Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission to perform a variety of duties relating to student financial aid programs, and requires the Governor to appoint 2 student members to the commission for terms of 2 academic years. Existing provisions of the Ortiz-Pacheco-Poochigian-Vasconcellos Cal Grant Program set forth requirements for a postsecondary institution to be considered a qualifying institution.

This bill would authorize a student member to serve as a student member of the Student Aid Commission for up to one additional year after his or her 2-year term expires if the Governor has not appointed a successor student member. The bill would also require a qualifying institution to waive a student members tuition, up to a specified amount, for the duration of the student members term in office if the student member is not a recipient of a Cal Grant award. The bill would require the commission to notify the appropriate student organization for each segment of a pending student member vacancy no less than three months before the expiration of the term, and of the appropriate student organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.

Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission to perform a variety of duties relating to student financial aid programs, and requires the Governor to appoint 2 student members to the commission for terms of 2 academic years. Existing provisions of the Ortiz-Pacheco-Poochigian-Vasconcellos Cal Grant Program set forth requirements for a postsecondary institution to be considered a qualifying institution.

This bill would authorize a student member to serve as a student member of the Student Aid Commission for up to one additional year after his or her 2-year term expires if the Governor has not appointed a successor student member. The bill would also require a qualifying institution to waive a student members tuition, up to a specified amount, for the duration of the student members term in office if the student member is not a recipient of a Cal Grant award. The bill would require the commission to notify the appropriate student organization for each segment of a pending student member vacancy no less than three months before the expiration of the term, and of the appropriate student organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.

Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission to perform a variety of duties relating to student financial aid programs, and requires the Governor to appoint 2 student members to the commission for terms of two 2 academic years. Existing provisions of the Ortiz-Pacheco-Poochigian-Vasconcellos Cal Grant Program set forth requirements for a postsecondary institution to be considered a qualifying institution.

This bill would authorize a student member to serve as a student member of the Student Aid Commission for up to one additional year after his or her 2-year term expires if the Governor has not appointed a successor student member. The bill would also require a qualifying institution to waive a student members tuition, up to a specified amount, for the duration of the student members term in office if the student member is not a recipient of a Cal Grant award. The bill would require the commission to notify the appropriate student organization for each segment of a pending student member vacancy no less than three months before the expiration of the term, and of the appropriate student organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.

Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission to perform a variety of duties relating to student financial aid programs, and requires the Governor to appoint 2 student members to the commission for terms of two academic years. Existing provisions of the Ortiz-Pacheco-Poochigian-Vasconcellos Cal Grant Program set forth requirements for a postsecondary institution to be considered a qualifying institution.

This bill would authorize a student member to serve as a student member of the Student Aid Commission for up to one additional year after his or her 2-year term expires if the Governor has not appointed a successor student member. The bill would also require a qualifying institution to waive a student members tuition, up to a specified amount, for the duration of the student members term in office if the student member is not a recipient of a Cal Grant award.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2154

Author:(Medina)

As Amended Ver:May 25, 2016

Majority vote

Original Committee Reference: HIGHER ED.

SUMMARY: Provides changes to the term and benefits to the student members of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Specifically, this bill:

1. Provides that upon expiration of a student member of CSAC's two year term, if the Governor has not appointed a successor, the student member may remain in office for one additional year or until the Governor appoints a successor, whichever occurs first.
2. Provides that, in addition to the $100 daily stipend for attending meetings, for a student member who attends a qualifying institution and is not the recipient of a Cal Grant award, the qualifying institution shall waive the student member's tuition, up to the maximum award amount for that institution, for the duration of the student member's term of office.

The Senate amendments:

1. Provide that the requirements of existing law that a student member be enrolled at a California postsecondary educational institution during the term of appointment do not apply to the provision of this bill that would authorize a student member to serve an additional year, or until the Governor appoints a successor.
2. Require CSAC to notify the appropriate student organization for each California postsecondary educational segment of a pending student member vacancy no less than three months before the expiration of the term, and of the appropriate student organization's opportunity to submit a list of nominees.

