Board of Governor’s Waiver (BOGW) Policy and Impact Update March 28, 2016

Overview The Student Success Act of 2012 (SB 1456) was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 27, 2012, launching one of the most sweeping policy reforms in the recent history of the California Community Colleges. It mandated assessment, placement, and the development of an education plan to help all students improve navigation to completion. It also conditioned receipt of two cherished privileges on successful academic progress. Enrollment priority (effective in 2013) and BOG Tuition Waiver (effective fall 2016): Approximately 60% of SCC applicants and 70% of SAC applicants qualify for the BOGW.

Current Status Beginning in the Fall 2016 semester, students can lose their BOG fee waiver eligibility due to unsatisfactory academic standing. A cumulative GPA that is below a “C” average, or Completion of less than 50% of attempted units FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE SEMESTERS Students who are “at risk” have not met Academic standing conditions for one semester or did not meet the conditions in the past and are now returning after taking at least one year off. Students who are currently “ineligible” have not met Academic Standing conditions for two of more consecutive semesters. About ½ of these students have historically improved their academic standing with financial aid and counseling interventions in the past and remain BOGW eligible for the next semester. New student orientations and initial BOGW awarding strongly emphasizes the new rules.

Profile of Spring 2016 Potential Impact Santa Ana College  Approximately 1,600 students overall are at risk for the coming semester 500 students are currently ineligible = 3,800 units 1100 are currently at risk = 9,850 units BOGW students are, by definition, low-income and most will not be able to afford to stay at SAC without the tuition waiver.

Profile of Spring 2016 Potential Impact Santiago Canyon College Approximately 490 students overall are at risk for the coming semester. 169 students are currently ineligible (1,483 units) 321 are currently at risk (3,375 units)

Student Appeal Process Students can appeal their loss of BOG, but there are limited allowable circumstances. Extraordinary medical or family emergencies Special consideration for veterans, CalWorks, EOPS, and DSPS students (which may include any financial burdens or changes in family economic circumstances (CCR, Section 58621) NOTE: Only Foster Youth are exempt from BOGW sanctions. Expedited and automatic appeals are being planned by the colleges in coordination with ITS to minimize delayed registration and drop outs. Examples include: Cumulative vs. semester GPA, and Extending successful Federal Financial Aid appeals to BOGW.

Spring 2016: SCC Response Strategies WEEK OF STRATEGY/ACTION SUMMARY February 29th March 8th March 22nd March 23rd March 28th TBD CONSULTATION Conducted initial analysis of current students at risk Presented data to SCC Cabinet Previewed with SCC College Council Previewed with ASG president Briefing at Student Success & Equity Committee Meeting Anticipated briefing to Academic Senate and ASG Council COMMUNICATION TO STUDENTS Financial Aid Office sent 5,782 emails to students awarded a BOGW informing them of the upcoming Academic Standard requirements (November, 2015) Counseling provided information in all New Student Orientations (in-person and online) Mandatory probation workshop notification sent to all A1/P1 students (March 9, 2016) Financial Aid distributing BOGFW Changes Brochure-targeted distribution in Counseling, EOPS/CARE, Outreach, etc. spring & summer 2016 STUDENT INTERVENTION STRATEGIES Online and/or in-person mandatory probation workshops. Counselors are visiting classrooms this semester (with instructor approval) to discuss the requirement for a comprehensive Ed plan & to review academic & progress standards. Developing automatic and expedited student appeals processes. Continue Financial Aid and Counseling outreach and targeted communication.

Spring 2016: SAC Response Strategies WEEK OF STRATEGY/ACTION SUMMARY February 22nd Conducted initial analysis of current students at risk Presented data to SAC Cabinet, the Student Success & Equity Committee, and to the SAC Enrollment Management Task Force February 29th Previewed the situation with SAC College Council Continued to update analytics and develop briefing materials Activate and train peer mentors, begin student outreach activities March 7th Presented the information to the SAC Academic Senate Created and printed posters which were placed in every classroom Program-specific data matches were started to enable another level of intervention March 14th Finalized & transmitted the Urgent Action message to all faculty Began student and department meetings Continue development of automatic & expedited student appeals processes March 21st Continue Financial Aid, Counseling, and peer mentor outreach (400 active cases now) Continue program efforts to maximize success & persistence Student Town Hall Meetings (day, evening)

Thank you for your time and attention Questions? Comments? Sara Lundquist, Ph.D. and John Hernandez, Ph.D. Vice Presidents for Student Services at SAC and SCC