1. (a) Each district or college shall establish a process for assisting students to identify an education goal and course of study as soon as possible after admission as required by section 55530. This shall include, but not be limited to, counseling, advising, and other education planning services as required by section 55523.

2. (b) Districts or colleges shall provide all non-exempt students with student education plans that are either:

   1. (1) Abbreviated. Abbreviated student education plans are one to two terms in length and designed to meet the immediate needs of students for whom a comprehensive plan is not appropriate; or
   2. (2) Comprehensive. Comprehensive student education plans take into account a student's interests, skills, career and education goals, major, course placement, credit for prior learning, potential transfer institutions, and the steps the student needs to take on their educational path to complete their identified course of study. The comprehensive student education plan helps the student achieve their educational goal and course of study by delineating all course, program, and other requirements for the certificate, degree, and transfer; applicable course prerequisites or co-requisites; and any support or instructional services available, needed, or required to achieve the stated goal. The comprehensive student education plan is tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of the student and may include other elements to satisfy participation requirements for programs such as EOPS, DSPS, CalWORKs, veterans education benefits, athletics, and others.
3. (c) To the maximum extent possible, districts or colleges shall provide a comprehensive education plan to non-exempt students before the end of their first academic year, or a shorter period if required by district or program policy.
4. (d) The student education plan developed pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be accessible, timely, and recorded in electronic form. The student education plan and its implementation shall be reviewed as necessary to ensure that it continues to accurately reflect the program progress, needs, and goals of the student. Districts or colleges shall make a reasonable effort to not duplicate education planning processes including for students participating in special programs.
5. (e) If a student believes the district or college has failed to make good faith efforts to develop and provide a student education plan, has failed to provide programs and services specified in the student education plan, or has otherwise violated the requirements of this section, the student may file a complaint pursuant to section 55534(a).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 66700 and 70901, Education Code. Reference: Sections 78212 and 78222, Education Code.

History

1. New section filed 6-5-90 by the Board of Governors, California Community Colleges, with the Secretary of State; operative 7-6-90. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5(b) (Register 90, No. 37).

2. Renumbering of former section 55524 to section 55522 and renumbering of former section 55525 to new section 55524, including amendment of section heading and section, filed 9-19-2013; operative 10-19-2013. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5 (Register 2013, No. 38).

3. Amendment of section and Note filed 1-14-2026; operative 2-13-2026 pursuant to section 208 of the Procedures and Standing Orders of the Board of Governors. Exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act and OAL review pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5. Submitted to OAL for filing and printing only pursuant to Government Code section 11343.8 (Register 2026, No. 7).