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California community colleges oppose new bachelor’s degree expansion bills
California community colleges have expressed opposition to two recent legislative bills, Senate Bill 960 and Assembly Bill 2694, despite the colleges' long-term goal of expanding bachelor’s degree offerings. The opposition follows last-minute changes made by lawmakers that impose limits on the growth of these programs.
The bills, which have passed the state Legislature and now await Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, introduce new accountability metrics. Starting in 2028, colleges could offer between two and 12 additional bachelor’s degrees based on student completion rates for certificates, degrees, and transfers. However, the legislation also stipulates that no college district can propose more than three new degrees per year.
Additionally, districts must demonstrate a regional workforce need to justify new degrees. In cases of dispute with the California State University system, the state’s labor secretary would be responsible for validating these workforce claims. Senator Christopher Cabaldon noted that the revision process involved productive engagement between the legislative houses and the executive branch.
Entities
California Community Colleges · California State University · Christopher Cabaldon · David Álvarez · Gavin Newsom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] No college district may propose more than three new degrees per year under the proposed legislation. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.mv-voice.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Senator Christopher Cabaldon stated that the revision process involved productive conversation between the legislature and the executive branch. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.mv-voice.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Districts must prove a regional workforce need to justify the creation of a new bachelor’s degree. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.mv-voice.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] California community colleges now oppose the legislation due to last-minute changes limiting the growth of bachelor’s programs. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.mv-voice.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Under the new bills, colleges could offer between two and 12 additional bachelor’s degrees starting in 2028 based on completion rates. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.mv-voice.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Senate Bill 960 and Assembly Bill 2694 passed the California Legislature and have been sent to Governor Gavin Newsom. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.mv-voice.com