Under existing law, the Donahoe Higher Education Act, the segments of postsecondary education in this state include the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions. A provision of the act applies to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, act to make the provision applicable.

This bill would amend the act to require the governing board of each community college district, the Trustees of the California State University, the Regents of the University of California, the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a students transcript when the student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll. For community college districts only, the bill would delay the implementation of this requirement until July 1, 2016. The bill would find and declare that the disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses. By requiring community college districts to provide for the notation of transcripts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.

Under existing law, the Donahoe Higher Education Act, the segments of postsecondary education in this state include the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions. A provision of the act applies to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, act to make the provision applicable.

This bill would amend the act to require the governing board of each community college district, the Trustees of the California State University, the Regents of the University of California, the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a students transcript when the student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll. For community college districts only, the bill would delay the implementation of this requirement until July 1, 2016. The bill would find and declare that the disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses. By requiring community college districts to provide for the notation of transcripts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.

Under existing law, the Donahoe Higher Education Act, the segments of postsecondary education in this state include the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions. A provision of the act applies to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, act to make the provision applicable.

This bill would amend the act to require the governing board of each community college district, the Trustees of the California State University, the Regents of the University of California, the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a students transcript when the student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll. The bill would find and declare that the disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses. By requiring community college districts to provide for the notation of transcripts, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.

GOVERNOR'S VETO

GV Bill Id:AB 968

Author:(Williams)

As Enrolled Ver:September 15, 2015

2/3 vote

Original Committee Reference: HIGHER ED.

SUMMARY: Requires California public and private educational institutions to indicate on student transcripts when a student has been suspended or expelled. Specifically, this bill:

1. Establishes the following findings and declarations:

   1. At public and private colleges and universities across California, the student academic transcript is recognized as the official record of a student's academic progress from admission until separation from the institution;

   2. The transcript is often the only document that must accompany a student in the process of transferring to another institution, and it is thus important for both students and institutions that the transcript accurately reflects the student's performance;

   3. A violation of a student code of conduct, including the commission of sexual assault, can result in a student being temporarily or permanently separated from an institution;

   4. Significant inconsistencies exist in current policies and practices related to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts;

   5. The absence of this pertinent information can put a receiving institution and its students at risk, and may raise liability concerns for the institution from which the student transfers; and,

   6. The disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses.

2. Requires the governing board of each community college district (CCD), the Trustees of the California State University (CSU), the Regents of the University of California (UC), the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student's transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

3. Provides, for CCDs only, the aforementioned requirement to become operative on July 1, 2016.

4. Provides for reimbursement to CCD's if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state.

The Senate amendments delay implementation for CCDs until July 1, 2016 and add coauthors.

EXISTING LAW: Requires the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and the governing board of every CCD to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; institutions must also adopt procedures by which students are informed of rules and associated penalties. (Education Code Section 66300)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, costs likely ranging from about $200,000 to $300,000 for CCCs to develop and implement the required notation on student transcripts. These costs could be required to be reimbursed by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill to impose a state mandate. If determined a mandate, it could create pressure to increase the CCC mandate block grant to reflect the new mandate (Proposition 98 of 1988). UC and CSU do not anticipate additional costs.

COMMENTS: Purpose of this bill. According to the author, ensuring that the various university campuses are communicating with each other is a vital step toward providing a safe learning environment for students. A standard notation on a student's transcript will notify the university to perform a background check on the potential transfer student so they can best determine whether they should enroll the student into their university.

Existing practice among California's public institutions. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard method of noting on an academic transcript when a student is suspended or expelled. UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. CSU makes a general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more. Committee staff understands that CCDs provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill would require all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

National standard. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. Thus, ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student's conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE:

The bill would require all public and private postsecondary educational institutions to note suspension or expulsion on a student's transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll at the institution.

Colleges currently have the ability to make a notation if a student is suspended or expelled, and community colleges already may deny or conditionally admit a student who has previously been expelled or is under expulsion proceedings. If further protection is needed to screen transfer applications, that is something best left to individual colleges themselves.

