text:
(a) For purposes of this section, “student parent” has the same meaning as defined in Section 66025.81.

(b) On or before July 31, 2025, the office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges and the office of the Chancellor of the California State University shall, and the office of the President of the University of California is requested to, develop and disseminate a policy to estimate and adjust cost of attendance information for student parents. The policy shall include student parent cost of attendance policy guidance that includes, but is not limited to, both of the following:

(1) A financial aid methodology to calculate and update a student parent’s cost of attendance that includes the actual expected costs of food, housing, transportation, and dependent childcare. This methodology shall be based on available annual cost of attendance information that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(A) Food plans developed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(B) The State Department of Social Services’ reimbursement ceilings for subsidized childcare, disaggregated by county, age, and types of care.

(C) The actual cost of on-campus family housing, the cost of a student parent’s off-campus housing, and, if a student parent does not have safe or adequate housing, the fair market rent, as described in Section 888.113 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, for an apartment in the metropolitan area or nonmetropolitan county where the campus is located, disaggregated by student parent family size.

(D) Transportation costs, disaggregated by student parent family size, that considers available information such as institutional survey responses and the Student Aid Commission’s Student Expenses and Resources Survey.

(2) Model instructions for purposes of all of the following:

(A) Identifying a student parent for purposes of adjusting the student parent’s cost of attendance to include food, housing, transportation, and childcare expenses. The model instructions shall include, but are not limited to, confirmation by a financial aid officer based on information found in the student parent’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid or California Dream Act application.

(B) Updating and posting cost of attendance and dependent care allowance information, using student-friendly language, on campus internet websites. The posted information shall include, but is not limited to, financial aid internet websites, and the student parent internet web page, as set forth in Section 66027.81.

(C) Sharing cost of attendance information in admitted student materials.

(D) Explaining the dependent care allowance to student parents.

(E) Informing student parents of affordable childcare options offered by the campus or within the local community.

(c) On or before the start of the 2026–27 academic year, each campus of the California Community Colleges and the California State University shall, and each campus of the University of California is requested to, implement the policy developed and disseminated pursuant to subdivision (b).

(d) (1) (A) On or before the start of the 2026–27 academic year, the office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges shall establish a data element in the systemwide data management information system to identify student parents.

(B) On or before the start of the 2026–27 academic year, each campus of the California State University shall, and each campus of the University of California is requested to, establish a data field in the campus’s data management information system to identify student parents.

(2) On or before the start of the 2026–27 academic year, each campus of the California Community Colleges and the California State University shall, and each campus of the University of California is requested to, do all of the following:

(A) Enter student parent data in the data field or the data element established pursuant to paragraph (1).

(B) Report student parent data obtained pursuant to this subdivision to the office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the office of the Chancellor of the California State University, and the office of the President of the University of California, respectively, for their request of the governing board established pursuant to Section 10864 to include that student parent data in the California Cradle-to-Career Data System established pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 10850) of Chapter 8.5 of Part 7 of Division 1 of Title 1.

(C) Use the data field or the data element established pursuant to paragraph (1) for additional purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, granting priority course registration and providing information about available public benefits to student parents.

(e) On or before the start of the 2026–27 academic year, each campus of the California Community Colleges and the California State University shall, and each campus of the University of California is requested to, update the campus net price calculator to include a baseline student parent cost estimate, disaggregated by age and number of dependent children, using the methodologies and information described in this section and any available federal guidance on best practices.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 962, Sec. 3. (AB 2458) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 3. General Provisions


kind: section

code: EDC

text:
The financial aid office on each campus of the California Community Colleges and the California State University shall, and the financial aid office on each campus of the University of California is requested to, provide all of the following to students with dependent children:

(a) Information on the campus’ childcare development center and childcare offerings, if applicable.

(b) Referral to the campus Basic Needs Center established pursuant to Section 66023.4 or 66023.5 for support accessing information, including, but not limited to, information and connections to local resource and referral agencies in order to obtain support in applying for state and federal childcare subsidies and programs and finding local childcare providers.

(c) Information on any supplemental awards such as the awards for students with dependent children established pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 69465) of Chapter 1.7 of Part 42.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 600, Sec. 3. (SB 271) Effective January 1, 2026.)

division: 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

part: 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

chapter: 2. General Provisions

article: 3. General Provisions

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 3. General Provisions


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 620, Sec. 2. (AB 970) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 3.7. Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act


text:
For purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) “Consultation” or “consult” means a meeting between representatives from the University of California or the California State University and their respective statewide student association representatives in which the representatives from the institutions provide, at minimum, all the following information at least five days before the meeting:

(1) A justification for a fee increase proposal, setting forth the facts supporting the fee increase.

(2) A statement specifying the purposes for which revenue derived from a fee increase will be used.

(3) A description of the efforts to mitigate the impact of the fee increase on needy students.

(4) The potential impact to students, including, but not limited to, the changes to the minimum workload burden for all students, if applicable, institutional financial aid awards, and the average student loan debt for undergraduates.

(5) Alternative proposals that can be considered in lieu of the proposed net student fee revenue proposal.

(b) “Cost of attendance” means the mandatory systemwide fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses for an undergraduate California resident student, as used in determining financial aid eligibility.

(c) “Mandatory systemwide fees” means the fees that resident students enrolled in the California State University or the University of California, as applicable, are required to pay in order to enroll in courses for the academic term pursuant to any law or any policy adopted by the trustees or the regents, as applicable.

(d) “Regents” means the Regents of the University of California.

(e) “Resident” means a student who is exempt from paying nonresident tuition pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41.

(f) “Trustees” means the Trustees of the California State University.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 3.7. Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act


text:
The following requirements apply to student financial aid for resident students, and mandatory systemwide fees charged at the University of California and the California State University:

(a) As any changes in mandatory systemwide fees and financial aid resources are considered, the impact on students shall be explained to students, including, but not limited to, changes to the minimum work or loan burden for all students, if applicable, institutional financial aid awards, and the average student loan debt for undergraduate students.

(b) Students shall be consulted before increases on mandatory systemwide fees are proposed, so that students can provide input and ask questions regarding the need for any increases in mandatory systemwide fees.

(c) Adequate advance notice shall be provided to students regarding any future mandatory systemwide fees, thereby allowing the students and their families greater time to prepare for the mandatory systemwide fees to be assessed.

(d) In order to ensure that access is not precluded for any eligible student, and particularly for financially needy students, all current and prospective students shall be provided with timely information concerning student financial aid, including the processes associated with applying for and obtaining student financial assistance.

(e) In order for the general public to maintain confidence in the state’s public colleges and universities, the state’s public colleges and universities shall ensure transparency in the uses of mandatory systemwide fee revenue and the rationale for implementing mandatory systemwide fee increases.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 642, Sec. 1. (AB 1307) Effective January 1, 2016.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) Ten days prior to holding a meeting to discuss or adopt an increase in mandatory systemwide fees, the University of California and the California State University shall provide public notice of the proposed mandatory systemwide fee increase as a discussion item in the public agenda for a meeting of the respective governing board. The public notice shall allow for comments to be received, both verbally and in writing, at the meeting and during the 45-day period required pursuant to subdivision (c). The public notice of the proposed mandatory systemwide fee increase shall, at a minimum, include all of the following:

(1) A justification for the fee increase proposal, setting forth the facts supporting the fee increase.(2) A statement specifying the purposes for which revenue derived from a fee increase will be used.

