This is a worksheet for suggestions for revising the Parent Guardian Information/Dependency Status question in CCCApply.
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The data field behind this question is called “Dependency Status” = <dependency<dependent_status> and the values are defined in the DED.
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The layout is backwards - it features a confusing set of statements that appear to cater to identifying “independent” students rather than focus on the primary objective: collect the parent information required (name + relationship);
When a dependent student chooses the wrong option, the college has to do additional intake follow up with the student by phone or other time-consuming method.
While less than 8% of the minors are legitimately independent - the statements and the bulleted list make it seem that the applicant should answer that one of the bullet statements is true about them.
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What do we need to change?
Layout: In 2018, 93% of all minors were “Dependents” and only 7% were legitimately Independent with special circumstances. Our current layout (not shown) The majority of minors are determined to be “dependents” (see Stats) and therefore the college needs to collect their parent or guardian information. But our current layout makes it too easy for a student who may not be reading the question closely to select the wrong option, which means the college has to follow up with the student by phone or other time-consuming method.
We propose swapping the two sections so that the Parent-Guardian Information input fields are on . The way the question is laid out, the student’s first instinct is to select “one of the following statements is true about me” - those statements being the exceptions which identify the student as “Independent”.
Flip the Layout
We propose flipping the layout so that the collection of the parent or guardian information is collected at the top, and the “I do not have a parent or guardian…” statement option is shown as the exception. below the input fields.
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clearly shown below.
The question is required and the student must either provide parent information or check the “I do not have a parent or guardian….” checkbox. When data is entered into the parent information input fields, the “I do not have a parent or guardian…” checkbox will be disabled.
Revise the Language
In addition to flipping the layout, the language needs to be revised to clarify why the student’s parent information is being collected, not just for undocumented and nonresident minors, but all minors. Acknowledging that their parents' data will be protected and not shared, will reassure the student with clear, non-threatening language.
Change: “By California law, qualification for resident tuition is based on the residency of your parent(s) or guardian(s) until you are 19 years of age, except in certain special circumstances. The following questions will be used to determine whether or not you need to provide parent or guardian information for the purposes of determining residency. Your response will not affect your admission to college.”
TO: “Determining your California residency for tuition purposes is based on the residency of your parent(s) or guardian(s) until you are 19 years of age, except in certain special circumstances. Nonresident students who meet eligibility requirements may apply for nonresident tuition exemption (AB540 / SB68). This information is protected by federal and state laws and will not be shared or used outside of the admission process.
Enter the name of your parent or guardian below, or check the box indicating you do not have a parent or guardian.”
NO CHANGE will be needed to the <dependent_status> data field or the parent info fields. The proposed changes would be strictly cosmetic.
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Legal Information
From the SAAM:
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