private institutions have transferred from a two-year college, including students who qualify for AB 540 exemptions, a portion of these students decide to not continue their education due to a lack of information and fear that they will be ostracized and deterred from continuing their dream;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges support legislation that caters to students who qualify for in-state tuition that otherwise may not do so without the provisions of laws such as AB 540;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work diligently with individual schools, Board of Governors and system partners in reducing the stigma on AB 540 students, and work towards better understanding of any student that may fall under this category;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage colleges to distribute information upon admission in regards to opportunities, rights and responsibilities, including but not limited to registration, scholarships available and fiscal help to those students that qualify for AB 540 status; and
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges constantly work with its system partners to encourage California State University, University of California and all other higher education institutions within the State of California to provide relevant information upon registration to those who qualify for AB 540 about opportunities, rights and responsibilities and to help establish programs that cater to the continuation and success of the students.
Whereas, In 2001 between 5,000 and 8,000 students qualified for AB 540 (Fireball, 2001) exemptions and since then the number has significantly increased, making California one of the first states to allow all those who finish high school may not be able to continue with higher education to pursue that dream;
Whereas, Undocumented students and out-of-state students who under the law are non-California residents have to pay higher tuition and a large number of them have been living in California for most of their lives and now qualify for AB 540 status when attending a community college don’t know the rights, duties and responsibilities stated under the law since AB 540, and students who do not qualify for state/federal financial aid may not be able to complete their education; and
Whereas, A huge number of students attending the California State University, University of California and private institutions have transferred from a two-year college, including students who qualify for AB 540 exemptions, a portion of these students decide to not continue their education due to a lack of information and fear that they will be ostracized and deterred from continuing their dream;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges support legislation that caters to students who qualify for in-state tuition that otherwise may not do so without the provisions of laws such as AB 540;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work diligently with individual schools, Board of Governors and system partners in reducing the stigma on AB 540 students, and work towards better understanding of any student that may fall under this category;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage colleges to distribute information upon admission in regards to opportunities, rights and responsibilities, including but not limited to registration, scholarships available and fiscal help to those students that qualify for AB 540 status; and
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges constantly work with its system partners to encourage California State University, University of California and all other higher education institutions within the State of California to provide relevant information upon registration to those who qualify for AB 540 about opportunities, rights and responsibilities and to help establish programs that cater to the continuation and success of the students.
Status
Ongoing.