Campus safety is a serious issue - one that has received much attention and led to several changes in law and policy. Increased vigilance may still be necessary, but I would caution against overcorrections that could result in some individuals being marked for the rest of their lives.

While the desire to provide students with safe campuses is well-intentioned, I am not prepared to support this mandate.

Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0002482

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 968

Author:(Williams)

As Amended Ver:September 4, 2015

Majority vote

Original Committee Reference: HIGHER ED.

SUMMARY: Requires California public and private educational institutions to indicate on student transcripts when a student has been suspended or expelled. Specifically, this bill:

1. Establishes the following findings and declarations:

   1. At public and private colleges and universities across California, the student academic transcript is recognized as the official record of a student’s academic progress from admission until separation from the institution;

   2. The transcript is often the only document that must accompany a student in the process of transferring to another institution, and it is thus important for both students and institutions that the transcript accurately reflects the student's performance;

   3. A violation of a student code of conduct, including the commission of sexual assault, can result in a student being temporarily or permanently separated from an institution;

   4. Significant inconsistencies exist in current policies and practices related to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts;

   5. The absence of this pertinent information can put a receiving institution and its students at risk, and may raise liability concerns for the institution from which the student transfers; and,

   6. The disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses.

2. Requires the governing board of each community college district (CCD), the Trustees of the California State University (CSU), the Regents of the University of California (UC), the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student's transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

3. Provides, for CCDs only, the aforementioned requirement to become operative on July 1, 2016.

4. Provides for reimbursement to CCD's if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state.

The Senate amendments delay implementation for CCDs until July 1, 2016 and add coauthors.

EXISTING LAW: Requires the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and the governing board of every CCD to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; institutions must also adopt procedures by which students are informed of rules and associated penalties. (Education Code Section 66300)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, costs likely ranging from about $200,000 to $300,000 for CCCs to develop and implement the required notation on student transcripts. These costs could be required to be reimbursed by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill to impose a state mandate. If determined a mandate, it could create pressure to increase the CCC mandate block grant to reflect the new mandate (Proposition 98 of 1988). UC and CSU do not anticipate additional costs.

COMMENTS: Purpose of this bill. According to the author, ensuring that the various university campuses are communicating with each other is a vital step toward providing a safe learning environment for students. A standard notation on a student's transcript will notify the university to perform a background check on the potential transfer student so they can best determine whether they should enroll the student into their university.

Existing practice among California's public institutions. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard method of noting on an academic transcript when a student is suspended or expelled. UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. CSU makes a general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more. Committee staff understands that CCDs provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill would require all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

National standard. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. Thus, ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student's conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0002274

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 968

Author: Williams (D), et al.

Amended: 9/4/15 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 9-0, 7/8/15

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

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/27/15

AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Hill, Leyva, Mendoza, Nielsen

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 6/3/15 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Postsecondary education: transcripts

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill requires the governing boards of California’s public and private postsecondary education institutions to indicate that a student has been suspended or expelled from the institution on the student’s transcript for the time period of the student’s ineligibility to enroll.

Senate Floor Amendments of 9/4/15 delay implementation of this requirement at Community College Districts until July 1, 2016.

ANALYSIS: Existing law requires the University of California (UC) Regents, the California State University (CSU) Trustees, and the governing board of every Community College District (CCD) to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; as well as the adoption of procedures by which students are informed of such rules and applicable penalties. (Education Code § 66300)

This bill:

1. Requires the governing boards of each CCD, the CSU Trustees, the UC Regents, and the governing board of each independent and private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a student’s transcript that the student is ineligible to enroll due to suspension or expulsion for the time period of the student’s ineligibility.

2. Delays, for CCDs only, implementation of this requirement until July 1, 2016.

3. Makes findings and declarations about the differences in policies and practices relative to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts, the risk this may create for the institution and student, and specific reference to violations related to the commission of a sexual assault.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, ensuring communication between campuses is a vital step to providing a safe learning environment for students. This bill creates a standard and ensures consistency between postsecondary education segments so that a receiving institution can determine whether a background check of a potential transfer student is necessary prior to enrollment.

