Marginalizing the Majority: Barriers to California Baccalaureate Attainment

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: State Policies and Funding Reforms (Table 2)

Abstract

California is second to last in providing baccalaureate access. Existing policies are marginalizing the majority of California students and perpetuating social stratification. Without policy transformation, California will fail to meet workforce demands. This qualitative study evaluated how 47 California public higher education chief executive officers across all three segments understand and collectively navigate challenges with increasing undergraduate access and attainment. Results highlight the messiness of governing micro, meso, and macro policy environments. From business operations to curricular decisions, findings reveal a tension and inverse relationship amongst two continuums - uniformity and autonomy. Each campus serves unique regional and student needs, which become the moderator in identifying a “sweet spot,” the point at which the autonomy and uniformity continuums converge.

Author

• Brittnee A. Quintanar, Norco College
  Presenting Author