EXISTING LAW: Establishes CSAC, composed of 15 members, to administer California's student financial aid programs. Designates two student members, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, required to be enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions for the duration of the two year terms; a graduating student may serve for six months beyond graduation. The two students may not be enrolled in the same segment of higher education. The segments of higher education are designated as the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), the California Community Colleges (CCC), independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. CSAC is responsible for determining the appropriate student organization for each segment, and each student organization is required to inform students within their respective segment of pending CSAC student member vacancies and each student organization is authorized to submit a list of three to five nominees for membership. A student member appointed to CSAC may not be in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, this bill has negligible fiscal impact.

COMMENTS: Purpose of this bill. According to the author, this bill aims to improve student representation on CSAC by providing a tuition waiver to the student commissioners for the duration of their term and affording the outgoing student commissioner the opportunity to remain on the board for up to one additional year if the Governor has yet to appoint a replacement.

Appointment gaps. This bill would allow an outgoing student member of CSAC to remain in office for up to one additional year if the Governor has not appointed a successor. According to the California State Student Association (CSSA), the sponsor of this bill, there have been times when the incoming student commissioner has not been appointed by the time their predecessor leaves, causing gaps in terms and leaving the board short a critical student vote. For example, the CSU student was selected for appointment in 2013 nearly seven months after the incumbent's term ended, delaying his time on the board and leaving a gap in student representation. In 2014, the private university student appointment was five months delayed. This provision is modeled on AB 2324 (Williams), Chapter 340, Statutes of 2014, which provided the faculty member of the CSU Board of Trustees an additional two-year term if the Governor has not appointed a successor.

Tuition waiver. This bill would require an institution that participates in the Cal Grant Program to waive the tuition, up to the maximum Cal Grant award, for a student member of CSAC that is not a Cal Grant recipient. According to the sponsor, the California State Student Association (CSSA), student commissioners' work requires a great deal of time and commitment. CSSA notes, for the past several years, student commissioners have faced challenges trying to serve students on the commission while often, if not a Cal Grant recipient, also needing to work in order to pay for tuition. Currently, student commissioners do not receive any financial support for their role. This provision is modeled on SB 325 (Block), Chapter 175, Statutes of 2013, which required tuition to be waived for a student member of the CSU Board of Trustees.

Notification to student organizations. This bill requires the Commission to notify the appropriate student organizations of a pending vacancy and of the organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees. Existing law provides for two student commissioners from different higher education segments, nominated by the appropriate student association and appointed by the governor to serve on CSAC for two year terms. The higher education segments are designated as University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. The student commissioners may not be enrolled in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member. This rotation of student seats by segment could be confusing to many if not adequately tracked. Currently, it is the responsibility of the student organizations to have knowledge of the process and submit nominees to the Governor at the appropriate time. Arguably, if a student organization is not aware of this opportunity it could delay an appointment or miss the chance all together. This bill attempts to rectify this problem by requiring notification to student organizations.

Related legislation. AB 2766 (Lopez) of the current legislative session would require the commission to include 4 student members, one from each of the public postsecondary institutions (University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges) and a California private postsecondary education institution.

Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0003627

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2154

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 9-0, 6/8/16

AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Huff, Leyva, Mendoza, Monning, Pan, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 5/5/16 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill provides changes to the term and benefits for service as a student member of the California Student Aid Commission.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) to administer California's student financial aid programs. The composition of the Commission includes:
   1. Eleven members Governor appointees confirmed by the Senate:
      1. Three representatives from the general public.
      2. One representative from a California secondary school.
      3. Two student representatives each of whom must be enrolled in a California postsecondary educational institution.
      4. One representative from the University of California (UC).
      5. One representative from the California State University (CSU).
      6. One representative from the California Community Colleges (CCC).
      7. One representative from a California independent college or university.
      8. One representative from a public, proprietary, or nonprofit postsecondary school located in California.
   2. Two representatives appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
   3. Two representatives appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. (Education Code § 69510)
2. Provides that student members appointed to the Commission:
   1. Be enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions for the duration of the two-year terms.
   2. May serve for six months beyond graduation.
   3. May not be enrolled in the same segment of higher education. The segments of higher education are designated as the UC, the CSU, the CCC, independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. (EC § 69511)
3. Provides that the Commission is responsible for determining the appropriate student organization for each segment, and each student organization is required to inform students within their respective segment of pending Commission student member vacancies and each student organization is authorized to submit a list of three to five nominees for membership. A student member appointed to the Commission may not be in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member. (EC § 69511.5)