2. Current practice. According to a recent survey by the American Association of Collegiate Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, most institutions (84 percent) make transcript notations when a student is ineligible to re-enroll for academic reasons, but only a few (29 percent) note suspensions or dismissals for disciplinary reasons. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard notation method regarding suspensions and expulsions. The UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. The CSU makes a permanent general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more, withdraws in lieu of suspension or expulsion, or withdraws pending misconduct investigations or disciplinary proceedings. The community colleges report that they provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill requires all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to re-enroll.

3. Community colleges. Existing law provides that any CCD that receives an application for admission from an individual who has been expelled from, or who is undergoing expulsion proceedings in, another district for any of a number of specified offenses may deny, permit, or permit conditionally, the enrollment of the student. The district must first hold a hearing, as specified, to determine whether the individual poses a continuing danger to the district’s students and employees. Existing law also requires a formal appeal process be established for any student denied enrollment under these provisions.

This bill requires notation of the student’s suspension or expulsion on the transcript regardless of the reason. A suspended student would only have such noted on their transcript for the period of the suspension. An expelled student attempting to transfer to another community college may already be required to disclose the expulsion, but would be entitled to a hearing and appeal process if denied enrollment. It does not appear that the provisions of this bill require disclosure of the reason for expulsion/suspension on the transcript.

4. National guidelines. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student’s conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill results in costs ranging from about $200,000 to $300,000 for colleges to develop and implement the required notation on student transcripts. If determined to be a reimbursable state mandate, it could create pressure to increase the community college mandate block grant. The UC and CSU do not anticipate additional costs associated with this bill.

SUPPORT: (Verified 9/4/15)

California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

California Federation of Teachers

California State Student Association

California State University

University of California

OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/4/15)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 6/3/15

AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, 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, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins

Prepared by: Kathleen Chavira / ED. / (916) 651-4105

9/8/15 20:56:27

**** END ****

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 968

Author: Williams (D), et al.

Introduced: 2/26/15

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 9-0, 7/8/15

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

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/27/15

AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Hill, Leyva, Mendoza, Nielsen

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 6/3/15 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Postsecondary education: transcripts

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill requires the governing boards of California’s public and private postsecondary education institutions to indicate that a student has been suspended or expelled from the institution on the student’s transcript for the time period of the student’s ineligibility to enroll.

ANALYSIS: Existing law requires the University of California (UC) Regents, the California State University (CSU) Trustees, and the governing board of every Community College District (CCD) to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; as well as the adoption of procedures by which students are informed of such rules and applicable penalties. (Education Code § 66300)

This bill:

1. Requires the governing boards of each CCD, the CSU Trustees, the UC Regents, and the governing board of each independent and private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a student’s transcript that the student is ineligible to enroll due to suspension or expulsion for the time period of the student’s ineligibility.

2. Makes findings and declarations about the differences in policies and practices relative to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts, the risk this may create for the institution and student, and specific reference to violations related to the commission of a sexual assault.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, ensuring communication between campuses is a vital step to providing a safe learning environment for students. This bill creates a standard and ensures consistency between postsecondary education segments so that a receiving institution can determine whether a background check of a potential transfer student is necessary prior to enrollment.

2. Current practice. According to a recent survey by the American Association of Collegiate Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, most institutions (84 percent) make transcript notations when a student is ineligible to re-enroll for academic reasons, but only a few (29 percent) note suspensions or dismissals for disciplinary reasons. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard notation method regarding suspensions and expulsions. The UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. The CSU makes a permanent general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more, withdraws in lieu of suspension or expulsion, or withdraws pending misconduct investigations or disciplinary proceedings. The community colleges report that they provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill requires all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to re-enroll.

3. Community colleges. Existing law provides that any CCD that receives an application for admission from an individual who has been expelled from, or who is undergoing expulsion proceedings in, another district for any of a number of specified offenses may deny, permit, or permit conditionally, the enrollment of the student. The district must first hold a hearing, as specified, to determine whether the individual poses a continuing danger to the district’s students and employees. Existing law also requires a formal appeal process be established for any student denied enrollment under these provisions.

