The California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved new title 5 regulations concerning the Rising Scholars Network program. These amendments are in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, Sections 56800, 56801, 56810, 56811, and 58108. The purpose of the Rising Scholars Network program is to encourage the enrollment, retention, and success of justice-involved students in the California community colleges. “Justice-involved” means a person who is currently or formerly incarcerated in a California correctional facility or a juvenile facility. The new regulations describe requirements for providing support and accommodations to Rising Scholars students. They also amend Section 58108 on registration and enrollment procedures to grant priority enrollment to Rising Scholars students and to student parents who have minor children.
The new regulations became effective on August 24, 2023. Community college districts must conform their policies and procedures to the regulatory requirements within 180 days of August 24, 2023. The approved final text available on the Chancellor’s Office Regulatory Actions Page.