Spring 2014
Committee:
Legislative and External Policy Committee and External Affairs Committee
Whereas, The California 1960 Master Plan was written when California was growing economically and had a stable middle class, fueling a healthy supply of revenue. Since 1960 the population and education readiness in the State of California has dramatically shifted, and the rate of population growth is incongruent with California’s higher education resources. The current structure of the Master Plan is not capable of adapting to the changing demographics to best serve the state, especially as a social mobilizer;
Whereas, The 1960 Master plan was originally written to cover the California’s educational needs through 1975. Over the span of 54 years since its inception the state has faced challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities unforeseen by the Master Plan; and, there is no major effort to prepare for the next 15 years. The master plan originally aimed to interpret and delineate functional differences between the 3 tiers of higher education, rather than focusing on the best interests of the students;
Whereas, The original survey committee for the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education consisted of a motley of higher education staff, faculty, and representatives from the California State Legislature. However, it was not fully representative of all stakeholders, and especially neglected student perspectives; and
Whereas, California community college students’ educational needs are no longer being served by the 1960 Master plan, which is unequipped to deal with the obstacles of adapting and integrating technology into the education system, the decreasing proportion of student enrollments into institutions of higher education to the growing population, and the extensive gap between the K12 preparedness and the initial college readiness expectations of the community college system;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urges the creation of a survey committee made up of students, faculty, administration, and staff from all segments of the California public higher education system (UC, CSU, CCC), along with representatives from K12 education and the Governor’s office, to address current issues with the California Master Plan for Higher Education;
Resolved, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges urges legislators to pass legislation to allow the SSCCC Council to forward member(s) to the survey committee as they deem fit; and, subsequently drafting a new master plan which creates a new, reliable, consistent, plan which focuses on the values quality, access, and affordability; and
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges maintain their involvement as leaders of the discussion of how to about how best address the various issues of the community colleges system; and, shall work with other student organizations that are involved in advocating for the improvement of the Higher Education System. The SSCCC Council shall inform the California Community College student population regarding any developments with the Master Plan and shall educate local student representatives regarding its innovation.
Whereas, The 1960 Master plan was originally written to cover the California’s educational needs through 1975. Over the span of 54 years since its inception the state has faced challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities unforeseen by the Master Plan; and, there is no major effort to prepare for the next 15 years. The master plan originally aimed to interpret and delineate functional differences between the 3 tiers of higher education, rather than focusing on the best interests of the students;
Whereas, The original survey committee for the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education consisted of a motley of higher education staff, faculty, and representatives from the California State Legislature. However, it was not fully representative of all stakeholders, and especially neglected student perspectives; and
Whereas, California community college students’ educational needs are no longer being served by the 1960 Master plan, which is unequipped to deal with the obstacles of adapting and integrating technology into the education system, the decreasing proportion of student enrollments into institutions of higher education to the growing population, and the extensive gap between the K12 preparedness and the initial college readiness expectations of the community college system;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urges the creation of a survey committee made up of students, faculty, administration, and staff from all segments of the California public higher education system (UC, CSU, CCC), along with representatives from K12 education and the Governor’s office, to address current issues with the California Master Plan for Higher Education;
Resolved, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges urges legislators to pass legislation to allow the SSCCC Council to forward member(s) to the survey committee as they deem fit; and, subsequently drafting a new master plan which creates a new, reliable, consistent, plan which focuses on the values quality, access, and affordability; and
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges maintain their involvement as leaders of the discussion of how to about how best address the various issues of the community colleges system; and, shall work with other student organizations that are involved in advocating for the improvement of the Higher Education System. The SSCCC Council shall inform the California Community College student population regarding any developments with the Master Plan and shall educate local student representatives regarding its innovation.