WHEREAS, The California Community Colleges (CCC) system, the largest higher education system in the United States, serves over 1.8 million students annually, yet faces significant challenges in achieving equitable outcomes for all students [1, 2];
WHEREAS, Recent data reveals significant disparities in transfer rates, with only 35% of Black students transferring within six years, which is 10% points lower than their white peers [3], highlighting a substantial gap in educational outcomes;
WHEREAS, Structural barriers impeding Black student success include inadequate culturally relevant academic advising, insufficient financial resources, and generalized student services that fail to address specific needs of Black students [4]; and
WHEREAS, Addressing these transfer rate disparities aligns with the CCC system's Vision for Success and Vision 2030 [5], which emphasizes equity and aims to eliminate achievement gaps for underrepresented students; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate that the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the Chancellor's Office develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address transfer rate inequities through multiple approaches that include, but are not limited to creating culturally responsive academic support services, enhancing targeted financial resources, establishing robust mentorship programs connecting Black students with faculty and professionals, and mandating systematic data collection and analysis to track progress and ensure institutional accountability.
Citations:
[1] California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (2022) - Strengthening the Community College Pipeline
[2] National Student Clearinghouse Research Center - A National View of Student Completion Rates (Fall 2015 Cohort)
[3] Inside Higher Ed - Report: Strengthening Community College Student Transfer
[4] San Diego State University - Supporting Black Male Community College Students: A Guide to Ensuring Success
[5] California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office - Vision 2030 (2021)