(3) A description of the efforts to mitigate the impact of the fee increase on needy students.

(4) The potential impact to students, including, but not limited to, the changes to the minimum workload burden for all students, if applicable, institutional financial aid awards, and the average student loan debt for undergraduates.

(5) Alternative proposals that can be considered in lieu of the proposed net student fee revenue proposal.

(b) The University of California and the California State University shall consult with their respective statewide student associations at least 30 days prior to providing public notice of the proposed mandatory systemwide fee increase. The range of potential mandatory systemwide fees under consideration for the next fiscal year shall be discussed with appropriate student representatives at the time of consultation before public notice of the mandatory systemwide fee increase proposal.

(c) The regents and the trustees shall not act to adopt a mandatory systemwide fee increase until at least 45 days after a public meeting is held to discuss the fee. The regents and the trustees shall provide a summary of the comments received pursuant to subdivision (a) in the public notice provided before the meeting to adopt a mandatory systemwide fee increase.

(d) The regents and the trustees shall not adopt an increase in mandatory systemwide fees after the 90th day prior to the commencement of classes for the academic year. This prohibition shall not apply to an increase in mandatory systemwide fees for a summer session.

(e) (1) In cases where the Governor’s proposed budget reduces General Fund appropriations from the prior annual Budget Act for the support of the operations of University of California or California State University, the Legislature enacts or authorizes reduced General Fund appropriations from the prior annual Budget Act for the support of the operations of University of California or California State University, the Legislature enacts a budget reduction for the General Fund support of the operation of the University of California or California State University in the middle of a fiscal year, or the Governor implements a budget reduction for the General Fund support of the operation of the University of California or California State University in the middle of a fiscal year, subdivisions (a), (b), (c), and (d) shall not apply.

(2) In the instances described in paragraph (1), the University of California and the California State University shall discuss with their respective statewide student associations proposals for mandatory systemwide fee increases at least seven days before posting notice of action to increase those fees. An increase in the mandatory systemwide fees at the University of California or the California State University shall not become effective until at least 30 days have elapsed after the date on which the fee increase was adopted.

(f) Following the adoption of an increase in mandatory systemwide fees in accordance with this act, the University of California and the California State University shall notify matriculated students of the mandatory systemwide fees to be assessed in the upcoming academic year or the upcoming quarter or semester. In addition, the respective institution shall simultaneously inform students about the availability of student financial aid and the procedures for obtaining that financial aid in order to assist students with meeting the increased costs of attendance.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) On or before April 2, 2013, the regents and the trustees each shall develop a list of factors that shall be taken into consideration when developing recommendations to adjust mandatory systemwide fees consistent with the policies set forth in this article. The factors shall include, at a minimum, the level of state support, total cost of attendance, impact on various categories of students, including historically underrepresented students and low- to middle-income students, as well as efforts to mitigate the impacts.

(b) The factors, and any subsequent amendments to those factors, shall be developed in consultation with the appropriate statewide student body associations and shall be formally adopted by the regents or the trustees in an open and public meeting.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt any increase in mandatory systemwide fees from the requirements of Section 66028.3.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 642, Sec. 2. (AB 1307) Effective January 1, 2016.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The regents and the trustees are urged to maintain their commitment to institutional financial aid program funding by ensuring that at least 33 percent of the revenues of an increase to existing mandatory systemwide fees charged to undergraduate students is set aside by the regents or the trustees, as applicable, for institutional student aid to assist resident undergraduate students, including those undergraduate students exempt from nonresident tuition pursuant to Sections 68075.5 and 68130.5, and families in meeting the total cost of education.

(b) The regents and trustees shall report their compliance with this section in their respective annual reports on institutional financial aid pursuant to Section 66021.1.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 642, Sec. 3. (AB 1307) Effective January 1, 2016.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, commencing with the 2012–13 academic year, the regents and the trustees shall annually provide the Legislature, by February 1 of each year, with detailed information regarding expenditures of revenues derived from student fees and uses of institutional financial aid, and shall provide information regarding the systemwide average total cost of attendance per student. For purposes of meeting the requirements of this section, the regents and the trustees may include this information in their respective annual reports on institutional financial aid pursuant to Section 66021.1.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the regents and trustees shall each submit a report to the Legislature, by March 1 of each year, describing their respective institution’s compliance with the policies set forth in this article.

(c) A report submitted pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 82, Sec. 1. (AB 2908) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that public higher education in California strive to provide educationally equitable environments that give each Californian, regardless of age, economic circumstance, or the characteristics listed in Section 66270, a reasonable opportunity to develop fully his or her potential.

(b) It is the responsibility of the governing boards of institutions of higher education to ensure and maintain multicultural learning environments free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, in accordance with state and federal law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 569, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4. Educational Equity for Students

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4. Educational Equity for Students


text:
(a) Subject to an appropriation of funds by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another statute for purposes of this section, the California State University may, and the University of California is requested to, establish and maintain inclusive college programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at four-year public postsecondary educational institutions. Program funds may be used to establish new inclusive college programs at campuses that currently do not have a program or have a program in development, or to provide continuing support to established inclusive college programs to help those programs reach capacity and sustainability.

(b) Inclusive college programs operated by the California State University, and inclusive college programs operated by the University of California, are requested to do all of the following:

(1) Serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are at least 18 years of age, even if the students are not taking courses for credit or may not be seeking a traditional degree.

(2) Provide students with a person-centered planning process and the opportunity to pursue an educational credential, including, but not limited to, a degree, certificate, or nondegree credential issued by the institution.

(3) Provide inclusive academic enrichment, socialization, independent living skills, and integrated work experiences that develop career skills that can lead to gainful employment.

(4) Provide individual supports and services for academic and social inclusion in academic courses, extracurricular activities, housing, and other aspects of campus life.

(5) Establish strategies to recruit and support students from historically underserved communities.

(c) Funds appropriated by the Legislature for purposes of this section may be used for any of the following purposes:

(1) Administrative salaries, including a program director at a campus with an inclusive pilot program and other administrative staff, including academic coordinators, employment and internship coordinators, social inclusion coordinators, and residential coordinators.

(2) Additional program staff, including instructors, peer mentors, residential support staff, and administrative assistants.

(3) Training for higher education faculty in evidence-based best practices.

(4) Augmentation of existing assistive technologies and other academic support services offered by campus disability programs and resource centers.

(5) Scholarships for student tuition, fees, and living expenses.

(6) Additional student supports, including counseling, residential needs, mentor services, and transportation services.

(7) Outreach, including internet website design, disseminating information to high school transition programs, local educational agencies, special education local plan areas, and college and career centers, and advertising placements and campaigns, including the cost of printing any materials.

(8) Data collection and dissemination.

(d) (1) An inclusive college program shall comply with the requirements for, and shall apply for, federal status as a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program so that its students can apply for federal financial aid.

(2) An inclusive college program shall investigate long-term sustainability by securing funding from multiple sources, including funds from the Department of Rehabilitation, regional centers, and financial aid programs.

