Assemblyman Das Williams, Democrat-Santa Barbara, wrote a bill which is currently going through the committee level in California’s assembly. It may change the way community college students get classes.
This bill, AB 955, would allow community colleges throughout California to charge higher prices for popular courses. For state-funded courses, students currently pay $46 per unit. If this bill passes, high-demand classes would cost around $200.
“I don’t like the message that increasing tuition is sending,” Career Center Coordinator Ms. Amy Sisson said. “It is saying that education is only accessible to those who have money. That’s not what we want to tell people.”
If the college has been at enrollment capacity for the past two years, it would be allowed to offer extension programs during the summer and winter sessions. The bill requires that one-third of fee revenue be dedicated to financial aid for students eligible for the Board of Governors fee waiver. Also, courses can only be offered at a higher price if they lead to certificates, degrees or transfer preparation.
Opponents believe that the bill would discourage students who are struggling financially but still want to attend college. They also say that it gives an unfair advantage to the wealthy. Others support this bill since it provides students with another option, especially since community colleges have gone through large cuts to state funding.
“Obviously, new solutions need to be found for funding education,” Guidance Counselor Ms. Julie Jorgensen said. “Personally, I do not see the logic in charging over four times as much money for necessary classes.”