20.02 Ensure Course Cost Transparency for Students

Fall 2020 Resolution Number: 20.02

Whereas, Faculty have both the freedom to select the course materials they deem most appropriate and the responsibility to consider the cost burden as they do so;

Whereas, Provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act that went into effect in July, 2010 required each institution of higher education receiving federal financial assistance to “disclose, on the institution’s Internet course schedule and in a manner of the institution’s choosing, the International Standard Book Number and retail price information of required and recommended college textbooks and supplemental materials for each course listed in the institution’s course schedule used for preregistration and registration purposes”;

Whereas, Ensuring the transparency of textbook, supplemental material, supply, and other course-related costs is of critical importance when unpredictable costs associated with course-taking may exceed the fees students pay to take courses, placing additional financial burdens on students; and

Whereas, Some disciplines and colleges have well-established and clearly visible processes for informing students of costs and fees prior to registration while others do not;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourage local academic senates to advocate for the implementation of a process for consistent, clear, and transparent messaging to students prior to registration regarding all material and supply costs in appropriate locations including the schedule of classes and the bookstore.