SB323 — Referenced as an opportunity to help Californians who cannot access the FAFSA complete an alternative aid process.
Dr. Gonzalez — The speaker thanks Dr. Gonzalez for the presentation and transitions to the next witness.
Dr. Alberto Roman — Dr. Alberto Roman, Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District, delivered a continuous statement on the impacts of federal administration policies and budget cuts on LACCD. He described how immigration enforcement, aid-messaging changes, and public charge concerns are creating fear among low-income, first-generation, undocumented, foster, and DACA students, reducing FAFSA submissions, discouraging enrollment, and threatening completion. He urged stronger state protections and emphasized that federal support remains essential to maintain high-quality education and student services. He also explained that many vocational, technical, and workforce programs depend on federal grants such as Perkins, TRIO, MSI, and HSI, which fund equipment, faculty, work-based learning, and program development. Roman warned that cuts could force staffing reductions, limit access to specialized programs, and be difficult to replace with state funds because those dollars are already earmarked. He noted that LACCD serves a large population of students near the poverty line, receives substantial federal funding, and could lose millions in grant support, including about $5 million in TRIO funding and roughly $6 million by June 2026.
Chancellor Roman — Thanked for the presentation and leadership.
Kristen Sauras — Introduced herself as president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and described AICCU's scope.
AB402 — The speaker says the state can address access barriers through AB 402.
Kristen Severs — The chair thanks Kristen Severs, identified as president of AICCU, for her testimony.
David Tangipa — Dr. Boyd thanks Member Jackson; the transcript repeatedly references 'Member Jackson,' which does not match the expected member list and may reflect a transcription error or an incorrect member identification.
David Tangipa — Likely one of the colleagues referred to as 'Patel' or 'Jackson' is a transcription error; no confident ID can be assigned. No clear member mention here beyond generic colleagues.
Dr. Sirian Villavicencio — Introduced as professor and co-chair of the Department of Social Science at San Joaquin Delta College and begins testimony.
Dr. Rahman — Referenced as having made a related point about these programs.
Dr. Villavicencio — Thanked for powerful testimony.
Jeff Gonzalez — Thanked for uplifting student financial aid programs and the Cal Grant Equity Framework Reform.
Jeff Gonzalez — Dr. Jeff Gonzalez was referenced in a continuing discussion about finding common ground on workforce and economic issues, including earlier remarks about workforce Pell and AI. The speaker tied together Gonzalez’s comments as part of a broader point about shared priorities and agreement on these policy areas.
Dr. Ramon — Asked to describe conditions at Dream Resource Centers in the L.A. Community College District.
Dr. Ramon — Dr. Ramon is introduced as the next speaker and responds by echoing the discussion’s emphasis on ensuring students feel heard, safe, and protected on campus.
Dr. Boyd — Referenced as having brought forward concerns about academic freedom and political rhetoric restrictions.
Dr. Boyd — The speaker addresses Dr. Boyd while discussing the downstream effects of cuts and the need to work with the state.
AB323 — AB 323 is introduced as an example bill focused on allowing students to be paid for internships in business and industry settings, and the discussion continues by noting that related grants are being sought to augment the bill and support its workforce and paid-internship goals.
Dr. Patel — The speaker says they have not heard about Dr. Patel's specific grant and will have staff look into it.
Dr. Patel — Addressed as the person asking about the executive order's application.
Dr. Patel — Referenced again in the discussion of Cal Grant equity.
Dr. Patel — Addressed as the person asking about the litigation issue.
Dr. Roman — Referenced for the caveat that any grant or initiative must align with mission and values.
Dr. Roman — Referenced as having mentioned vulnerable student populations.
Summer Patel / Summer Jackson — The speaker appears to be addressing or identifying themselves with these names; the transcript is unclear.
Dr. Delce Perez — Identified as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, and said to have issued notices to campuses.
LaShae Sharp-Collins — The speaker appears to reference Dr. LeShade, likely a mangled mention of LaShae Sharp-Collins, in a joking aside about committee membership.
Dr. Villavisaincio — A student told Dr. Villavisaincio that they were worried about being too hungry to take the exam, asking whether they could still take it.
Jerry Reyes — Jerry Reyes is introduced as the final-panel presenter and President of the Student Senate for California's Community Colleges, then called to begin testimony. He introduces himself as a first-generation student from Reedley College and reiterates his role as President of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
Erin Villarreal — Erin Villarreal is introduced and then identifies herself as a graduate student at Sacramento State and Chair of the California State Student Association. She begins her testimony by framing her remarks around how federal policy changes affect CSU students.
Aditi Hari Harian — Introduced as President of the University of California Student Association.
Jose Aguilar — Introduced as Vice President of External Affairs for the UC Berkeley Graduate Assembly.
Jose Aguilar — Jose Aguilar, External Affairs Vice President for the Graduate Assembly at UC Berkeley and a PhD student in education, testified about how federal scrutiny and funding actions are affecting graduate students. He described a chilling effect that leads students to self-censor discussions about race, immigration, policing, and the Middle East, and said his own funding tied to federal dollars was revoked and later reinstated. He also explained the importance of NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program support and how grant cuts threaten graduate students’ income, housing, tuition remission, mentorship, and conference opportunities. He concluded by urging California to protect graduate students and provide the resources and safeguards needed for them to continue serving the public good.
final panel presenters — The chair welcomes the student presenters who will discuss how federal government actions affect their college experiences.
Aditi Hari Haran — Introduced as president of the University of California Student Association and began testimony about UC students.
SB98 — Speakers express support and excitement over the passage and signing of SB 98, but criticize the UC’s implementation guidance for lacking accountability and oversight. They specifically note that the guidance does not provide a clear timeline, notification method, or system-wide procedures for confirming ICE or DHS activity.
Jose — Introduced as the speaker's UC graduate counterpart who will speak next.
Aditi — Aditi was referenced as having suggested that administrators stop shortening the public comment period and allow more feedback.
Osama Patel — Thanked by the speaker, likely as a student participant or witness.
Oranit Limni Burset — Public commenter introducing herself as president of FACCC and a professor at American River College.
Melissa Bardo — Public commenter speaking on behalf of EdTrust-West.
Oscar Sandable — Introduced himself as policy manager with the Center for Healthy Communities at Chico State University.
AB79 — Cited as one of the bills passed this year making progress on SNAP access.
AB42 — Cited as one of the bills passed this year making progress on SNAP access.
AB77 — Cited as one of the bills passed this year making progress on SNAP access.
Anne Swenson — Introduced herself as vice chair of the ASUSU and spoke about research grant losses at Cal State Northridge.
Charles Lab — Introduced himself as an ASCSU member, legislative specialist, math professor, and PI for an MSI program funded by the Department of Education.
Candace Fann — Introduced herself as a UC Davis student and Government Relations Chair for the UC Student Association.
Samantha — UC Davis student testifies about threatened research funding, SNAP and Medicare cuts, and the need to support equity programs and social services.