Boosting Graduation Rates
The value of a college education cannot be argued. Californians holding an associate or bachelor’s degree are likely to earn $1 million more in their lifetime than a person who holds only a high school diploma.

Studies have shown the number of degree holders is declining in the United States. To combat this trend, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors has appointed a task force to adopt a plan to help more community college students obtain certificates and degrees. The task force members will meet regularly throughout 2011 and will forward their recommendations to the board of governors and the Legislature no later than March 2012. 

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Student Transfer

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (SB 1440, Padilla) that was passed and signed into law in 2010 will allow eligible students to receive an associate degree for transfer in their area of study with 60 units. The law will be implemented for the fall 2011 semester. Eligible students will be guaranteed admission into a California State University campus as a junior and only need to complete 60 additional units in order to graduate with a bachelor's degree.

Research shows that approximately 50,000 students annually transfer to a state university with an average of 80 semester units when only 60 are needed.

This new law is estimated to generate more than $160 million a year in savings, which in turn will provide access to approximately 40,000 additional community college students and nearly 14,000 CSU students each year.

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Schwarzenegger signs bill guaranteeing
community college transfers to Cal State
Los Angeles Times - http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/30/local/la-me-arnold-bills-20100930

Joint task force announced to implement
community college transfer bill
SB 1440 task force final.pdf