This bill provides changes to the term and benefits for service as a student member of the Commission. Specifically, it:

1. Authorizes a student Commission member upon expiration of the student member’s two-year term to remain in office for one additional year or until the Governor appoints a successor, whichever occurs first.
2. Requires an institution to waive a student member’s tuition up to a specified amount, for the duration of their term in office, provided that the student is not a Cal Grant award recipient.
3. Requires the Commission to notify the appropriate student organization for each segment of a pending vacancy no less than three months before the expiration of the term and of the organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the California State Student Association (CSSA), “for the past several years, student commissioners have faced challenges trying to serve on the commission while often also needing to work in order to pay for school.” Additionally, CSSA asserts, that there have been instances of delayed appointments of student members, causing gaps in student representation. For example, the CSU student was selected for appointment in 2013, nearly seven months late and in 2014, the private university student appointment was delayed by five months. Lastly, in 2011, a student was appointed to the Commission after a four-year gap.

This bill seeks to ensure consistent student representation on the Commission by authorizing students to serve for one additional year after their term has expired should there be a delay in appointing a successor and by requiring that institutions waive tuition for the duration of the student’s term provided that they are non-Cal Grant recipients.

1. Appointment of student members. Existing law provides for two student commissioners from different higher education segments, nominated by the appropriate student association and appointed by the governor to serve on the Commission for two-year terms. The higher education segments are designated as UC, CSU, CCC, independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. The student commissioners may not be enrolled in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member. This rotation of student seats by segment could be confusing to many if not adequately tracked. It is the responsibility of the student organizations to have knowledge of the process and submit nominees to the Governor at the appropriate time. Arguably, if a student organization is not aware of this opportunity it could delay an appointment or miss the chance all together. This bill requires the Commission to notify appropriate student organizations of a pending vacancy and of the organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.
2. Commission service and benefits. The Commission is responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private postsecondary institutions, colleges and vocational schools in California. Service on the Commission requires attendance at meetings of the board and assigned committees. The Commission meets at least six-times per year, in two-day meetings. Additionally, committees may meet more frequently. All commissioners are entitled to a $100 stipend for each day of attendance at a regular or assigned committee meeting and compensation for board related travel expenses. Each student commissioner is a full voting member with the same powers and duties afforded to the remaining commissioners.
3. Other boards by comparison. Students serve on a variety of boards and commissions and each provides varying benefits to students who serve.
   1. The CCC Board of Governors sets policy and provides guidance for the 72 districts and 113 colleges that constitute the system. The 17-member board meets at least six-times a year, in two-day meetings. The Governor appoints two student members (voting and non-voting) from nominees proposed by the recognized student organization. These student members serve staggered two-year terms with the non-voting student trustee succeeding to the voting position upon the expiration of the term of the voting member. Student members receive $100 per diem and are compensated for board related travel expenses.
   2. The CSU Board of Trustees is responsible for the oversight of the 23 campus CSU system. The board meets six-times per year, in two-day meetings. The Governor appoints two student trustees (voting and non-voting) from nominees proposed by the CSSA. These student trustees serve staggered two-year terms with the non-voting student trustee succeeding to the voting position upon the expiration of the term of the voting member. Student trustees receive tuition fee waivers, $100 per diem and compensation for board related travel expenses.
   3. The Regents of the UC governs the 10 campus UC system and meets six times a year, in two-day meetings. The Board of Regents appoint a student Regent (voting) and a student Regent-designate (non-voting) and serve one-year terms in each positions with the Regent-designate succeeding the voting student Regent. The student Regent is reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance at meetings of the board and its committees, and all mandatory University fees and tuition are waived during the academic years in which he or she serves as Regent-designate and as a member of the board.