(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Intellectual and developmental disabilities” has the same meaning as “developmental disability,” as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(2) “Local educational agencies” means school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 654, Sec. 2. (AB 447) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4. Educational Equity for Students


text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the California Center for Inclusive College increase awareness of, and access to, inclusive and experiential postsecondary education and employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities through degree, certificate, or nondegree programs that ideally include an independent living component.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish statewide support and coordination of the dissemination of information regarding programs and services for students with intellectual disabilities.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the California Center for Inclusive College increase access to meaningful postsecondary education credentials and work experiences to afford students with intellectual disabilities inclusive and meaningful campus experiences to prepare for gainful employment and community living.

(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the California Center for Inclusive College support the establishment and expansion of programs on college campuses that model inclusivity of all students, including those with intellectual disabilities.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 90. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.1. Inclusive College for Students with Intellectual Disabilities


text:
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

(a) “California Center for Inclusive College” or “center” means the California Center for Inclusive College established pursuant to this article.

(b) “Inclusive college program” means a college program administered by a public postsecondary educational institution for students with intellectual disabilities in the state that offers students an inclusive program of study that includes opportunities to take courses, learn independent living skills, have employment experiences, and engage in social activities and organizations in a setting with other peers with and without disabilities, and that requires students with intellectual disabilities to have at least one-half of their participation in the program, as determined by the institution, focus on academic components through one or more of the following activities:

(1) Taking credit-bearing courses with students with and without disabilities.

(2) Auditing or otherwise participating in courses with students with and without disabilities for which the student does not receive regular academic credit.

(3) Taking noncredit-bearing, nondegree courses with students with and without disabilities.

(4) Participating in internships or work-based training in settings with individuals with and without disabilities.

(c) “Public postsecondary educational institution” means the California State University, the University of California, or the California Community Colleges, and each campus, branch, and function thereof.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.1. Inclusive College for Students with Intellectual Disabilities


text:
(a) The California Center for Inclusive College is hereby established and shall be administered by the county office of education or county offices of education selected pursuant to subdivision (b), working in partnership with regional centers, public postsecondary educational institutions, and the University of California, Davis MIND Institute.

(b) Commencing with the 2024–25 fiscal year, the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) shall be annually appropriated each fiscal year from the General Fund to the Superintendent to, in consultation with the executive director of the State Board of Education, allocate to one or more county offices of education selected to administer the center consistent with this section.

(c) (1) For the 2026–27 fiscal year, the Superintendent shall allocate the funding appropriated in Provision 3 of Item 6100-488 of Section 2.0 of the Budget Act of 2026 to the California Center for Inclusive College for purposes of implementing inclusive college programs, as defined in Section 66032.1. This funding shall be available for encumbrance through June 30, 2032.

(2) Of the funds available for the purpose described in paragraph (1), up to fifteen percent may be used for the administration of grant awards pursuant to this subdivision.

(3) The California Center for Inclusive College shall submit a report to the Department of Finance on or before December 1, 2026, detailing how it plans to award funds for institutions of higher education that are implementing new inclusive college programs, maintaining existing inclusive college programs, and expanding inclusive college programs. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of programs the center estimates the funding can support, the length of the grant period for the awards, characteristics of programs for grant prioritization if applicable, and how the center will provide oversight of the grant awardees. No funding shall be awarded to inclusive college programs under this subdivision until this report is approved by the Department of Finance.

(d) The responsibilities of the center shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Assisting California inclusive college programs in aligning with the federal requirements, standards, and quality indicators identified by the National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities and the coordinating center described in Section 1140q(b) of Title 20 of the United States Code, pursuant to Section 1140q of Title 20 of the United States Code.

(2) Assisting California inclusive college programs with the development and submission of federal comprehensive transition and postsecondary program applications.

(3) Facilitating collaboration between local educational agencies, regional centers, local Department of Rehabilitation field offices, and inclusive college programs to support students with intellectual disabilities and their parents, families, and supporters to plan for postsecondary transition, which shall include plans for high school diploma attainment.

(4) Assisting public postsecondary educational institutions and inclusive college programs with the identification of potential funding sources to establish, sustain, or expand upon inclusive college programs, including student financial assistance opportunities.

(5) Supporting inclusive college programs with guidance and assistance when applying for potential funding sources and student financial assistance opportunities.

(6) Holding meetings and annual workshops to share best practices and provide technical assistance on developing and establishing an inclusive college program, including opportunities to transition two-year programs to four-year programs and to incorporate a residential living component.

(7) Disseminating to local educational agencies, local Department of Rehabilitation field offices, and regional centers information about, but not limited to, all of the following:

(A) Education programs, services, and resources that are available at inclusive college programs.

(B) Supports, accommodations, technical assistance, and training provided by inclusive college programs.

(C) Mentoring, networking, and employment opportunities available at inclusive college programs.

(8) Meeting regularly with interested parties, including, but not limited to, people with intellectual disabilities and their parents, families, and supporters; staff of the State Department of Education, the State Board of Education, the State Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Rehabilitation, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; and public postsecondary educational institutions, with the goal of providing continuous improvement to the delivery of inclusive college programs to students with intellectual disabilities, by doing both of the following:

(A) Identifying federal grant funding opportunities for state agencies and assisting inclusive college programs in investigating options for long-term programmatic and fiscal sustainability.

(B) Sharing best practices, barriers, and challenges to establishing or expanding inclusive college programs.

(e) (1) For the 2024–25 fiscal year, of the amount appropriated pursuant to subdivision (b), up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) shall be available for the center to convene an advisory workgroup consisting of representatives from at least two, but not more than six, existing inclusive college programs throughout the state to consult with the center and to do all of the following:

(A) Collect and share best practices for inclusive college programs.

(B) Advise and assist the center in determining areas of greatest need for technical assistance for inclusive college programs.

(C) Support the center in exploring methods of capacity building to strengthen existing inclusive college programs.

(2) Each inclusive college program with representatives in the advisory workgroup shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary expenses incurred in connection with their participation in the advisory workgroup, in an amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each inclusive college program.

(f) To the extent practicable, the center shall leverage resources from the National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities and the coordinating center described in Section 1140q(b) of Title 20 of the United States Code, pursuant to Section 1140q of Title 20 of the United States Code, for best practices, frameworks, and effective implementation of programs for students with disabilities, including long-term planning to increase inclusive college programs.

(g) Beginning in the 2025–26 fiscal year, and annually thereafter, on or before March 1 each fiscal year, the center shall provide to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Department of Finance a report regarding the implementation of this section; relevant data, including, but not limited to, student activities and demographic information, to the extent feasible and meaningful to measure access, equity, and outcomes; and recommendations to expand evolving best practices.

(h) For purposes of making the computations required by Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution, the appropriations made by subdivision (b) shall be deemed to be “General Fund revenues appropriated for school districts,” as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 41202, for the fiscal year in which they are appropriated, and included within the “total allocations to school districts and community college districts from General Fund proceeds of taxes appropriated pursuant to Article XIIIB,” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 41202, for the fiscal year in which they are appropriated.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 65, Sec. 129. (AB 126) Effective July 9, 2026.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

(a) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served the state exceedingly well, allowing California to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan is the differentiation of mission and function, whereby doctoral and identified professional programs are limited to the University of California, with the provision that the California State University can provide doctoral education in joint doctoral degree programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities. This differentiation of function has allowed California to provide universal access to postsecondary education while preserving quality.

