WHEREAS, Disabled students face unique barriers when transferring to four-year universities, including differences in disability accommodations, lack of accessible transfer resources, and limited guidance on navigating disability services at their new institutions;
WHEREAS, Only 41% of disabled students enrolled in community colleges transfer to a four-year university, compared to 52% of non-disabled students, highlighting a gap in transfer success rates (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023)[1];
WHEREAS, A lack of dedicated transfer workshops for disabled students leaves many without the necessary knowledge and support to transition smoothly, increasing the risk of academic setbacks or dropped enrollments (Community College Research Center, 2022)[2];
WHEREAS, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges pursues legislation that encourages equitable access to transfer resources for all students, including those with disabilities;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community College advocate for the implementation of transfer workshops specifically tailored for disabled students at all California community colleges in collaboration with Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS), Transfer Centers, University of California Student Association, and California State University Student Association;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community College include in transfer workshops specifically tailored for disabled students information on disability accommodations at four-year universities, how to self-advocate for services, and financial aid resources for disabled transfer students;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community College work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to develop a standardized framework for transfer workshops specifically tailored for disabled students to ensure statewide implementation and consistency; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community College encourage four-year universities to provide dedicated transfer resources for disabled students, including transition guides and contacts for disability services offices.
Citations:
[1] National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). Postsecondary Disability Statistics: Transfer and Completion Rates. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/index.asp?HasSearched=1&searchcat2=subjectindex&L1=47&L2=2
[2] Supporting Students With Disabilities in Degree Attainment, Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/college-experience/2024/06/07/4-barrier s-accommodation-students-disabilities