The Board of Governors voted to adopt updated Title 5 language on November 18 that requires districts to create local policies aimed at making instructional materials available to students at the start of classes, with explicit language protecting faculty academic freedom.

Vice Chancellor Rebecca O'Shaughnessy explained the changes brought forward since the first reading in September, saying the revised draft clarifies that "these local policies shall maintain faculty's responsibility and academic freedom to choose instructional materials" and that the regulation encourages, but does not mandate, local adoption of practices like open educational resources (OER) and zero‑textbook‑cost (ZTC) degrees.

Public comment was substantial. The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges welcomed the academic freedom language, while OER advocates and foundations urged support for scaling ZTC pathways. Representatives of campus bookstores and the National Association of College Stores asked for ongoing consultation about operational impacts. The Community College Association asked the chancellor's office to provide legal support to faculty on fair‑use and copyright matters, noting faculty could face liability without clearer guidance.

Board members emphasized balance: ensuring students have affordable access to course materials while safeguarding faculty choice and local innovation. The chancellor's office said it will continue stakeholder outreach on inclusive access (automatic billing) and consider system support for contract negotiations and legal guidance.

Ending: The board approved the regulation (roll call recorded); staff said follow‑up guidance and technical assistance to districts will be issued to support implementation.