(b) Because of the urgent need for well-prepared administrators to lead public school and community college reform efforts, the State of California is hereby making an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California public higher education segments to the University of California for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the urgency of meeting critical public school and community college leadership needs and the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the California State University and the University of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 269, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.5. Doctoral Programs in Education

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.5. Doctoral Programs in Education


text:
(a) Pursuant to Section 66040, and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, in order to meet specific educational leadership needs in the California public schools and community colleges, the California State University is authorized to award the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree as defined in this section. The authority to award degrees granted by this article is limited to the discipline of education. The Doctor of Education degree offered by the California State University shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.

(b) The Doctor of Education degree offered by the California State University shall be focused on preparing administrative leaders for California public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges and on the knowledge and skills needed by administrators to be effective leaders in California public schools and community colleges. The Doctor of Education degree offered by the California State University shall be offered through partnerships through which the California public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges shall participate substantively in program design, candidate recruitment and admissions, teaching, and program assessment and evaluation. This degree shall enable professionals to earn the degree while working full time.

(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit or preclude the California Postsecondary Education Commission from exercising its authority under Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 66900) to review, evaluate, and make recommendations relating to, any and all programs established under this article.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.5. Doctoral Programs in Education


text:
With regard to funding the degree programs authorized in Section 66040.3, the California State University shall follow all of the following requirements:

(a) Funding on a per full-time equivalent student (FTES) basis for each new student in these degree programs shall be funded from within the California State University’s enrollment growth levels as agreed to in the annual Budget Act. Enrollments in these programs shall not alter the California State University’s ratio of graduate instruction to total enrollment, and shall not come at the expense of enrollment growth in university undergraduate programs. Funding provided from the state for each FTES shall be at the agreed-upon marginal cost calculation that the California State University receives.

(b) Each student in the programs authorized by this article shall be charged fees no higher than the rate charged for students in state-supported doctoral degree programs in education at the University of California, including joint Ed.D. programs of the California State University and the University of California.

(c) The California State University shall provide any startup funding needed for the programs authorized by this article from within existing budgets for academic programs support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to California State University undergraduate programs. Funding of these programs shall not result in reduced undergraduate enrollments at the California State University.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.5. Doctoral Programs in Education


text:
The California State University, the Department of Finance, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office shall jointly conduct a statewide evaluation of the new programs implemented under this article. The evaluation required by this section shall consider all of the following:

(a) The number of new doctoral programs in education implemented, including information identifying the number of new programs, applicants, admissions, enrollments, degree recipients, time-to-degree, attrition, and public school and community college program partners.

(b) The extent to which the programs established under this article are fulfilling identified state needs for training in educational leadership, including statewide supply and demand data that considers capacity at the University of California and in California’s independent colleges and universities.

(c) Information on the place of employment of students and the subsequent job placement of graduates.

(d) Any available evidence on the effects that the graduates of the programs are having on elementary and secondary school and community college reform efforts and on student achievement.

(e) Program costs and the fund sources that were used to finance these programs, including a calculation of cost per degree awarded.

(f) The costs of the programs to students, the amount of financial aid offered, and student debt levels of graduates of the programs.

(g) The extent to which the programs established under this article are in compliance with the requirements of this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 36. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2013.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.5. Doctoral Programs in Education


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

(1) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function, whereby doctoral and identified professional programs are limited to the University of California, with the provision that the California State University can provide doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities. The differentiation of function has allowed California to provide universal access to postsecondary education while preserving quality.

(2) Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of audiologists, the State of California is granting the California State University authority to offer the Doctor of Audiology degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the University of California for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the California State University and the University of California.

(b) Pursuant to subdivision (a), and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, in order to meet specific audiology education needs in California, the California State University may award the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. The authority to award degrees granted by this article is limited to the discipline of audiology. The Au.D. degree offered by the California State University shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 267, Sec. 1. (AB 2317) Effective January 1, 2017.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.6. Doctoral Programs in Audiology

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.6. Doctoral Programs in Audiology


text:
In implementing Section 66041, the California State University shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a) Enrollments in these programs shall not diminish enrollment growth in university undergraduate programs.

(b) The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree offered by the California State University shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

(c) Each student in the programs authorized by this article shall be charged fees no higher than the rate charged for students in state-supported doctoral degree programs in audiology at the University of California, including joint Au.D. programs of the California State University and the University of California.

(d) The California State University shall provide any startup and operation funding needed for the programs authorized by this article from within existing budgets for academic programs support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to California State University undergraduate programs. Funding of these programs shall not result in reduced undergraduate enrollments at the California State University.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.6. Doctoral Programs in Audiology


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

(1) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function, whereby doctoral and identified professional programs are limited to the University of California, with the provision that the California State University can provide doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities. The differentiation of function has allowed California to provide universal access to postsecondary education while preserving quality.

(2) Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of physical therapists, the State of California is granting the California State University authority to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the University of California for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the California State University and the University of California.

(b) Pursuant to subdivision (a), and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, in order to meet specific physical therapy education needs in California, the California State University may award the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. The authority to award degrees granted by this article is limited to the discipline of physical therapy. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree offered by the California State University shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 425, Sec. 1. (AB 2382) Effective January 1, 2011.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.7. Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy


text:
In implementing Section 66042, the California State University shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a) Funding on a per full-time equivalent student (FTES) basis for each new student in these degree programs shall be from within the California State University’s enrollment growth levels as agreed to in the annual Budget Act. Enrollments in these programs shall not alter the California State University’s ratio of graduate instruction to total enrollment, and shall not diminish enrollment growth in university undergraduate programs. Funding provided from the state for each FTES shall be at the agreed-upon marginal cost calculation that the California State University receives.

(b) The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree offered by the California State University shall be focused on preparing physical therapists to provide health care services, and shall be consistent with meeting the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit or preclude the California Postsecondary Education Commission from exercising its authority under Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 66900) to review, evaluate, and make recommendations relating to any and all programs established under this article.

(d) Each student in the programs authorized by this article shall be charged fees no higher than the rate charged for students in state-supported doctoral degree programs in physical therapy at the University of California, including joint D.P.T. programs of the California State University and the University of California.

(e) The California State University shall provide any startup funding needed for the programs authorized by this article from within existing budgets for academic programs support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to California State University undergraduate programs. Funding of these programs shall not result in reduced undergraduate enrollments at the California State University.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.7. Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy


text:
(a) The California State University, the Department of Finance, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office shall jointly conduct a statewide evaluation of the new programs implemented under this article. The results of the evaluation shall be reported, in writing, to the Legislature and the Governor on or before January 1, 2015. The evaluation required by this section shall consider all of the following:

(1) The number of new doctoral programs in physical therapy implemented, including information identifying the number of new programs, applicants, admissions, enrollments, and degree recipients.

(2) The extent to which the programs established under this article are fulfilling identified needs for physical therapists, including statewide supply and demand data that considers capacity at the University of California and in California’s independent colleges and universities.

