In a period in which community colleges, like other segments of California higher education, face severe fiscal and programmatic challenges, community colleges need laws and regulations which enable them to effectively and accountably carry out their defined mission. It is the purpose of this report to provide such a framework. Change in this vital area should not occur only as the result of pressures from organizations external to the colleges. The Community College community consists of a large number of diverse constituency groups. Each of them, in their own way, is deeply committed to the success of the colleges and their thoughts and views on these critical issues will be sought out and given careful consideration.
Community colleges play a vital role in the education of California's citizenry.
Other segments of education, and other state agencies have an important stake in how well the community colleges perform their mission. The focus of the effort should be on providing the best legal structure to insure access to quality educational programs resulting in students completing degrees, certificates, programs, and courses which fulfill their individual goals and those of the state. Establish Organizing Principles Phase Two will consist of deriving a set of organizing principles which will form the basis of the conceptual framework. Draft Conceptual Framework Phase Three will consist of writing the Draft Conceptual Framework, presenting the draft to a broad array of stakeholders, including the 2005 Task Force and the Task Force to Rewrite the Education Code. Final Conceptual Framework Phase Four of the project will be to present the final product to the Consultation Council, Board of Governors and other groups.