Community colleges

California’s budget crisis is forcing great changes in education, especially in the Community College system. Now these schools will focus on students with academic plans and goals.

The system’s Board of Governors approved giving priority to students who are working on a degree or have plans to transfer to a four-year university. Therefore, the broad concept of education for all Californians, which for decades characterized this system, is being set aside.

We think in principle that limiting the scope of the system by focusing on one group of students, given the budget problem that since 2008 has cut state funding by $809 million, is a reasonable solution.

At the same time, SB 1456-a bill that awaits the governor’s signature-implements other aspects of the reform the Board began. In particular, it eliminates the per unit fee for low-income students if they present a clear and defined education plan.

We are concerned about the emphasis on students having to prove they have detailed education plans to be able to continue or be exempt from fees. Not because this is not necessary, since it is, but because there are not enough advisors available for the students.

Both what the Board approved and SB 1456 make demands on students without guaranteeing them the resources to be able to meet the requirements. There is no additional money available to increase the number of advisors; instead, the reform counts on redirecting funds and uncertain future expectations.

It makes sense to want to reform the system to benefit students. But it is very possible that disadvantaged students who are unfamiliar with how to navigate the system will be negatively impacted. It is essential to make an effort to reinforce the help students get from academic advisors; otherwise, the ones we want to help will end up being harmed.