This bill requires notation of the student’s suspension or expulsion on the transcript regardless of the reason. A suspended student would only have such noted on their transcript for the period of the suspension. An expelled student attempting to transfer to another community college may already be required to disclose the expulsion, but would be entitled to a hearing and appeal process if denied enrollment. It does not appear that the provisions of this bill require disclosure of the reason for expulsion/suspension on the transcript.

4. National guidelines. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student’s conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill results in costs ranging from about $200,000 to $300,000 for colleges to develop and implement the required notation on student transcripts. If determined to be a reimbursable state mandate, it could create pressure to increase the community college mandate block grant. The UC and CSU do not anticipate additional costs associated with this bill.

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/27/15)

California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

California Federation of Teachers

California State Student Association

California State University

University of California

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/27/15)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 6/3/15

AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, 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, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins

Prepared by: Kathleen Chavira / ED. / (916) 651-4105

8/30/15 19:42:26

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular Session

AB 968 (Williams) - Postsecondary education: transcripts.

This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

This bill requires the governing boards of the state’s public and private postsecondary education institutions to indicate that a student has been suspended or expelled from the institution on the student’s transcript for the time period of the student’s ineligibility to enroll.

Fiscal Impact:

• Costs likely ranging from about $200,000 to $300,000 for colleges to develop and implement the required notation on student transcripts. These costs could be required to be reimbursed by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill to impose a state mandate. If determined a mandate, it could create pressure to increase the community college mandate block grant to reflect the new mandate. See staff comments. (Proposition 98)

• The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) do not anticipate additional costs associated with this bill.

Background:

Existing law requires the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and the governing board of every community college district to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; as well as the adoption of procedures by which students are informed of such rules and applicable penalties. (Education Code § 66300)

Current law provides that any community college district that receives an application for admission from an individual who has been expelled from, or who is undergoing expulsion proceedings in another district for any of a number of specified offenses may deny, permit, or permit conditionally, the enrollment of the student. The district must first hold a hearing, as specified, to determine whether the individual poses a continuing danger to the district’s students and employees. Current law also requires a formal appeal process be established for any student denied enrollment under these provisions.

Proposed Law:

This bill requires the governing board of each community college district, the CSU Trustees, the UC Regents, the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a student’s transcript during a student’s suspension or expulsion when a student is ineligible to reenroll, for the duration the student is ineligible to reenroll.

Related Legislation:

AB 969 (Williams, 2015) expands those expulsion offenses which a community college district may require a student seeking admission to disclose to include sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. It also provides that a district may require a student previously expelled for these offenses to inform the district considering admission of such expulsion. AB 969 is pending in this committee.

Staff Comments:

This bill requires the governing board of each community college district to make specified notations on student transcripts related to suspension and expulsion. The California Community College Chancellor’s Office indicates that costs would range between $1,000 and $3,000 for each college to comply with this requirement. According to the Chancellor’s Office, about 68 colleges use electronic transcripts and would therefore incur costs towards the low end of the range, while the others would incur costs up to $3,000 each.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Carol Liu, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: AB 968

Subject: Postsecondary education: transcripts

SUMMARY

This bill requires the governing boards of California’s public and private postsecondary education institutions to indicate that a student has been suspended or expelled from the institution on the student’s transcript for the time period of the student’s ineligibility to enroll.

BACKGROUND

Existing law requires the University of California (UC) Regents, the California State University (CSU) Trustees, and the governing board of every Community College District (CCD) to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; as well as the adoption of procedures by which students are informed of such rules and applicable penalties.

(Education Code § 66300)

ANALYSIS

This bill:

1. Requires the governing boards of each CCD, the CSU Trustees, the UC Regents, and the governing board of each independent and private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a student’s transcript that the student is ineligible to enroll due to suspension or expulsion for the time period of the student’s ineligibility.

