For many years community colleges have been able to serve everyone students could accrue a large number of unit or due poorly in all their courses and still received priority registration. California’s community colleges are in the birch of reorienting their registration system to give priority to students who are focused on earning a degree or transferring to a four –year college. Los Angeles Times reported last Tuesday that the governing board of California’s community colleges, a 112-colleges system voted in favor of the historic system- wide registration policy that favor students who have a specific plan and have completed orientation and assessment test, and have not exceed 100 units, will be given priority to register for classes.
The policy comes as colleges are cutting class offering due to budget reductions and students are finding it hard to get courses they need to complete their associates’ degrees and either start their career to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. Unfortunately, in the past students have been able to repeat courses and community residents have been able to take courses for personal enrichment. This policy will mark a shift in the orientation of community college which has allowed students for many years take up seats in classrooms and crowding out newer students focused on job training, degree attainment or transfer, “said Chancellor Jack Scott.
The
implementation of this policy will take effect in one year to allow students
approaching the 100 unit cup to plan out their remaining course schedule and to
give the opportunity to students in probation to improve their grades. It will take effect in the fall of 2014. In addition, the system’s 112 campuses will
provide students with information regarding the new rules.
The opponent opinion is that this new policy will put
low-income students at a disadvantage because they are more like it to attend
community college and they are not familiar with the college system.
According to
Scott Himelstein, president of the community colleges board. Implementing this policy will place priority
on students who are motivated and showing good progress about those who in some
cases are winding through the system.
Reference
Straehley, D. (2012, September 11).
Calif.Community colleges Ok registration policy to prioritize career, academic
students. In The Republic. Retrieved September 16, 2012
I think this is an interesting topic, because most of us have heard about the perils of community college students. These can include the stories of students who take course after course and make no progress towards their degree due to poor grades or poor advisement. Something obviously needs to be done because resources are being spent and students as well as society are not seeing the benefits. This priority registration policy may be a valid option, because students who are seen as more serious and committed are given the first chance to enroll in classes. However, the mission of community colleges are often focused on access and making education open to all students. Community college is often the only option for students at certain points in their lives. So while this registration policy may solve the problem, even more so, I think community colleges need to provide adequate support, resources, and advising for students. Students need to be supported so they become more goal oriented and serious about their educations. Perhaps once students are advised and supported properly, the face of community college students will change. Unfortunately, the question of state resources is always the first thing to consider.
ReplyDeleteI am discouraged by this new policy. First, this policy changes the mission and purpose of community colleges. By implementing this policy, it makes it clear the purpose of community college is to gain an associates degree and/or transfer. Furthermore, this policy will place underprepared and ESL students at a further disadvantage. I have encountered many students that have struggled during their time at community college education. Often these students need additional resources, such as tutoring and disabled student services.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the governing board may have also forgotten that many students return to community college to change or further their career. Under this policy, students who have previously graduated, left the institution, or exceeded the 100-unit limit cap will receive lower registration priority, even though they may have been in good academic standing.
Like Elizabeth stated, community colleges need to be able to provide adequate resources and support for ALL students, not just those that plan to transfer. Furthermore, the community college system needs to implement policies that are aligned with their mission to be an open access institution or change their mission.
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ReplyDeleteI tried to think outside of the box or to try and understand why this policy would be implemented and the only thing I can think of is economic reasons. I guess from an economic standpoint this makes sense to try and limit students ability to take classes for enrichment or to try and hurry the process for students to transfer or get an associates degree, but I can also see this as a huge hindrance for students. Economically, this policy can help with alleviate the state budget but the question is how much will it help with the budget.? And will it make a difference? I think it would be interesting to explore that area more and see what are the implications and consequences of this policy not only on the budget crisis but on students. As Katrina mentioned, this policy can place a huge influence on underprepared and ESL students. I think it would be unfair for them and place them at a disadvantage if there was a limit on units they can take as well as giving priority registraiton for students who are on track. I think this also shines light on the importance of student affairs in community colleges. These types of institutions needs academic services that supports every student in and out class. If community colleges missions are not going to focus on access for the community, then their missions should change to reflect that.
ReplyDeleteI can see this policy having negative impacts on certain students. I understand that there are students that are taking classes with no clear purpose but I think that the community colleges must offer the support for students to have better advising to give students the opportunity to explore study options. Unfortunately, budget issues and over enrollment are causing certain measures to be taken but many students will be put out by such a policy. It is similar to the efforts of CSU's pushing "super seniors" to finish their degree. It would depend on the specifics of it but some students that come out of a four-year institution and are trying to find their way back to transferring could be about that 100 unit limit and will be held back because of priority given to others. I can think of many examples where this will not necessarily help students that are serious about their education. -Rosalynn Ayala
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