(3) Information on the place of employment of students and the subsequent job placement of graduates.

(4) Program costs and the fund sources that were used to finance these programs, including a calculation of cost per degree awarded.

(5) The costs of the programs to students, the amount of financial aid offered, and student debt levels of graduates of the programs.

(6) The extent to which the programs established under this article are in compliance with the requirements of this article.

(b) (1) A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(2) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is repealed on January 1, 2019.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

(1) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function, whereby doctoral and identified professional programs are limited to the University of California, with the provision that the California State University can provide doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities. The differentiation of function has allowed California to provide universal access to postsecondary education while preserving quality.

(2) Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of occupational therapists, the state is granting the California State University authority to offer the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the University of California for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the California State University and the University of California.

(b) Pursuant to subdivision (a), and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, in order to meet specific occupational therapy education needs in the state, the California State University may establish Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs.

(c) The authority to establish degree programs granted by this article shall be limited to the discipline of occupational therapy.

(d) The Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the California State University shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 183, Sec. 1. (AB 829) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.8. Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program


text:
(a) The Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the California State University shall be focused on preparing occupational therapists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the appropriate accrediting body.

(b) The California State University shall provide any startup and operation funding needed for the degree programs authorized by this article from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to California State University undergraduate programs.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.8. Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function of each public higher education sector to increase access and educational opportunity for Californians. The Master Plan has a provision that allows the California State University to offer doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities.

(2) More recently, the California State University has received legislative authority to offer independent professional doctoral degrees in areas where there is an identified workforce or accreditation need that may not be fulfilled through existing education opportunities in California.

(3) Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of public health leaders and administrators, the State of California is granting the California State University authority to offer the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the University of California for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the California State University and the University of California.

(b) Pursuant to subdivision (a), and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, in order to meet specific public health leadership needs in California, the California State University may award the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. The authority to award degrees granted by this article is limited to the discipline of public health. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree offered by the California State University shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs in public health at the University of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 936, Sec. 1. (SB 684) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.9. Doctoral Programs in Public Health

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.9. Doctoral Programs in Public Health


text:
In implementing Section 66044, the California State University shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a) Enrollments in the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree programs offered by the California State University pursuant to this article shall not diminish enrollment growth in university undergraduate programs.

(b) The degree programs authorized by this article shall be focused on health and scientific knowledge translation and transformative community leadership, and shall be designed to address the community public health workforce needs of California and prepare qualified professionals to be leaders and experienced practitioners who apply their advanced knowledge in service to California’s diverse communities in areas such as community health administration, health education and promotion, and public health advocacy. These degree programs shall enable professionals to earn the degree while working full time.

(c) Each student in the degree programs authorized by this article shall be charged fees comparable to, but not higher than, those fees charged for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at the University of California.

(d) The California State University shall provide any startup and operation funding needed for the degree programs authorized by this article from within existing budgets for academic program support without diminishing the quality of program support offered to California State University undergraduate programs. Funding of these degree programs shall not result in reduced undergraduate enrollment at the California State University.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.9. Doctoral Programs in Public Health


text:
As used in this article, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the CSU.

(b) “Chancellor’s office” means the office of the chancellor.

(c) “CSU” means the California State University.

(d) “President” means the President of the UC.

(e) “President’s office” means the office of the president.

(f) “Proposed doctoral program” means a proposed doctoral degree program at the CSU pursuant to this article.

(g) “Trustees” means the Trustees of the CSU.

(h) “UC” means the University of California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 663, Sec. 1. (AB 656) Effective January 1, 2024.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.92. Doctoral Programs

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 4.92. Doctoral Programs


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function of each public higher education sector to increase access and educational opportunity for Californians. The Master Plan has a provision that allows the CSU to offer doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the UC and independent California colleges and universities.

(2) More recently, the CSU has received legislative authority to offer independent professional or applied doctoral degrees in areas where there is an identified workforce or accreditation need that may not be fulfilled through existing education opportunities in California.

(3) The State of California is granting the CSU authority to offer professional or applied doctoral degrees statewide that do not duplicate UC doctoral degrees as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to UC for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the CSU and the UC.

(b) Consistent with subdivision (a), and notwithstanding Section 66010.4, the CSU, in consultation with the president’s office, may award professional or applied doctoral degrees statewide that do not duplicate UC doctoral degrees. In implementing this article, the CSU shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(1) Enrollment in CSU professional or applied doctoral degree programs established pursuant to this article shall not diminish enrollment in CSU undergraduate programs.

(2) CSU professional or applied doctoral degree programs established pursuant to this article shall not duplicate UC doctoral degree programs that are offered or under review by the UC. A professional or applied doctoral degree program established pursuant to this article shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs offered by the UC.

(3) The CSU shall establish fees for professional or applied doctoral degree programs established pursuant to this article that shall be comparable to, but no higher than, those fees charged for UC doctoral degree programs.

(4) The CSU shall provide any startup and operational funding needed for professional or applied doctoral degree programs established pursuant to this article from within existing budgets for academic program support without diminishing the quality of program support offered for CSU undergraduate programs. Funding of professional or applied doctoral degree programs established pursuant to this article shall not result in reduced CSU undergraduate enrollment.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.92. Doctoral Programs


text:
A professional or applied doctoral degree program established pursuant to this article shall comply with all of the following limitations:

(a) A CSU campus seeking authorization to offer a doctoral degree program pursuant to this article shall submit all of the following for review by the chancellor’s office, and approval by the trustees:

(1) Documentation verifying that the proposed doctoral program does not duplicate a UC doctoral degree program that is offered or under review by the UC. The CSU shall, in consultation with the Academic Senate of the CSU, and the UC is requested to, in consultation with the Academic Senate of the UC, develop and agree on criteria for assessing duplication. This criteria shall include both of the following:

(A) Curricular and academic elements of the proposed doctoral program.

(B) Postgraduate professional job objectives for recipients of the proposed doctoral degree.

(2) Enrollment projections for the proposed doctoral program.

(3) An administrative plan for the proposed doctoral program, including, but not limited to, the funding plan for the program.

(4) Statewide workforce data relevant to the proposed doctoral program.

(b) The chancellor shall ensure all of the following for a CSU campus seeking to offer a proposed doctoral program:

(1) The chancellor notifies, in writing, and sends relevant materials on the proposed doctoral program to the president’s office and the President of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities to allow for consultation on issues of duplication. Proposed doctoral programs shall be submitted for consultation once per year pursuant to a timeline that is mutually agreed upon by the CSU and the UC.

(2) The trustees shall not approve for implementation a proposed doctoral program if the president’s office has, within 120 days of being notified and receiving materials for the proposed doctoral program pursuant to paragraph (1), provided written objections on the basis of duplication.

(3) A proposed doctoral program that receives written objections from the president’s office in compliance with paragraph (1) shall not be approved for implementation by the trustees unless and until a letter indicating a resolution of the written objections and a mutual agreement, signed by both the chancellor and the president, in support of the CSU offering the proposed doctoral program is submitted to the Assembly Committee on Higher Education and the Senate Committee on Education.

(c) (1) Doctoral degree programs that are approved for implementation by the trustees pursuant to this article may be implemented at any CSU campus.

