Fall 2019 Resolution Number: 09.05
Whereas, SB 1359 (Block, 2016) requires all segments of public higher education in California to “Clearly highlight, by means that may include a symbol or logo in a conspicuous place on the online campus course schedule, the courses that exclusively use digital course materials that are free of charge to students and may have a low-cost option for print versions” (California Education Code §66406.9) as of January, 2018;
Whereas, The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 requires that each postsecondary institution in the United States that participates in Title IV student aid programs post a net price calculator on its Web site that uses institutional data to provide estimated net price information to current and prospective students and their families based on a student’s individual circumstances; and
Whereas, All students should have access to course materials prior to the course start date, and inequities are created by practices that ensure immediate access to commercial texts but do not provide complete information regarding the resources made available to students at no cost;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourage local senates to work with their administrations to ensure that accurate information regarding no-cost resources and low-cost print versions of such resources are equally available as resources available for purchase from a vendor; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges provide guidance to colleges with respect to making digital resources available in digital and print formats.