Academic Senate President and psychology professor Joshua Ramirez sought student input from the Associated Student Government (ASG) for the next Student Equity Plan on Oct. 10.
The Student Equity Plan (SEP) is an outlined document detailing what Ramirez and some of his City College colleagues plan to submit to the chancellor’s office by Nov. 30 to secure funding for programs that will benefit students.
Ramirez acknowledged the financial struggles students faced throughout the semester.
“We have students who have historically encountered barriers to success,” Ramirez said.
The SEP would strive to reach funding goals to help solve this problem and improve academic performance.
Ramirez then gave some strategies to what would strengthen student support.
“[Includes] enrollment coaching, onboarding, and student support programming with equity-minded advising, culturally responsive engagement and early interventions to promote inclusive future-ready success,” Ramirez said.
To ensure a welcoming experience, ASG was asked to help host a Vaqueros welcome event for online students that would serve as an introduction to life at the college
City College used to be a recipient of Title V grants that accounted for approximately $16 million in funding. The funding is now under threat of being eliminated at the federal level.
To make up for the lack of finances, it is up to the state of California to aid in counteracting this loss. The recent potential termination would cut support for students, negatively impacting the outcome of many people’s college pathway.
The presentation commenced with feedback from ASG and next steps to get the SEP draft finalized and sent out on behalf of student success in the Santa Barbara community.
Mason Brown, vice president of finance and operations, then overviewed the different segments of where and what their budget is going to. The majority directed to student services such as the Student Legal Center (SLC).
The SLC has been available for students seeking legal advice and is free of charge.
ASG then discussed housing. According to an article from CNBC, Santa Barbara has become the most expensive college town in the nation, mainly due to housing prices.
“There is grant money for community colleges to build housing, so there are options I believe,” Brown said.
With that, it was motioned to establish a housing and student equity committee to combat costly conditions.
An upcoming Halloween celebration that may coincide with this year’s Trunk or Treat will be organized by multiple student groups. It has been planned to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the West Campus with the possibility of a costume contest, face painting, pumpkin carving and more activities. The location is yet to be determined with more detailed information coming soon.
To stay connected with clubs on campus and see what can be done to spread awareness of them, Leo Smith, commissioner of academics, attended the Law and Politics Club and will work on involvement with them.
ASG’s next meeting will be held on Oct. 17.
