WHEREAS, A significant number of California Community College students enroll in courses without adequate academic guidance, leading to inefficient course selection, extended graduation timelines, and increased financial burdens and research from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) (2020) found that nearly 50% of students at California Community Colleges fail to complete a degree, transfer, or certificate within six years, often due to a lack of structured academic advising;
WHEREAS, Many students struggle to navigate degree requirements, transfer pathways, and available support services, which can hinder their ability to achieve academic and career success and research from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (2021) found that students who meet with an academic counselor at least once per term are significantly more likely to remain enrolled, successfully complete transfer-level coursework, and reach their degree or certificate goals; structured guidance programs, such as guided pathways and mandatory counseling interventions, have been shown to increase persistence and completion rates by providing students with a clearer understanding of academic expectations and available resources;
WHEREAS, The lack of structured counseling before enrollment disproportionately affects first-generation, low-income, and underserved students, who often lack access to external support or guidance to navigate the complexities of higher education and a 2022 Student Senate survey found that 64% of first-generation students reported difficulty in understanding degree requirements, while 53% of low-income students cited confusion about financial aid and transfer pathways as a barrier to success; and
WHEREAS, Colleges enhance student support by integrating technology, ongoing counselor training, and targeted service referrals to ensure students receive accessible, effective, and personalized resources for their academic and personal success; however, current counseling services lack standardized tools to holistically assess student needs, leaving critical issues—such as financial challenges, mental health concerns, and workload management—unaddressed; a report by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice (2021) found that 66% of community college students experience food or housing insecurity, and one in five struggle with mental health concerns, highlighting the need for integrated support within academic counseling services; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to strongly encourage counseling sessions prior to initial course enrollment and annually thereafter for all students;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate that counseling sessions include a Standardized Student Needs Assessment to ensure holistic and equitable support, addressing academic preparedness, career goals, financial stability, mental health challenges, and workload capacity to promote student success;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage efforts to generate additional grants for California Community Colleges to fund the hiring of additional counselors and provide ongoing training programs, ensuring that institutions can meet the growing demand for comprehensive student advising and support services;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for improved academic planning, address inequities in counseling access, and support the holistic success of California Community College students.
Resources:
[1] California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. (2021). Improving Student Outcomes Through Academic Planning.
[2] Public Policy Institute of California. (2020). Higher Education and Economic Mobility in California.
[3] Student Senate for California Community Colleges. (2022). Survey on Counseling Needs and Accessibility.