WHEREAS, A significant number of students within California community colleges face financial challenges, limiting their ability to afford parking permits, a survey conducted in spring 2023, encompassing responses from over 66,000 students across 88 colleges, with two-thirds of all CCC students grappling with at least one financial challenge [1];
WHEREAS, The CalGrant, Pell Grant, and Promise Grant are essential financial aids for low-income students, and providing students with affordable parking options is crucial for their accessibility to educational resources;
WHEREAS, Advocating for awareness of the parking permit program would help address the financial burden faced by students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment within California community colleges; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage California community colleges to advocate for the implementation of a free needs-based parking permit program designed for students facing financial challenges outlined in Education Code §76360, the updated program should offer free semester-long parking permits to these eligible students outlined in subdivision (g) of §76300 [3];
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage California community colleges to raise awareness for the free needs-based parking permit program designed for students facing financial challenges outlined in Education Code §76360 [2]; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for proper implementation of Education Code §76360 [2] in all California community colleges by encouraging each school to update their college website raising awareness of the free needs-based parking permit program designed for students facing financial challenges outlined in Education Code §76360 [2].
Citations:
[1] CCleague. Basic Needs Among California Community College Students. https://ccleague.org/sites/default/files/images/basic_needs_among_california_community_colleg e_students-final-2023.pdf
[2] Student Health, Parking, and Transportation Maximum Fees.https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/College-Finance-and-Facilities-Planning/Fiscal-Standards-and-Accountability-Unit/Student-Fees
[3] Authorizing Statute. California Community College Handbook. https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/College-Finance-and-Facilities/Student-Fees/2023-Student-Fee-Handbook-06302023.pdf?la=en&hash=E649352697B80D14C2755C1FAEAFF 36CE70DE04B
In alignment with the resolution to support the development of a toolkit promoting equitable access to parking through needs-based permit programs, SSCCC staff has outlined key components for inclusion. The toolkit aims to empower student leaders to advocate for parking policies that consider students’ financial challenges and promote basic needs equity on campus.
The draft contents of the toolkit include:
- Factual information and statistics related to student basic needs and the financial burden of parking costs.
- Examples of colleges that have implemented or piloted needs-based parking programs, such as Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges.
- A directory of Basic Needs Center contacts for each California Community College to support local collaboration.
- Template letters for Student Body Associations (SBAs) to use in advocacy efforts with campus administration and governance bodies.
References to relevant legislative initiatives and SSCCC resolutions, including AB 1818 and past SSCCC policy positions.Development is in progress, and the toolkit will serve as a valuable resource for students advocating for more affordable and equitable parking solutions across the system.