November 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The SSCCC would like to thank all students for their work on the propositions. Of the propositions the SSCCC supported, only Proposition 17 to restore the former felon vote passed. The most disappointing loss was the defeat of Propositions 15 and Proposition 16. Proposition 15 would have provided much-needed funding to California community colleges and Proposition 16 would have removed restrictions on hiring to allow community colleges to better diversify staff. While these propositions were not successful, our students and other advocates across California continue to support funding for our colleges, antiracism, and equal opportunity. SSCCC will heed their call and continue to charge forward as leaders in the community college system. Although Propositions 15 and 16 did not deliver justice and equity, we will continue to deliver through our work with the Chancellor's Office in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion plans.
The SSCCC raised concerns about some challenges that students have had in this new virtual environment. Two concerns have recently been addressed by the Chancellor's Office Legal Counsel -- online camera use and real-time closed captioning. Both of these legal opinions recommend action by community colleges.
The online camera legal opinion recommends that districts adopt a "camera-optional approach that respects student concerns regarding privacy, access, and equity." Student leaders should engage their college administrators in conversations about how to implement such a policy. Based on Title 5 §51023.7, students have a right to participate in policy formation for those policies that "will have a “significant effect on students.” Policy discussions on "online camera use" fall under Item 7 of the 9 + 1 student rights "standards and policies regarding student preparation and success." We hope you exercise your right to participate and talk to your administrators about a camera use policy.
The real-time closed captioning legal opinion re-enforces the fact that closed captioning is "a timely and appropriate auxiliary aid or service to ensure participation by deaf and hearing-impaired students in live online synchronous classes." Thus, colleges would be required to provide the service. In other words, colleges cannot tell students that they cannot provide reasonable accommodations. Students are encouraged to request such a service if they are deaf or hearing-impaired. If you are having problems with requesting such a service, please let us know right away because we are tracking such incidents.
Calling all students, student body associations, and regions! The SSCCC wants to share your success story. The SSCCC is seeking to highlight a student success story, a college program, or regional events and accomplishments. If you would like to be spotlighted on the SSCCC website, please complete the form found at this link so we can share your highlights.
If you have any questions or want more information, please contact the Vice President of Communications at vpc@studentsenateccc.org.
SSCCC Fun Facts
In 2002, the Chancellor's Office executed an MOU with the California Student Association for Community Colleges (CalSACC) that recognized the existing elected officers of CalSACC as the statewide Student Senate as defined by Title 5 §50002. This MOU provided $100,000 in annual funding to assist the Student Senate in fulfilling its roles and responsibilities in state-level governance as defined in Education Code §71040.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Executive Committee and Board Meetings
- SSCCC Board of Director Meeting, November 14, 2020, Teleconference
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, December 4, 2020, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, December 11 - 12, 2020, Teleconference
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, January 8, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, January 15 - 16, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, February 5, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, February 12 - 13, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, March 5, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, March 12 - 13, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, March 25, 2021, Long Beach Westin Hotel
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, April 9, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, April 16 - 17, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, May 7, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, May 14 - 15, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Executive Committee Meeting, June 4, 2021, Teleconference
- SSCCC Board of Directors Meeting, June 11 - 12, 2021, Teleconference
All SSCCC Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings are available via teleconference.
Events
- SSCCC General Assembly, March 26 - 28, 2021, Long Beach Westin Hotel and online
Region and Caucus Meetings
Check out all the SSCCC events including Regional Meetings, caucuses, and webinars on the SSCCC Calendar.
Check out the calendar on the SSCCC website (link above) for the agendas and call information at least 72-hours prior to the meeting.