Arguably service on the Commission is comparable to service on the Board of Trustees or Regents therefore it may be appropriate for the benefits provided by this bill to be extended to a student member of the Commission.

1. Cost Impact. This bill seeks to acknowledge that students who serve on the Commission merit a tuition waiver. The tuition waiver is solely based on service there is no test for financial need. However, given the small number of students that would receive such a waiver the cost would be insignificant. Senate Education Committee staff notes that the tuition waiver only applies to non-Cal Grant recipients as student members who receive a Cal Grant would have his or her fees covered by the award.

Related/Prior Legislation

AB 2766 (Lopez, 2016) requires the Commission to include four student members, one from each of the public postsecondary institutions (UC, CSU, CCC) and a California private postsecondary education institution. AB 2766 is pending on the Senate Floor.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 6/21/16)

California Student Aid Commission

California State Student Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/21/16)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 5/5/16

AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Arambula, Atkins, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Quirk, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Beth Gaines

Prepared by:

6/22/16 15:15:02

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Carol Liu, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No:

Subject:

SUMMARY

This bill provides changes to the term and benefits for service as a student member of the California Student Aid Commission (Commission).

BACKGROUND

Existing law:

1. Establishes the California Student Aid Commission to administer California's student financial aid programs. The composition of the Commission includes:
   1. Eleven members Governor appointees confirmed by the Senate:
2. Three representatives from the general public.
3. One representative from a California secondary school.
4. Two student representatives each of whom must be enrolled in a California postsecondary educational institution.
5. One representative from the University of California.
6. One representative from the California State University.
7. One representative from the California Community Colleges.
8. One representative from a California independent college or university.
9. One representative from a public, proprietary, or nonprofit postsecondary school located in California.
   1. Two representatives appointed by the Senate Rules Committee.
   2. Two representatives appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. (Education Code § 69510)
10. Provides that student members appointed to the California Student Aid Commission (Commission):
    1. Be enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions for the duration of the two year terms
    2. May serve for six months beyond graduation.
    3. May not be enrolled in the same segment of higher education. The segments of higher education are designated as the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), the California Community Colleges (CCC), independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. (EC § 69511)
11. Provides that the Commission is responsible for determining the appropriate student organization for each segment, and each student organization is required to inform students within their respective segment of pending Commission student member vacancies and each student organization is authorized to submit a list of three to five nominees for membership. A student member appointed to the Commission may not be in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member. (EC § 69511.5)

ANALYSIS

This bill provides changes to the term and benefits for service as a student member of the Commission. Specifically it:

1. Authorizes a student Commission member upon expiration of the student member’s two-year term to remain in office for one additional year or until the Governor appoints a successor, whichever occurs first.
2. Requires an institution to waive a student member’s tuition up to a specified amount, for the duration of their term in office, provided that the student is not a Cal Grant award recipient.
3. Requires the Commission to notify the appropriate student organization for each segment of a pending vacancy no less than three months before the expiration of the term and of the organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the California State Student Association (CSSA), the sponsors of this bill, “for the past several years, student commissioners have faced challenges trying to serve on the commission while often also needing to work in order to pay for school.” Additionally, CSSA asserts, that there have been instances of delayed appointments of student members, causing gaps in student representation. For example, the California State University student was selected for appointment in 2013, nearly seven months late and in 2014, the private university student appointment was delayed by five months. Lastly, in 2011, a student was appointed to the commission after a four year gap.

This bill seeks to ensure consistent student representation on the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) by authorizing students to serve for one additional year after their term has expired should there be a delay in appointing a successor and by requiring that institutions waive tuition for the duration of the student’s term provided that they are non-Cal Grant recipients.

