Colorado Commission on Higher Education
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education was established in 1965 by the legislature. The Commission replaced an association which met informally to consider matters related to higher education. In 1985 the legislature gave the Commission increased authority and specific directives through the passage of House Bill 1187. Specific responsibilities include developing long-range plans for an evolving state system of higher education:
- Review and approve degree programs.
- Establish the distribution formula for higher education funding; recommend statewide funding levels to the legislature.
- Approve institutional capital construction requests; recommend capital construction priorities to the legislature.
- Develop policies for institutional and facility master plans.
- Administer statewide student financial assistance programs through policy development, program evaluation, and allocation of funds.
- Develop and administer a statewide off-campus (extended studies), community service, and continuing education program.
- Determine institutional roles and missions.
- Establish statewide enrollment policies and admission standards.
- Conduct special studies as appropriate or directed, regarding statewide education policy, finance, or effective coordination.
Four-Year Schools that are managed/supervised by the Commission through their Trustees/Board of Governors / Board of Regents