WHEREAS, "Catalog rights" are a critical protection that allow California Community College students to finish their degrees based on the requirements in place when they first started, ensuring they do not have to take extra classes if graduation rules change later;
WHEREAS, To keep these rights, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and other districts require "continuous attendance," which usually means a student must attend at least one term every calendar year;
WHEREAS, Research shows that nearly 70% of California community college students struggle to obtain a degree or transfer within six years, often due to financial hardships, family obligations, or "non-linear paths" that force them to take breaks from school; and
WHEREAS, When students are forced to take a break and then lose their catalog rights, they must follow new graduation requirements that may not accept their old credits, effectively punishing them for being low-income or having life emergencies; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage student body associations to work with their college administrators to create a simple "Petition for Exception" process for students who lost their rights due to medical issues, job loss, or military service;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage student body associations to work with their administrators to clearly display a student’s "Catalog Year" and graduation path on their online student portals (like PeopleSoft) to prevent confusion; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage student body associations to collaborate with campus counselors to ensure all returning students are informed of their right to use the most favorable catalog year available to them to help them graduate as quickly as possible.
Citations:
[1] S24.01.01 Fair Catalog Rights Policy, Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) (https://www.ssccc.org/what-we-do/resolutions?page=4) Note: Search for S24.01.01 in the official resolution database.
[2] LACCD Board Policy: Catalog Rights and Continuous Attendance, Los Angeles City College Catalog
(https://www.lacc.edu/sites/lacc.edu/files/2024-07/LACC_ Catalog_2024-2025_Section_1_and_2%20071724.pdf)
[3] Cal-GETC Administrative Implementation Guidance, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
(https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/me mo/Cal-GETC-Administrative-Implementation-Guidance.pdf)
[4] New Study: 70% of California Community College Students Fail, Community College Review (https://www.communitycollegereview.com/blog/new-study-70-of-california-…)
[5] Examining why students leave college, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) (https://www.ccdaily.com/2025/11/examining-why-students-leave-college/)