1. Appointment of student members. Existing law provides for two student commissioners from different higher education segments, nominated by the appropriate student association and appointed by the governor to serve on the Commission for two year terms. The higher education segments are designated as University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. The student commissioners may not be enrolled in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member. This rotation of student seats by segment could be confusing to many if not adequately tracked. It is the responsibility of the student organizations to have knowledge of the process and submit nominees to the Governor at the appropriate time. Arguably, if a student organization is not aware of this opportunity it could delay an appointment or miss the chance all together. This bill requires the Commission to notify appropriated student organizations of a pending vacancy and of the organizations opportunity to submit a list of nominees.
2. Commission service and benefits. The Commission is responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private postsecondary institutions, colleges and vocational schools in California. Service on the Commission requires attendance at meetings of the board and assigned committees. The Commission meets at least six-times per year, in two-day meetings. Additionally, committees may meet more frequently. All commissioners are entitled to a $100 stipend for each day of attendance at a regular or assigned committee meeting and compensation for board related travel expenses. Each student commissioner is a full voting member with the same powers and duties afforded to the remaining commissioners.
3. Other boards by comparison. Students serve on a variety of boards and commissions and each provides varying benefits to students who serve.
   1. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors sets policy and provides guidance for the 72 districts and 113 colleges that constitute the system. The 17-member board meets at least six-times a year, in two-day meetings. The Governor appoints two student members (voting and non-voting) from nominees proposed by the recognized student organization. These student members serve staggered two-year terms with the non-voting student trustee succeeding to the voting position upon the expiration of the term of the voting member. Student members receive $100 per diem and are compensated for board related travel expenses.
   2. California State University Board of Trustees is responsible for the oversight of the 23 campus CSU system. The board meets six-times per year, in two-day meetings. The Governor appoints two student trustees (voting and non-voting) from nominees proposed by the California State Student Association. These student trustees serve staggered two-year terms with the non-voting student trustee succeeding to the voting position upon the expiration of the term of the voting member. Student trustees receive tuition fee waivers, $100 per diem and compensation for board related travel expenses.
   3. The Regents of the University of California governs the 10 campus UC system and meets six times a year, in two-day meetings. The Board of Regents appoint a student Regent (voting) and a student Regent-designate (non-voting) and serve one-year terms in each positions with the Regent-designate succeeding the voting student Regent. The student Regent is reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance at meetings of the board and its committees, and all mandatory University fees and tuition are waived during the academic years in which he or she serves as Regent-designate and as a member of the board.

Arguably service on the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) is comparable to service on the Board of Trustees or Regents therefore it may be appropriate for the benefits provided by this bill to be extended to a student member of the Student Aid commission.

1. Cost Impact. This bill seeks to acknowledge that students who serve on the Commission merit a tuition waiver. The tuition waiver is solely based on service there is no test for financial need. However, given the small number of students that would receive such a waiver the cost would be insignificant. Staff notes that the tuition waiver only applies to non-Cal Grant recipients as student members who receive a Cal Grant would have his or her fees covered by the award.
2. Related legislation. AB 2766 (Lopez) would require the commission to include 4 student members, one from each of the public postsecondary institutions (University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges) and a California private postsecondary education institution. AB 2766 is scheduled to be heard by this Committee on June 8^th.

SUPPORT

California State Student Association

California Student Aid Commission

OPPOSITION

None received.

-- END --

Date of Hearing: April 27, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2154

Author:(Medina) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2016

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill:

1. Provides that, upon expiration of the California Student Aid Commission's (CSAC's) student member's two-year term, if the Governor has not appointed a successor, the student member may remain in office for up to one additional year or until the Governor appoints a successor, whichever occurs first.
2. Provides that, for a CSAC student member who is not a Cal Grant recipient, the student member's tuition shall be waived, up to the maximum allowable award amount at the student's institution, for the duration of the their term on the commission.

FISCAL EFFECT:

No additional cost to CSAC, and potential minor loss of revenue to the University of California (UC) or the California State University (CSU) if one of their students is a CSAC member, is not a Cal Grant awardee, and thus has his or her tuition waived while on the commission.

COMMENTS:

1. Background. CSAC, which administers California's student financial aid programs, is composed of 15 members, including two student members required to be enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions for the duration of their two-year terms, though a graduating student may serve for six months beyond graduation. The two students may not be enrolled in the same segment of higher education.
2. Purpose. According to the author, this bill aims to improve student representation on CSAC by providing a tuition waiver to the student commissioners for the duration of their term and affording the outgoing student commissioner the opportunity to remain on the board for up to one additional year if the Governor has yet to appoint a replacement.

