WHEREAS, The "Fifty Percent Law" (California Education Code Section 84362) mandates that at least 50% of a community college district’s educational expenditures go to salaries and benefits of classroom instructors, limiting investments in student services and since the expiration of COVID emergency relief funds, which allowed colleges to expand essential student support services despite the 50% Law, has created new financial hardships, making it increasingly difficult to fund programs like basic needs centers, mental health services, and housing support that are critical for student success;
WHEREAS, Many students, especially low-income, first-generation, and homeless students, rely on vital services such as counseling, tutoring, mental health support, and Basic Needs Centers, which are underfunded due to restrictions imposed by the 50% Law;
WHEREAS, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has recognized that student success depends on both instruction and holistic support services and has recommended revising the 50% Law to reflect modern student needs; and
WHEREAS, The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Vision for Success prioritizes equitable student outcomes, which require investments in both instructional and non-instructional support services to improve retention and graduation rates, especially since nationwide, homeless students graduate at lower rates than average, with gaps of more than 20 percentage points in 18 states; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for legislative reforms to the 50% Law to expand the definition of instructional expenditures to include faculty and staff providing essential student services such as counseling, tutoring, and basic needs coordination;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges collaborate with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, and other stakeholders to explore amendments to the 50% Law that reflect the evolving needs of students; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge policymakers to assess the financial impact of expanding student support services and promote funding models that do not compromise classroom instruction.
Citations:
[1]https://www.asccc.org/content/revisiting-50-law-its-intent-and-its-future
[2]https://www.faccc.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year=2024&month=04&day=17&id=30:the-50-law-and-its-discontents
[3]https://www.asccc.org/content/revisiting-50-law-its-intent-and-its-
futurehttps://publicintegrity.org/education/unhoused-and-undercounted/grim-nu…?
[4]https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/education-code/edc-sect-84362/
[5]https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/community-colleges/2023/09/12/debate-flares-over-california-community-college