Non-Credit Student Leader Enfranchisement Toolkit
In Spring 2021, the SSCCC Delegates passed Resolution S21.03.04 Non-Credit Student Enfranchisement. This Resolution called for the SSCCC to advocate for non-credit students to serve in student government positions and create an action plan that recognizes, empowers, and protects non-credit student leaders. Use the toolkit below to advocate for non-credit student enfranchisement on your campus.
S21.03.04 Non-Credit Student Leader Enfranchisement
Authors: Angelica Campos, Esther Mita Arias, Ron Gonzalez
Sponsor: Region III, Region IX, City College of San Francisco
WHEREAS, there were 306,580 non-credit full-time equivalent students enrolled in the California Community College system in the Spring of 2020 and at City College San Francisco, the amount of non-credit full-time equivalent students is 37% [1], meaning 4 of 10 students are denied the right of representation in their student government (“Office of Research and Planning”);
WHEREAS, as evidenced in a 10-year study, 90% of non-credit students never transferred to credit courses [2], with countless others abandoning their goals of obtaining certification, highlighting an inability to meet their unique needs and the negative impact of the lack of non-credit student representation on their academic success[3];
WHEREAS, the Student Senate for California Community Colleges’ approved resolution from 2016 in support of non-credit student leaders [4] but excluded them from attaining positions as student body association presidents, vice presidents, and student trustees; and
WHEREAS, per California Code of Regulations, Title 5, § 51023.7., the district or college has an obligation to consult with students on district and college policies and procedures that have a “significant effect on students”and should consult with non-credit students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for an addendum to the California Education code to allow non-credit students to serve in student government positions, including president, vice president, and student trustee, and subsequently allow them to sit on its internal boards and committees;
RESOLVED, that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges create and work with colleges to implement an action plan that recognizes, empowers, and protects non-credit student leaders; and
RESOLVED, that the Student Senate of California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to ensure that California Code of Regulations, Title 5, § 51023.7., regarding student participation in district governance, is upheld within each college district and that college administration actively seeks inclusion of their credit and non-credit student leaders in the district decision making process.
Citation 1: CCSF Enrollment Fact Sheet
Citation 2: ESL to Credit Course Transition Brief
