Senate Committee To Investigate If Community Colleges Are Serving Students

Senate Committee To Investigate If Community Colleges Are Serving Students

By Daniel Stefanski |

One Arizona legislator is attempting to ensure that students attending the state’s community colleges have what they need to succeed at school and with their future endeavors.

Last week, Senate Education Chairman David Farnsworth announced that he would be “launching a series of virtual workgroup meetings to examine the role community colleges play in workforce development and higher education.”

Farnsworth, a Republican, decided to enact these group discussions as a part of “his commitment to ensuring that state taxpayer dollars used to fund educational institutions are truly equipping students for success.”

In a statement that accompanied his announcement, Farnsworth said, “Arizona has transformed tremendously since I attended Mesa Community College as a student. I’m curious to find out whether our community college system still adequately prepares students for the real world today. Taxpayers should have confidence in knowing the funds community colleges are receiving from the State are translating into reliable pathways to upward economic mobility for those students who do not attend four-year universities.”

Senator Farnsworth added, “With the information I gather through these workgroup meetings, I hope to improve the community college system through potential legislation that will benefit all Arizona students.”

Those involved in the workgroups will work together to address three questions of significance for this industry. The first is, “What is the role of community colleges in the landscape of higher education in Arizona?” The second is, “What is the State of Arizona’s obligation to community colleges?” And the third is, “Do the current governance and funding models of community colleges support the answers to the questions above?”

Senator Farnsworth was just sworn into another term at the Arizona Legislature when it convened last Monday for the start of the 57th Regular Session. In addition to his position as the chairman of the Education Committee, Farnsworth serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and he is a member of the Government, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, and Ethics Committees.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

Bill Allowing Community Colleges To Offer 4-Year Degrees Signed Into Law

Bill Allowing Community Colleges To Offer 4-Year Degrees Signed Into Law

By B. Hamilton |

On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill, SB1453, sponsored by Sen. Paul Boyer and Rep. Becky Nutt, which allows community colleges to offer four-year degrees.

Supporters say the legislation will drive the cost of higher education lower, while detractors fear it will force the community colleges to raise taxes to afford the additional costs associated with offering 4-year degrees.

Ducey said the legislation paves “the way for Arizona’s current and future workforces and expanding opportunities for populations that are historically underrepresented in higher education.

“Arizona’s community colleges play a critical role in supporting students of all ages and equipping our workforce with skills and resources,” said Ducey in a press release. “Arizona is a school choice state, and today’s action is school choice for higher education. This is ‘Opportunity for All’ in action. It will allow students even more opportunities as they strengthen their education and expand their employment opportunities. Thank you to Senator Paul Boyer and Representative Becky Nutt for leading on legislation that supports Arizona’s higher education students and our talented workforce.”

“Today’s legislation will help people in every corner of our state,” said Nutt, who helped spearhead these efforts. “Arizona has been a national leader in school choice for many years, and allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees will take a step further in meeting the needs of adult students.”

While the legislation is seen as necessary in the rural areas Nutt represents, those in urban centers with easy access to State universities are concerned the lower cost of a 4-year degree will steer students away from the hard-to-fill trade-type careers.
The legislation will align Arizona with 23 other states, including all neighboring states, to allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees in limited circumstances.

There are protections against the unwarranted expansion of courses. Under the legislation, community colleges opting to offer baccalaureate degrees must approve each program based on specific criteria, including workforce need, financial and administrative analysis of the feasibility of offering the program, and mitigating duplication.

“At Eastern Arizona College, we’re ready to support and work with students who want to get a higher education and build a career,” said Eastern Arizona College President Todd Haynie in a press release. “The legislation signed by Governor Ducey provides an accessible way for Arizona students to continue their education and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. When community colleges offer four-year degrees, it opens up opportunities for more students of all ages and backgrounds. Thank you to everyone who supported this bill.”