WHEREAS, California’s 1.8 million community college students, the largest system of higher education in the United States, often encounter systemic barriers such as financial insecurity, limited access to resources, and disproportionate representation in policy discussions and according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, 68% of community college students experience basic needs insecurity, including housing and food insecurity, making strong advocacy efforts crucial [1];
WHEREAS, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges represents all students statewide in legislative and policy discussions, yet with only $1 per student per semester, their ability to advocate for students at the state and national levels is severely limited; comparatively, the California State Student Association, which represents CSU students, receives $4 per student per semester, allowing for greater advocacy power [2];
WHEREAS, The $2 Student Representation Fee has remained unchanged since its inception in 1988, adjusting for inflation, $2 in 1988 is equivalent to $5.15 in 2024 dollars, highlighting the urgent need for an increase to maintain the effectiveness of student representation efforts [3]; and
WHEREAS, Allocating an additional $3 to local student body associations will empower them to advocate for campus-specific needs, fund student-led initiatives, and enhance civic engagement efforts, ensuring that every student has a voice in decision-making processes affecting their education and well-being; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for the California Student Representation Fee, as defined under Education Code §76060.5, to be increased from $2 to $6 per semester;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges request that the $3 be allocated to the Student Senate, enabling the organization to expand legislative advocacy efforts, increase student representation at the state level, and strengthen initiatives that address student needs across California’s 116 community colleges;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges request that the $3 be allocated to each college’s student body association, providing direct funding for local advocacy, civic engagement, and campus-specific initiatives aimed at improving student life and addressing key issues such as mental health, basic needs insecurity, and student governance; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, and student body associations statewide, ensuring transparency, equitable distribution, and accountability in the use of funds to maximize student impact.
[1] CCCCO, 2023
[2] SSCCC Annual Budget, 2023
[3] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Inflation Calculator, 2024