(2) The trustees shall not approve more than 10 new doctoral degree disciplines pursuant to this article per academic year.

(3) The total number of professional or applied doctoral degree programs offered by a CSU campus pursuant to this article shall not, at any time, exceed 25 percent of the total number of undergraduate, graduate through the master’s degree, and professional and teacher education programs offered by the CSU campus.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.92. Doctoral Programs


text:
(a) The Legislative Analyst’s Office shall conduct a statewide evaluation of the doctoral degree programs authorized pursuant to this article.

(b) On or before December 31, 2028, the Legislative Analyst’s Office shall submit a report, pursuant to Section 9795 of the Government Code, to the Legislature and the Governor on the results of the evaluation.

(c) (1) The evaluation and report shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following information on the doctoral degree programs authorized pursuant to this article:

(A) The number of CSU campuses that proposed doctoral degree programs.

(B) The types of doctoral degree programs proposed by CSU campuses.

(C) The number of doctoral degree programs approved by the trustees.

(D) The number of doctoral degree programs implemented.

(E) The number of doctoral degree program proposals that received objections from UC, what the objections were, and how the objections were resolved.

(F) Enrollment and completion information on implemented doctoral degree programs.

(G) The impact of expanded doctoral degrees at the CSU pursuant to this article on the accessibility, quality, and affordability of higher education in California.

(2) The report described in paragraph (1) shall include information on the impact of expanded professional doctoral education at CSU on the accessibility, quality, and affordability of higher education in California.

(d) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section shall become inoperative on December 31, 2030, and as of January 1, 2031, is repealed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 663, Sec. 1. (AB 656) Effective January 1, 2024. Inoperative December 31, 2030, by its own provisions. Repealed as of January 1, 2031, by its own provisions.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 4.92. Doctoral Programs


text: It is the intent of the Legislature that public institutions of higher education in California shall provide a collegiate experience which gives each student the skills of communication and problem solving, the ideas and principles underlying the major areas of modern knowledge, the ability to consider ethical issues thoughtfully, the understanding that learning is a continuous lifelong process, and the knowledge of democracy necessary for good citizenship. The Legislature further intends that an undergraduate education prepare students to think critically and independently, and to have the flexibility to adapt to changing economic and social conditions, new workforce needs, and demands of a multicultural society. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the segments of higher education recognize that quality teaching is the core ingredient of the undergraduate educational experience. The segments of higher education are encouraged to improve the quality of undergraduate education as a central priority of California’s public colleges and universities.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1198, Sec. 10.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5. Quality Undergraduate Education

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 5. Quality Undergraduate Education


text: It is the intent of the Legislature that each segmental governing board shall affirm that the oversight of teaching quality is as important a governance issue as its other management and administrative responsibilities. It is further the intent of the Legislature that governing boards shall be proactive in protecting and advancing general education within the undergraduate curriculum.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5. Quality Undergraduate Education


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that there is a need to encourage policies that enhance the quality of teaching within the segments of higher education.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the University of California adopt and enforce policies and procedures which ensure that quality teaching is an essential criterion, along with research, in the evaluation of faculty for appointment, retention, promotion, and tenure. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the California State University and the governing board of each community college district adopt and enforce policies and procedures that ensure that teaching is given primacy in the evaluation of faculty for appointment, retention, promotion, and tenure.

(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the governing board of each public institution of higher education ensure that teaching is an essential criterion in the review of tenured faculty members.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5. Quality Undergraduate Education


text: It is the intent of the Legislature that the Regents of the University of California, the Trustees of the California State University, and community college governing boards adopt policies and procedures to ensure that new faculty are competent in classroom teaching and that instructional resources are made available for faculty to enhance their teaching. The Legislature further encourages the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges to establish appropriate incentives for improving teaching.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5. Quality Undergraduate Education


text:
Not later than September 1, 2005, the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges shall do all of the following:

(a) Encourage community college districts to standardize all nursing program prerequisites on a statewide basis.

(b) Encourage community college districts to negotiate and implement articulation agreements with the campuses of the California State University to which they send a significant number of nursing students.

(c) Implement the recommendations of the Intersegmental Major Preparation Articulated Curriculum (IMPAC) project not later than September 1, 2004.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1093, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5.5. Nursing Programs

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 5.5. Nursing Programs


text:
Not later than September 1, 2005, the Chancellor of the California State University shall do all of the following:

(a) Standardize all nursing education program prerequisites for the various campuses of the California State University on a systemwide basis.

(b) Require the campuses of the university that maintain nursing education programs to negotiate and implement articulation agreements with community college districts from which they receive a significant number of nursing students.

(c) Implement the recommendations of the Intersegmental Major Preparation Articulated Curriculum (IMPAC) project not later than September 1, 2004.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5.5. Nursing Programs


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a campus of the California State University or the California Community Colleges that operates a registered nursing program shall not require a student who has been admitted to that registered nursing program and who has already earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education to undertake any coursework other than the coursework that is unique and exclusively required to earn a nursing degree from that institution.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 175, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5.5. Nursing Programs


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any college, university, or other entity that operates an accredited registered nursing program may require any prospective student to provide criminal record clearance within the meaning of Section 1265.5 of the Health and Safety Code prior to enrollment.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 522, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5.5. Nursing Programs


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) The future economic vitality of California will depend on the state’s ability to educate its citizens and to help them develop the work and social skills needed to compete with workers of other nations and states in our global economy.

(2) Ensuring that California’s colleges and universities can accommodate a tidal wave of new students, as well as enable those from diverse backgrounds to achieve success in their college careers, will require a variety of strategies.

(3) The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has reported that most campuses of the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges will soon exceed their current capacities.

(4) The LAO has identified year-round operation as a cost-efficient strategy to address future enrollment growth, by avoiding capital expenditure for instructional space, such as classrooms, class laboratories, study space in libraries, and other selected student support service facilities.

(5) Year-round operation also increases student access to high demand campuses, and allows students to accelerate their progress to degrees.

(6) (A) It is the intent of the Legislature that the University of California and the California State University accommodate enrollment growth by maximizing the utilization of existing instructional facilities during the summer term before building new classrooms and teaching laboratories. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the University of California and the California State University make requests for capital outlay funding for space for classrooms and class laboratories justified using legislatively approved utilization standards and a reasonable assumption of summer-term enrollment.

(B) Accordingly, the University of California is requested to base its annual five-year capital outlay plan on the utilization of instructional facilities during the summer, assuming summer-term enrollment of at least 40 percent of the average fall, winter, and spring enrollment.

(C) The California State University is requested to base its annual five-year capital outlay plan on utilization of instructional facilities during the summer, assuming summer-term enrollment of at least 25 percent and 40 percent of the fall, winter, spring enrollment at rural and urban campuses, respectively.

(b) Summer session fees at all campuses of the University of California and the California State University shall not exceed the fees charged per credit unit for any other academic term, if the state provides funding to offset any revenue losses that may occur due to the difference between the state university fee and fees charged for self-supporting academic programs.

(c) In recognition of the differing circumstances on the various campuses throughout the state, the University of California and the California State University shall retain the flexibility to implement year-round operation differently on individual campuses.

