WHEREAS, Approximately 150,000 international students are currently enrolled at California Community Colleges totaling 16% of the enrolled international student population in the U.S [1], and oftentimes, International students pay ten times more than the residential tuition at $10,000 to $11,400 to reach their requirement of 12 units per semester with additional fees such as insurance and capital outlay fees [2];
WHEREAS, Currently, international students face barriers in accessing support and success programs at California Community Colleges and programs such as Honor Programs, Legacy Programs, and Associated Student Governance generally require students to be enrolled in additional courses where fees are not covered under the initial tuition cost and this financial barrier limits international students’ ability to fully utilize the resources available on each campus;
WHEREAS, International students and non-resident students are often dropped from courses without prior notice and the lack of clear information dissemination through International Student Programs regarding tuition deadlines, payment requirements, and policies frequently result in unintended course drops, causing financial, academic, and emotional stress; furthermore, inadequate communication and support for these students exacerbate these challenges, making it more difficult for them to overcome financial, academic, and social barriers [4]; and
WHEREAS, California Education Code 87100.2 emphasizes the importance of fostering academic excellence through inclusivity and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, which ensures that all students, including international students, receive necessary tools and recognition to thrive academically and socially within their institutions [3]; however, financial barriers that limit access to inclusive and supportive programs hinder international students’ academic success in postsecondary education; Now, therefore it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges work with International Student Programs across California Community Colleges to implement comprehensible workshops and guidebooks outlining tuition policies, deadlines, payment processes, and ensuring accessibility in multiple languages. Therefore be it, all incoming international students are informed of all CCC procedures;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges collaborate with student body associations and administrators to review and revise programs such as the Honor Programs, Legacy Programs, and Associated Student Governance, ensuring international students are not unfairly restricted from participation due to additional coursework or financial aid requirements; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges advocate equitable alternative academic curriculum requirements for international students in support and success programs, including but not limited to Honors Program, Legacy Program, and Associated Students to ensure that financial barriers do not limit their opportunities to fully engage and succeed academically across California Community Colleges.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cccco.edu/Students/Pay-for-College
[3] https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/education-code/edc-sect-87100/
[4] California Legislature. California Education Code § 87100. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=87100. &lawCode=EDC.