De Anza College students with 112.5 transferable units or on academic probation can expect a notification from the college: enrollment priority will change fall 2014, and they might be moved to the back of the line.

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved the change in September 2012, which affects students with 150 or more degree applicable quarter units or have been on academic or progress probation for two consecutive quarters.

The California Education Code maintains first priority enrollment for active-duty military, recent veterans and former and current foster youth. Students in Extended Opportunity Programs and Services and Disabled Students Programs and Services will maintain second priority.

This new enrollment regulation introduces a third-tier priority registration group consisting of continuing students in good academic standing in addition to new students who completed college orientation, assessments and a higher education plan.

According to a press release from the chancellor’s office, different college districts can maintain discretion and exempt certain students from the unit limit, such as those in high-unit majors. Districts must also adopt an appeal process for students who lose priority.

Linda Michalowski, the vice chancellor for student services and special programs, said in a recorded conference call that the new policy is designed to ensure enough classes are available to students seeking a degree, job training or to transfer by helping students identify their educational goals and progress towards them.

“We know that students are more likely to be successful if they get off to a good start by receiving orientation to the college, assessment to get them into the right classes, and if they have an education plan,” Michalowski said.

“We want to make sure that students have good advice and support services from the beginning of their college experience. In turn, we want students to succeed in their classes and progress toward their goals.”

“The mandate has its drawback as much as it has its advantages,” said Angela Caballero De Cordero, dean of counseling and matriculation at De Anza. “We at the Counseling and Advising Center are currently working hard to develop tools and guidance necessary to prepare for the changes and the constraints it will create for certain underrepresented students.”