(d) On or before January 10 of each year, the University of California is requested to, and the California State University shall, submit to the Legislature a report describing summer enrollment for their respective systems. The report shall include all of the following information separately for each campus in the system:

(1) The number of state-funded headcount students enrolled during the summer term of the preceding calendar year and, for comparison purposes, the year-average number of state-funded headcount students enrolled during the preceding fall, winter, and spring terms.

(2) The number of state-funded full-time equivalent students enrolled during the summer term of the preceding calendar year and, for comparison purposes, the number of year-average state-funded full-time equivalent students enrolled during the preceding fall, winter, and spring terms.

(3) Efforts undertaken to increase summer enrollment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 386, Sec. 7. (AB 1182) Effective January 1, 2010.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 5.7. Year-Round Academic Programs

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 5.7. Year-Round Academic Programs


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, higher educational institutions may establish and maintain child development programs on or near their respective campuses. Those higher educational institutions under contract with the State Department of Education for child care and development services pursuant to this chapter or Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 8200) of Part 6 are subject to the rules and regulations adopted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(b) Children of students of each campus operating a child development program shall have first priority for service in that program, in accordance with the priorities established in subdivision (b) of Section 8263.

(c) The higher educational institutions may institutionalize child development programs on their respective campuses for the purpose of incorporating child development programs into the missions and functions of the respective campuses.

(d) The Superintendent of Public Instruction, in cooperation with higher educational institutions, shall establish rules and regulations governing programs operated pursuant to this section.

(e) It is the intention of the Legislature that a consortium composed of higher educational institutions be established by the institutions to improve communication and cooperation and to advise and assist the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the development of rules and regulations and policies and procedures affecting child care and development programs. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, in cooperation with the consortium, shall be responsible for ongoing communication with and dissemination of information to all campus child care and development agencies under contract with the State Department of Education.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 758, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 1996.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 6. Campus Child Care and Development Programs


text: A child development program established by the California Community Colleges, the California State University, or the University of California pursuant to Section 66060 is encouraged to give priority to children of students who are single parents and who meet income criteria as established by the institution.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 265, Sec. 1. (AB 809) Effective January 1, 2020.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 6. Campus Child Care and Development Programs


text:
A child development center or preschool established pursuant to Section 66060 by the California Community Colleges and the California State University shall, and a child development center or preschool established pursuant to Section 66060 by the University of California is requested to, provide students with dependent children seeking childcare with both of the following:

(a) Referral to the campus Basic Needs Center established pursuant to Section 66023.4 or 66023.5 for support accessing information, including, but not limited to, information and connections to local resource and referral agencies in order to obtain support in applying for state and federal childcare subsidies and programs and finding local childcare providers.

(b) Referral to the campus’ financial aid office, including information on the awards for students with dependent children established pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 69465) of Chapter 1.7 of Part 42.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 600, Sec. 4. (SB 271) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

(a) The primary goal of every higher educational institution should be to provide a collegiate experience that gives each student the skills of communication and problemsolving, the ideas and principles underlying the major areas of modern knowledge, the ability to consider critical issues thoughtfully, the understanding that learning is a continuous lifelong process, and the knowledge of democracy necessary for good citizenship.

(b) To improve performance, educational institutions are encouraged to use effective assessment mechanisms based on positive reinforcement, incentives, and cooperation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 130. Effective January 1, 2007.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 7. Higher Education Assessment Act of 1990


text: In enacting this article, it is the intent of the Legislature to urge the continued development and implementation of assessment processes whereby institutions of higher education establish mechanisms, through program review and improvement, for the assessment of their performance in attempting to improve student learning and comprehension and achieving the expressed state policy goals for higher education of quality, educational equity, employee diversity, student transfer, and student retention. The primary purposes of assessment shall be to improve teaching and learning as well as academic advising. Assessment programs shall be focused on activities that are campus-based, faculty-centered, and student-responsive. Faculty, students, and academic administrators are encouraged to work together in developing assessment programs.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 758, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 1996.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 7. Higher Education Assessment Act of 1990


text:
It is the intent of the Legislature to monitor the performance of the University of California, the California State University, and the community colleges in the following areas:

(a) Diversification of student bodies.

(b) Improved student transfer rates.

(c) Improved student retention rates.

(d) Diversification of faculty, nonfaculty academic staff, and administrative positions.

(e) As a part of program review, enhanced student learning, as demonstrated through mechanisms designed to explore improvements in knowledge, skills, and abilities.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 627, Sec. 2. (SB 1348) Effective January 1, 2025.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 7.5. Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions


text:
As used in this article, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Applicant” means an eligible college or university that applies for a designation pursuant to this article.

(b) “College or university” means a University of California, California State University, or California Community Colleges campus, or an independent institution of higher education.

(c) “Governing board” means the governing board established pursuant to this article.

(d) “Managing entity” means the California State University Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Excellence described in this article.

(e) “Normal time” means the time it would take a full-time student to complete the requirements for a degree or certificate offered by a college or university.

(f) “Recipient” means a college or university that receives a designation pursuant to this article.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 7.5. Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions


text:
(a) The Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions is hereby established to recognize colleges and universities that excel at providing academic resources to Black and African American students enrolled in degree or certificate programs offered by colleges and universities. This designation shall only be awarded to qualifying applicants by a two-thirds vote of approval by the governing board members who are present for the vote.

(b) An initial designation awarded pursuant to this article shall be valid for five academic years. Thereafter, a recipient may submit an application for renewal. A renewal designation awarded pursuant to this article shall be valid for five years.

(c) An applicant is eligible for designation pursuant to this article if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Has at least 10 percent of the college’s or university’s enrolled student population identifying as Black and African American students, or has at least 1,500 Black and African American students enrolled at the college or university.

(2) Submits an initial or renewal application, as applicable, to the managing entity on or before the applicable application deadline established by the managing entity pursuant to Section 66076.3.

(3) Meets either of the following, as applicable:

(A) Submits an initial application that complies with subdivision (d).

(B) Submits a renewal application that complies with subdivision (e).

(4) Posts the initial or renewal application submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (3), as applicable, on the applicant’s internet website.

(d) An initial application shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) A certification, in writing, by the chief administrative officer of the college or university, of the applicant’s commitment to address Black and African American student success that is consistent with the applicant’s mission.

(2) Academic goals for the applicant to achieve within the five-year period in which the initial designation awarded pursuant to this article shall be valid. The goals described in this paragraph shall improve retention, time-to-degree or time-to-certificate completion, and graduation rates of Black and African American students based on the data submitted by the applicant pursuant to paragraph (5) or (6), as applicable, within the five-year period in which the initial designation shall be valid.

(3) Academic equity goals for the applicant to achieve within the five-year period in which the initial designation awarded pursuant to this article shall be valid. The goals described in this paragraph shall reduce the academic equity gaps in the retention, time-to-degree or time-to-certificate completion, and graduation rates between the applicant’s Black and African American students and the overall student population based on data submitted by the applicant pursuant to paragraph (5) or (6), as applicable.

(4) A strategic plan for the five-year period in which the initial designation awarded pursuant to this article shall be valid on how the applicant intends to meet the academic goals and academic equity goals submitted pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3). The strategic plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(A) A mission statement that addresses the applicant’s commitment to serve Black and African American students.