The provision to extend the student CSAC commissioner's term until the Governor fills the appointment is modeled on AB 2324 (Williams), Chapter 340, Statutes of 2014, which provided the faculty member of the CSU Board of Trustees an additional two-year term if the Governor has not appointed a successor.

The provision that the student commissioner's tuition be waived during the tenure is modeled on SB 325 (Block), Chapter 175, Statutes of 2013, which required tuition to be waived for a student member of the CSU Board of Trustees. According to the sponsor, the California State Student Association (CSSA), student commissioners' work requires a great deal of time and commitment. CSSA notes, for the past several years, student commissioners have faced challenges trying to serve students on the commission while often, if not a Cal Grant recipient, also needing to work in order to pay for tuition.

Analysis Prepared by: Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 12, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Jose Medina, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2154 (

Author:Medina) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2016

SUBJECT: Student Aid Commission: student members

SUMMARY: Provides changes to the term and benefits to the student members of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Specifically, this bill:

1. Provides that upon expiration of a student member of CSAC's two year term, if the Governor has not appointed a successor, the student member may remain in office for one additional year or until the Governor appoints a successor, whichever occurs first.
2. Provides that, in addition to the $100 daily stipend for attending meetings, for a student member who attends a qualifying institution and is not the recipient of a Cal Grant award, the qualifying institution shall waive the student member’s tuition, up to the maximum award amount for that institution, for the duration of the student member’s term of office.

EXISTING LAW: Establishes CSAC, composed of 15 members, to administer California's student financial aid programs. Designates two student members, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, required to be enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions for the duration of the two year terms; a graduating student may serve for six months beyond graduation. The two students may not be enrolled in the same segment of higher education. The segments of higher education are designated as the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), the California Community Colleges (CCC), independent institutions (non-profit), and for-profit institutions. CSAC is responsible for determining the appropriate student organization for each segment, and each student organization is required to inform students within their respective segment of pending CSAC student member vacancies and each student organization is authorized to submit a list of three to five nominees for membership. A student member appointed to CSAC may not be in the same segment of the outgoing or the other sitting student member.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Purpose of this bill. According to the author, this bill aims to improve student representation on CSAC by providing a tuition waiver to the student commissioners for the duration of their term and affording the outgoing student commissioner the opportunity to remain on the board for up to one additional year if the Governor has yet to appoint a replacement.

Appointment gaps. This bill would allow an outgoing student member of CSAC to remain in office for up to one additional year if the Governor has not appointed a successor. According to the California State Student Association (CSSA), the sponsor of this bill, there have been times when the incoming student commissioner has not been appointed by the time their predecessor leaves, causing gaps in terms and leaving the board short a critical student vote. For example, the CSU student was selected for appointment in 2013 nearly seven months after the incumbent's term ended, delaying his time on the board and leaving a gap in student representation. In 2014, the private university student appointment was five months delayed. This provision is modeled on AB 2324 (Williams), Chapter 340, Statutes of 2014, which provided the faculty member of the CSU Board of Trustees an additional two-year term if the Governor has not appointed a successor.

Tuition waiver. This bill would require an institution that participates in the Cal Grant Program to waive the tuition, up to the maximum Cal Grant award, for a student member of CSAC that is not a Cal Grant recipient. According to the sponsor, the California State Student Association (CSSA), student commissioners' work requires a great deal of time and commitment. CSSA notes, for the past several years, student commissioners have faced challenges trying to serve students on the commission while often, if not a Cal Grant recipient, also needing to work in order to pay for tuition. Currently, student commissioners do not receive any financial support for their role. This provision is modeled on SB 325 (Block), Chapter 175, Statutes of 2013, which required tuition to be waived for a student member of the CSU Board of Trustees.

Suggested amendment. Existing law provides that a graduating student may only continue to serve if his or her CSAC term expires within six months of the student's graduation. Moving forward, the author may wish to consider an amendment to establish a one-year exception to this requirement to coincide with the provisions of this bill.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California State Student Association (Sponsor)

California State University

Opposition

None on File

Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960