SB 1348 – Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions

Senate Bill 1348 (SB 1348) establishes a new designation of “California Black-Serving Institutions” to recognize colleges and universities that excel at providing academic resources to Black and African American students. The designation is available to University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges campuses, as well as independent institutions of higher education. Designations are valid for five years, subject to renewal by application.

In order to be eligible for the designation, either of the following must be true of a college or university’s enrolled student population: (1) at least 10 percent of enrolled students identify as Black or African American, or (2) at least 1,500 enrolled students identify as Black or African American. In addition, the college or university must submit an initial application with the following components:

• Data from the previous three academic years reflecting Black and African American students’ degree completion, yield, retention, and graduation rate, among other academic metrics.
• A written certification by the chief administrative officer of the college or university of the applicant’s commitment to addressing Black and African American student success. The certification must include academic and academic equity goals, as defined, for Black and African American students based on the data the applicant submits. The certification must also set forth a strategic plan for accomplishing these goals that includes, but is not limited to, outreach, academic and basic needs support services, culturally-relevant professional development opportunities, and an outline of how the applicant will allocate resources to fulfill the strategic plan.

SB 1348 creates an appointed governing board to approve or deny initial and renewal applications to receive this designation. The governing board will convene twice a year to consider applications.

The bill provides that applicants are encouraged to inform and consult with their academic senate on the applicant’s initial and renewal applications.

(SB 1348 adds Article 7.5, commencing with section 66076, to the Education Code.)