California Community Colleges Senate addresses fraudulent enrollments during public comments

A significant discussion on combating fraudulent enrollments took center stage at the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on May 22, 2025. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for measures to address this growing issue, which has implications for funding and access to education.

Cheryl Asherbeck, president of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, emphasized the importance of this conversation. She noted that during the recent spring plenary session, delegates passed a resolution aimed at tackling fraudulent enrollments. The resolution commended the California Community College Chancellor's Office for its ongoing efforts to mitigate fraud, particularly through enhancements to the CCC Apply system.

Asherbeck urged the Chancellor's Office to assess how fraudulent enrollments are impacting apportionment received by community college districts under the student-centered funding formula. She called for proactive measures to offset any negative effects on funding, underscoring the resolution's focus on maintaining access for legitimate students.

The meeting also opened the floor for public comments, indicating a commitment to transparency and community involvement in addressing these critical issues. As discussions continue, the Board of Governors aims to ensure that processes are in place to protect student access while tackling the challenges posed by fraudulent activities.

This ongoing dialogue marks just the beginning of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of California's community colleges and ensure that resources are directed to those who truly need them.