(B) Outreach services to Black and African American students to encourage them to enroll at the college or university.

(C) Academic and basic needs support services to assist in the academic success of Black and African American students. Support services described in this subparagraph may include campus affinity centers and corequisite coursework or concurrent support activities.

(D) An outline of the planned allocation of resources during the five-year period in which the initial designation awarded pursuant to this article shall be valid, to ensure that the strategic plan described in this paragraph can be implemented.

(E) An outline of how the applicant will use existing resources to provide culturally-relevant professional development to the applicant’s faculty and staff.

(5) A four-year college or university applicant shall submit, in its application, graduation rates for the previous three academic years for all students, and for Black and African American students, within the normal time and up to 150 percent of the normal time to degree completion, yield, retention, and graduation rate.

(6) A community college applicant shall submit, in its application, all of the following for the previous three academic years:

(A) The number of degree and certificate programs completed by all students, and by Black and African American students.

(B) The number of all students, and of Black and African American students, who completed degree and certificate programs within normal time and up to 300 percent of normal time to degree completion, yield, retention, and graduation rate.

(C) The student transfer rates for all students, and for Black and African American students, to four-year colleges and universities.

(7) A description of campus resources to promote a campus of equity and inclusion for Black and African American students.

(e) A renewal application shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Either of the following, as applicable:

(A) An applicant seeking renewal upon expiration of an initial designation awarded pursuant to this article shall resubmit the application it submitted to receive that initial designation.

(B) An applicant seeking renewal upon expiration of a renewal designation awarded pursuant this article shall resubmit the application it submitted to receive that previous renewal designation.

(2) Demonstration of the applicant’s progress to achieve the academic goals and academic equity goals provided in the application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1).

(3) Demonstration of the applicant’s progress to implement the strategic plan provided in the application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1).

(4) Any changes made by the applicant to either of the following items provided in the application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1):

(A) The mission statement in the strategic plan that addresses the applicant’s commitment to serve Black and African American students.

(B) The description of campus resources to promote a campus of equity and inclusion for Black and African American students.

(5) A certification, in writing, by the chief administrative officer of the college or university, of the applicant’s continual commitment to address Black and African American student success that is consistent with the applicant’s mission.

(6) Academic goals for the applicant to achieve within the five-year period in which the renewal designation shall be valid. The goals described in this paragraph shall improve retention, time-to-degree or time-to-certificate completion, and graduation rates of Black and African American students based on the data submitted by the applicant pursuant to paragraph (9) or (10), as applicable, within the five-year period in which the renewal designation shall be valid.

(7) Academic equity goals for the applicant to achieve within the five-year period in which the renewal designation shall be valid. The goals described in this paragraph shall reduce the academic equity gaps in the retention, time-to-degree or time-to-certificate completion, and graduation rates between the applicant’s Black and African American students and the overall student population based on data submitted by the applicant pursuant to paragraph (9) or (10), as applicable.

(8) A strategic plan for the five-year period in which the renewal designation shall be valid on how the applicant intends to meet the academic goals and academic equity goals submitted pursuant to paragraphs (6) and (7). The strategic plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(A) Outreach services to Black and African American students to encourage them to enroll at the college or university.

(B) Academic and basic needs support services to assist in the academic success of Black and African American students. Support services described in this subparagraph may include campus affinity centers and corequisite coursework or concurrent support activities.

(C) An outline of the planned allocation of resources for the five-year period in which the renewal designation shall be valid, to ensure that the strategic plan described in this paragraph can be implemented.

(D) An outline of how the applicant will use existing resources to provide culturally-relevant professional development to the applicant’s faculty and staff.

(9) A four-year college or university applicant shall submit, in its application, graduation rates for the previous five academic years for all students, and for Black and African American students, within the normal time and up to 150 percent of normal time to degree completion, yield, retention, and graduation rate.

(10) A community college campus shall submit, in its application, all of the following for the previous five academic years:

(A) The number of degree and certificate programs completed by all students, and by Black and African American students.

(B) The number of all students, and of Black and African American students, who completed degree and certificate programs within normal time and up to 300 percent of normal time to degree completion yield, retention, and graduation rate.

(C) The student transfer rates for all students, and for Black and African American students, to four-year colleges and universities.

(f) (1) If an applicant’s renewal application is denied by the governing board, the applicant may only submit an application to receive an initial designation pursuant to this article.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an applicant described in paragraph (1) may submit an application for a renewal designation following the award of a subsequent initial designation by the governing board pursuant to this article.

(g) An applicant is encouraged to inform and consult with the academic senate of the college or university on the applicant’s initial and renewal applications prepared pursuant to this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 67, Sec. 61. (AB 1170) Effective January 1, 2026.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
The California State University Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Excellence is hereby designated as the managing entity for initial and renewal designations pursuant to this article. The managing entity shall act as a neutral administrative body. The managing entity shall have all of the following duties:

(a) Developing application processes that contain the requirements described in Section 66076.2 for applicants.

(b) Accepting initial and renewal applications from applicants. The managing entity shall set two application deadlines each year on dates determined by the managing entity.

(c) Processing and presenting each application received to the governing board twice each year on dates determined by the governing board.

(d) Upon the governing board’s approval or denial of an applicant’s application, informing the applicant on this outcome.

(e) Preparing and delivering to an applicant approved by the governing board to receive a designation pursuant to this article, an appropriate insignia recognizing this designation.

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The governing board of the Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions is hereby established. The purpose of the governing board is to award colleges and universities with designations pursuant to this article based on applications presented by the managing entity pursuant to Section 66074.3.

(b) (1) The governing board shall be composed of all of the following eight members:

(A) The Lieutenant Governor, or the Lieutenant Governor’s designee.

(B) One member of the public, to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

(C) One member of the public, to be appointed by the President pro Tempore of the Senate.

(D) A designee of the President of the University of California.

(E) A designee of the Chancellor of the California State University.

(F) A designee of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges.

(G) A designee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

(H) The chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, or the chair’s designee.

(2) Any designee described in paragraph (1) shall be qualified to make decisions on behalf of that appointed position.

(3) A member of the public appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) by either the Speaker of the Assembly or the President pro Tempore of the Senate shall serve a two-year term.

(4) It is the intent of the Legislature that in appointing members of the public pursuant to paragraph (1), the appointing authority shall make every effort to ensure that the membership of the governing board includes persons who have a strong interest in the further development and improvement of the academic success of Black and African American students.

(c) For purposes of the first two years of the governing board’s operations, the chair of the governing board shall be the Lieutenant Governor or the Lieutenant Governor’s designee. The governing board shall select each subsequent chairman from within its membership by a vote of two-thirds of the governing board’s voting members.

(d) The governing board shall complete both of the following actions:

(1) Convene twice a year to vote on the approval or denial of applications.

(2) Approve or deny each application presented by the managing entity pursuant to Section 66074.3.

(e) All decisions made by the governing board shall require a two-thirds vote of approval by the governing board members who are present for the vote.

(f) The governing board shall be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the “English Proficiency in Higher Education Act.”

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 200, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.)

title: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION > 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS > 40. DONAHOE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT > 2. General Provisions > 8. English Proficiency in Higher Education