UC Opposes Assembly Bill 664: A Controversial Proposal for Community Colleges
The University of California (UC) has formally voiced its opposition to Assembly Bill 664, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding access to higher education in California through community colleges. This bill seeks to empower the Southwestern Community College District in San Diego County to offer additional bachelor’s degree programs, raising concerns about the potential impact on the state’s public higher education framework.
Understanding Assembly Bill 664
Authored by Assembly Member David Alvarez, AB 664 proposes that the Southwestern Community College District be authorized to offer up to four bachelor’s degree programs. Proponents argue this initiative would benefit students in an area currently lacking a nearby public university. This bill could potentially pave the way for broader access to higher education for those who might otherwise be excluded.
Current Framework for Community College Degrees
Presently, California law allows community college districts to submit proposals for up to 30 bachelor’s degree programs each academic year. However, these proposals can be dismissed by both UC and the California State University (CSU) due to concerns over “program duplication.” AB 664 aims to bypass this existing framework, a move that has drawn strong criticism.
Concerns Raised by the UC
In a letter addressed to Mike Fong, chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, UC legislative director Jessica Duong articulated concerns that AB 664 undermines established procedures. It potentially allows the Southwestern Community College District to offer bachelor’s degree programs without adhering to necessary criteria related to program duplication, institutional expertise, resources, and student interest.
The letter also referenced the California Master Plan for Higher Education, which primarily designates community colleges to provide lower-division coursework, while the UC system is tasked with granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Key Features of AB 664
Despite the opposition, Assembly Member Alvarez maintains that AB 664 is crafted to avoid duplication and ensure academic quality. Key components of the bill include:
- Limiting authorized programs to a specific geographical area.
- Mandating collaboration with regional public universities.
- Requiring independent evaluation by the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
- Setting an expiration date of 2035 for the additional bachelor’s programs.
Alvarez emphasizes that the bill targets documented workforce gaps in South County San Diego, which currently lacks a public university, thus making access to public higher education limited.
Proposed Bachelor’s Degree Programs
If passed, the Southwestern Community College could start offering these bachelor’s degree programs as soon as fall 2027:
- Allied Health Education and Leadership
- Forensic Science
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Interaction Design
These programs have been identified based on an analysis of 147 critical occupations requiring bachelor’s degrees, which are currently underserved by existing public institutions.
Broader Implications and Comparisons
The debate surrounding AB 664 mirrors previous tensions in California’s higher education landscape. For instance, in 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1400, which had aimed to create a pilot program allowing select community colleges to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among higher education institutions to enhance access to these programs.
Conclusion
As the discussion around Assembly Bill 664 unfolds, it signals a critical juncture for California’s higher education system. Balancing the need for expanded educational access against the potential risks of program duplication and resource allocation is paramount. Stakeholders from various sectors will continue to watch closely as this bill progresses through the legislative process. For more updates, stay informed about California’s educational policies and legislative developments.