2. Makes findings and declarations about the differences in policies and practices relative to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts, the risk this may create for the institution and student, and specific reference to violations related to the commission of a sexual assault.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, ensuring communication between campuses is a vital step to providing a safe learning environment for students. This bill would create a standard and ensure consistency between postsecondary education segments so that a receiving institution can determine whether a background check of a potential transfer student is necessary prior to enrollment.

2. Current practice. According to a recent survey by the American Association of Collegiate Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, most institutions (84 percent) make transcript notations when a student is ineligible to re-enroll for academic reasons, but only a few (29 percent) note suspensions or dismissals for disciplinary reasons. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard notation method regarding suspensions and expulsions. The University of California makes a general notation when a student is expelled. The California State University makes a permanent general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more, withdraws in lieu of suspension or expulsion, or withdraws pending misconduct investigations or disciplinary proceedings. The community colleges report that they provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill would require all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to re-enroll.

3. Community Colleges. Current law provides that any community college district (CCD) that receives an application for admission from an individual who has been expelled from, or who is undergoing expulsion proceedings in, another district for any of a number of specified offenses may deny, permit, or permit conditionally, the enrollment of the student. The district must first hold a hearing, as specified, to determine whether the individual poses a continuing danger to the district’s students and employees. Current law also requires a formal appeal process be established for any student denied enrollment under these provisions.

This bill would require notation of the student’s suspension or expulsion on the transcript regardless of the reason. A suspended student would only have such noted on their transcript for the period of the suspension. An expelled student attempting to transfer to another community college may already be required to disclose the expulsion, but would be entitled to a hearing and appeal process if denied enrollment. It does not appear that the provisions of this bill would require disclosure of the reason for expulsion/suspension on the transcript.

4. National guidelines. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student’s conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

SUPPORT

California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

California Federation of Teachers

California State Student Association

California State University

University of California

OPPOSITION

None received.

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 968

Author:(Williams)

As Introduced Ver:February 26, 2015

Majority vote

SUMMARY: Requires California public and private educational institutions to indicate on student transcripts when a student has been suspended or expelled. Specifically, this bill:

1. Establishes the following findings and declarations:

   1. At public and private colleges and universities across California, the student academic transcript is recognized as the official record of a student's academic progress from admission until separation from the institution;

   2. The transcript is often the only document that must accompany a student in the process of transferring to another institution, and it is thus important for both students and institutions that the transcript accurately reflects the student's performance;

   3. A violation of a student code of conduct, including the commission of sexual assault, can result in a student being temporarily or permanently separated from an institution;

   4. Significant inconsistencies exist in current policies and practices related to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts;

   5. The absence of this pertinent information can put a receiving institution and its students at risk, and may raise liability concerns for the institution from which the student transfers; and,

   6. The disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses.

2. Requires the governing board of each community college district (CCD), the Trustees of the California State University (CSU), the Regents of the University of California (UC), the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student's transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

3. Provides for reimbursement to CCD's if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state.

EXISTING LAW: Requires the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and the governing board of every CCD to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; institutions must also adopt procedures by which students are informed of rules and associated penalties. (Education Code Section 66300)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, any costs to the UC would be minor and absorbable. The CSU indicates that the bill's requirement is consistent with its current policy. The CCDs would incur one-time state reimbursable costs (General Fund Proposition 98 of 1988) estimated at $1,000 to $3,000 per college, or $120,000 to $360,000 statewide.

COMMENTS: Purpose of this bill. According to the author, ensuring that the various university campuses are communicating with each other is a vital step toward providing a safe learning environment for students. A standard notation on a student's transcript will notify the university to perform a background check on the potential transfer student so they can best determine whether they should enroll the student into their university.

Existing practice among California's public institutions. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard method of noting on an academic transcript when a student is suspended or expelled. UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. CSU makes a general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more. Committee staff understands that CCDs provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill would require all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

National standard. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. Thus, ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student's conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0000743

Date of Hearing: April 22, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Jimmy Gomez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 968

Author:(Williams) – As Introduced Ver:February 26, 2015

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

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the governing body of each public and private postsecondary educational institution to indicate on a student's transcript if a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion, for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Any costs to the University of California would be minor and absorbable. The California State University indicates that the bill's requirement is consistent with its current policy. The California Community Colleges would incur one-time state reimbursable costs (GF Prop. 98) estimated at $1,000 to $3,000 per college, or $120,000 to $360,000 statewide.

