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Academic Senate Newsletter
 

Monday October 18, 2010

SB 1440 Transfer Degree Status

You may have noticed that most of our recent newsletters begin with this same topic. It is because this one will affect our students and the system the most: the implementation of SB 1440. The Academic Senate, working through the Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID www.c-id.net) has already made progress in developing the transfer model curricula that I explained in my memo earlier this month (http://www.asccc.org/content/sb-1440-update ). Another memo has just been added to the website which provides a short summary of C-ID and 1440 implementation. Although the bill was just signed, the new strategies will simplify the work for everyone, so colleges will have degrees in place in the Fall. While the Joint Task Force for Implementation has now been appointed, it has not met yet.

On October 7-8, C-ID hosted two successful meetings (in Sacramento and Orange County) of the new "DIGs" (Discipline Input Groups). Their primary task of each discipline was to review and revise their discipline’s course descriptors, and then they began to design a transfer model curriculum. Over 200 faculty members from CCC and CSU (and a few UC) reviewed more than 70 course descriptors in 11 disciplines and began developing a transfer model curriculum draft of a proposed transfer major, that is the foundation of the academic component of 1440 implementation. Those who attended the meetings were enthusiastic about the progress.

Our process calls for vetting of the proposed model curriculum, to solicit wide input before approval. Colleges will then be able to "adopt" the model curriculum and get fast-track approval in the Chancellor’s Office. We have more discipline meetings planned in many more disciplines throughout the academic year.

There are benefits to colleges adopting the transfer model curriculum rather than have 112 versions of the degrees. SB 1440 provides us an opportunity to improve what we do for students, in several ways. We will be able to:

  • Bring intersegmental discipline together (in person and online) to clarify what each segment views as the most appropriate major preparation.
  • Expand the C-ID system, providing clarity about comparability of courses both within the CCCs and intersegmentally.
  • Provide students with clear advice about preparing to transfer while earning an associate degree.
  • Help students take advantage of the admissions priorities outlined in the bill.

We are currently writing an FAQ document that will be sent to senate presidents, curriculum chairs and articulation officers. We will address questions such as a timeline, steps to be taken locally and statewide, and provide advice for your colleges. We will have a general session and breakout at the Fall Plenary Session and we are meeting with articulation officers statewide. We know that there are many questions about how things will play out, and as you would expect, most details have yet to be worked out in the Joint Task Force. Please send your questions to sb1440questions@cccco.edu.

The immediate request we make is for faculty to visit www.c-id.net to sign up for the discipline listservs. They will then receive updates about the status of their discipline’s work and be informed when it is time to review course descriptors and model curriculum.

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Plenary Session November 11-13, 2010

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Senates have received the program brochure and know that session materials are now on the website. We encourage senates to hold discussions of the resolutions ASAP, to inform your delegates. We have added a general session about national perspectives on accreditation, which should provide a stimulating discussion. Find out more information about the program at http://www.asccc.org/events/2010/11/fall-plenary-session.

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SLO Coordinators

Very low-cost meetings will be held in November for SLO Coordinators. Please see the details on our website at http://www.asccc.org/events/2010/11/slo-coordinators-regional-meeting and be sure to register by the October 31, 2010 deadline.

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Awards

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Nominations for the Exemplary Award are now open. The theme for 2010-2011 is “Innovative Programs Supporting Student Success .” In spite of the many social and economic pressures that tend to silo college functions, effective programs that genuinely aim at maximizing student success must innovate and collaborate as broadly and widely as possible. This year’s theme seeks to support those innovative programs that embrace the possible by finding efficient and effective ways to provide a variety of services to students. Up to two college programs receive $4,000 cash prizes and a plaque, and up to four colleges receive an honorable mention and a plaque. This award application is due by November 9, 2010. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize outstanding programs on your campus! Find out more information on our website at: http://asccc.org/awards/exemplary.

Nominations for the Hayward Award for “Excellence in Education” opens November 1, 2010, sponsored by the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each college may nominate one faculty member to receive this prestigious honor, which includes a cash award of $1,250. Please see our website at http://www.asccc.org/awards/hayward for all the details.

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Jane Patton
President

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