Alabama Commission on Higher Education ACHE

Overview

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) is the state agency responsible for coordinating and promoting higher education in Alabama. Established in 1969, ACHE serves as a statewide coordinating board for public postsecondary education and has oversight over other institutions. The affiliated administrative agency is charged with carrying out board policies and administering student financial aid and state and federal academic programs. The agency also oversees research reports, data collection and analysis and the State Authority. ACHE provides oversight and regulation of Alabama's public and private colleges and universities, including approval of new degree programs and changes to existing programs.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1969, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education was created to address the need for a centralized body to oversee and coordinate higher education institutions across the state. The commission operates under the authority granted by the Alabama Legislature and is tasked with ensuring that higher education institutions align with state goals and priorities. Over the years, ACHE has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Alabama, adapting to the evolving educational needs of the state's population.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

ACHE's mission is to promote reasonable access to quality collegiate and university education for the people of Alabama. The commission aims to ensure that higher education institutions in the state operate efficiently, effectively and in a manner that meets the needs of students, employers and the broader community. ACHE's objectives include:

• Coordinating the planning and development of higher education in Alabama.
• Administering state and federal student financial aid programs.
• Reviewing and approving new academic programs and changes to existing programs.
• Conducting research and analysis to inform policy decisions.
• Ensuring that higher education institutions align with state priorities and goals.

Governance, Structure and Independence

ACHE operates as a statewide 12-member lay board appointed by the Governor of Alabama, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House, with appointments confirmed by the Alabama Senate. The board is responsible for setting policies and overseeing the activities of the commission. The executive director, appointed by the board, manages the day-to-day operations of ACHE. The commission maintains its independence through its governance structure, ensuring that decisions are made impartially and in the best interest of higher education in Alabama.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process, ACHE plays a significant role in the quality assurance of higher education in Alabama. The commission is responsible for reviewing and approving new academic programs and changes to existing programs at public institutions. This process ensures that programs meet established standards of quality and align with state priorities. ACHE also monitors the performance of higher education institutions to ensure they continue to meet these standards and effectively serve the needs of students and the community.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACHE actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Alabama's higher education system. In March 2022, the commission signed a Memorandum of Education Cooperation with Taiwan, making Alabama the second state to do so. This agreement aims to foster educational exchanges and collaborations between Alabama and Taiwan, providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural learning experiences and research initiatives.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACHE continues to have a significant impact on the development and enhancement of higher education in Alabama. Through its oversight and coordination efforts, the commission ensures that higher education institutions are responsive to the evolving needs of students, employers and the community. ACHE's initiatives, such as the administration of student financial aid programs and the approval of academic programs, contribute to the accessibility and quality of higher education in the state. Looking ahead, the commission aims to further strengthen its role by expanding its international collaborations and continuously improving its policies and programs to adapt to the changing educational landscape.

Summary

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education is a vital institution in the state's higher education system. Established in 1969, the commission is responsible for coordinating and promoting higher education in Alabama. Through its governance structure, ACHE ensures that higher education institutions operate efficiently and effectively, meeting the needs of students and the broader community. The commission's role in reviewing and approving academic programs, administering student financial aid and engaging in international cooperation underscores its commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education in Alabama.

FAQs

• What is the Alabama Commission on Higher Education? The Alabama Commission on Higher Education is the state agency responsible for coordinating and promoting higher education in Alabama, overseeing public and private colleges and universities and administering student financial aid programs.
• When was ACHE established? ACHE was established in 1969 to address the need for a centralized body to oversee and coordinate higher education institutions across the state.
• How is ACHE governed? ACHE operates as a statewide 12-member lay board appointed by the Governor of Alabama, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House, with appointments confirmed by the Alabama Senate. The board sets policies and oversees the activities of the commission.
• What role does ACHE play in accreditation? While accreditation is a voluntary process, ACHE reviews and approves new academic programs and changes to existing programs at public institutions to ensure they meet established standards of quality and align with state priorities.
• Does ACHE engage in international cooperation? Yes, ACHE signed a Memorandum of Education Cooperation with Taiwan in March 2022 to foster educational exchanges and collaborations between Alabama and Taiwan.

Organization Name

Alabama Commission on Higher Education

Acronym

ACHE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1969

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

100 North Union Street
Montgomery
36104-3758 Alabama United States

Phone

+1 (334) 242 1998

Fax

+1 (334) 242 0268

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Alabama Commission on Higher Education's Wikipedia article

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