COMMENTS:

Purpose. According to the author, ensuring that the various university campuses are communicating with each other is a vital step toward providing a safe learning environment for students. A standard notation on a student's transcript will notify the university to perform a background check on the potential transfer student so they can best determine whether they should enroll the student into their university.

California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard method of noting on an academic transcript when a student is suspended or expelled. UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. CSU makes a general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more. Committee staff understands that CCDs provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill would require all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

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

Date of Hearing: April 7, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Jose Medina, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 968

Author:(Williams) – As Introduced Ver:February 26, 2015

SUBJECT: Postsecondary education: transcripts

SUMMARY: Requires California public and private educational institutions to indicate on student transcripts when a student has been suspended or expelled. Specifically, this bill:

1. Establishes the following findings and declarations:

1. At public and private colleges and universities across California, the student academic transcript is recognized as the official record of a student’s academic progress from admission until separation from the institution;

2. The transcript is often the only document that must accompany a student in the process of transferring to another institution, and it is thus important for both students and institutions that the transcript accurately reflects the student’s performance;

3. A violation of a student code of conduct, including the commission of sexual assault, can result in a student being temporarily or permanently separated from an institution;

4. Significant inconsistencies exist in current policies and practices related to the notation of disciplinary dismissals on student transcripts;

5. The absence of this pertinent information can put a receiving institution and its students at risk, and may raise liability concerns for the institution from which the student transfers; and,

6. The disclosure of student suspensions and expulsions on student transcripts ensures the integrity and transparency of student transcripts and the safety and security of California campuses.

2. Requires the governing board of each community college district (CCD), the Trustees of the California State University (CSU), the Regents of the University of California (UC), the governing body of each independent institution of higher education, and the governing body of each private postsecondary educational institution to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

3. Provides for reimbursement to CCD's if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state.

EXISTING LAW: Requires the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and the governing board of every CCD to adopt specific rules governing student behavior and applicable penalties for violations of the rules; institutions must also adopt procedures by which students are informed of rules and associated penalties. (Education Code Section 66300)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Purpose of this bill. According to the author, ensuring that the various university campuses are communicating with each other is a vital step toward providing a safe learning environment for students. A standard notation on a student's transcript will notify the university to perform a background check on the potential transfer student so they can best determine whether they should enroll the student into their university.

Existing practice among California's public institutions. California's public postsecondary education institutions do not currently follow a standard method of noting on an academic transcript when a student is suspended or expelled. UC makes a general notation when a student is expelled. CSU makes a general notation if the student is expelled, or suspended for one academic year or more. Committee staff understands that CCDs provide for a notation on the transcript if a student was expelled for academic reasons, but that there is no standard for notations for students expelled for reasons other than academic deficiencies. This bill would require all California institutions, public and private, to indicate when a student is ineligible to reenroll due to suspension or expulsion on the student’s transcript for the period of time the student is ineligible to reenroll.

National standard. The Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), a national membership based organization that provides education and resources to facilitate best practices of student conduct administration and conflict resolution on college campuses, recommends that all institutions place an appropriate notation on an academic transcript to indicate when a student is ineligible to re-enroll at that institution as a consequence of disciplinary action.

ASCA notes that transcript notations are important, but will not be effective at reducing the risk of violence to a campus absent a comprehensive approach to admissions, review of information, and appropriate action based on that review. Thus, ASCA also recommends that institutions:

1. Ask key questions to solicit information about a potential student’s conduct and/or criminal history prior to being admitted to the institution;

2. Have systemic ways to review and utilize this information in relevant admission decisions, as well as to promote individual student success and safer campus communities;

3. Develop and communicate procedures explaining the notation, duration of notation, and retention and release of records; and,

4. Communicate these practices to students through their appropriate institutional privacy or other record policies, including via website to current and prospective students.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

California Federation of Teachers

California State Student Association

Opposition

None on File

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