Cal. Education Code § 66050

It is the intent of the Legislature that public institutions of higher education in California shall provide a collegiate experience which gives each student the skills of communication and problem solving, the ideas and principles underlying the major areas of modern knowledge, the ability to consider ethical issues thoughtfully, the understanding that learning is a continuous lifelong process, and the knowledge of democracy necessary for good citizenship. The Legislature further intends that an undergraduate education prepare students to think critically and independently, and to have the flexibility to adapt to changing economic and social conditions, new workforce needs, and demands of a multicultural society. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the segments of higher education recognize that quality teaching is the core ingredient of the undergraduate educational experience. The segments of higher education are encouraged to improve the quality of undergraduate education as a central priority of California’s public colleges and universities.