Public postsecondary education: community college districts: baccalaureate degree pilot program.

Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in this state. Existing law establishes community college districts, administered by governing boards, throughout the state, and authorizes these districts to provide instruction to students at the community college campuses maintained by the districts. Existing law requires community colleges to offer instruction through, but not beyond, the 2nd year of college and authorizes community colleges to grant associate in arts and science degrees. This bill would authorize the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and the San Mateo County Community College District to establish one baccalaureate degree pilot program per campus. This bill would require a baccalaureate degree pilot program to expire 8 years after the establishment of the program. If one or more of the authorized districts establish a baccalaureate program, this bill would require the districts to meet specified requirements, including, but not limited to, offering baccalaureate degrees in a limited number of fields of study, and submitting a report to the Legislature within one year prior to the expiration of the baccalaureate degree pilot program that would evaluate specified factors. This bill would also require, if one or more of the authorized districts establish a baccalaureate program, the governing boards of the districts to perform certain functions and would authorize the governing boards to charge baccalaureate degree-seeking students a fee for enrollment in specified courses, which would be required to be expended for the purpose of providing a pilot program. This bill would authorize the governing boards of the districts to enter into agreements with local businesses and agencies to provide educational services to students participating in a baccalaureate degree pilot program.