Colorado Department of Higher Education CDHE

Overview

The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) is the principal agency of the Colorado state government responsible for coordinating and overseeing public higher education institutions within the state. Operating under the guidance of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE), CDHE implements policies set by the Commission and serves as a liaison between the Governor, Legislature and higher education institutions. The department's mission encompasses enhancing access to quality education, promoting affordability and ensuring accountability across Colorado's public colleges and universities.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Established in 1965, the CCHE was created by the Colorado General Assembly to provide a unified and long-term vision for the state's higher education system . In 1985, the Commission's authority was expanded through the passage of House Bill 1187, which outlined specific responsibilities, including reviewing and approving degree programs, establishing funding distribution formulas and developing policies for institutional roles and missions . The CDHE operates as the executive arm of the CCHE, implementing the Commission's policies and coordinating activities among public higher education institutions in Colorado.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The CDHE's mission is to enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of higher education in Colorado, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals.

Vision: The department envisions a higher education system that is inclusive, innovative and responsive to the evolving needs of students, employers and communities across Colorado.

Objectives:

• Coordinate and support public higher education institutions in achieving state educational goals.
• Advocate for policies that promote student success, equity and workforce development.
• Administer financial aid programs to increase access to higher education.
• Facilitate data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions and institutional planning.
• Ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public resources within higher education.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The CDHE operates under the authority of the CCHE, which consists of an eleven-member board appointed by the Governor of Colorado. The Executive Director of the CDHE, currently Angie Paccione, leads the department and implements the policies set by the Commission . The department's structure includes various divisions and offices that focus on areas such as financial aid, institutional authorization, academic affairs and policy development. While the CDHE is a state agency, it maintains a degree of independence in its operations to effectively coordinate and support the diverse higher education institutions within Colorado.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

The CDHE does not serve as an accrediting agency; however, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that higher education institutions operating within Colorado meet established standards of quality. The department is responsible for authorizing private postsecondary institutions to operate in the state and ensuring they comply with state regulations. Additionally, the CDHE collaborates with regional and national accrediting bodies to support institutions in maintaining their accreditation status and continuous improvement efforts.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While the CDHE primarily focuses on state-level higher education coordination, Colorado's public higher education institutions engage in various international partnerships and collaborations. For instance, the University of Colorado Boulder has established international dual degree programs and partnerships with higher education institutions in other countries . These initiatives reflect the department's indirect support for global engagement and the internationalization of higher education in Colorado.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The CDHE continues to influence Colorado's higher education landscape through initiatives aimed at increasing access, affordability and student success. Future impacts may include the implementation of policies that address emerging workforce needs, the integration of technology in education and the promotion of equity and inclusion across the state's higher education institutions. The department's ongoing efforts to align educational outcomes with labor market demands are expected to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of higher education in Colorado.

7. Summary

The Colorado Department of Higher Education serves as the coordinating agency for public higher education in Colorado, working under the guidance of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Through its mission to enhance quality, accessibility and affordability, the CDHE supports the state's higher education institutions in achieving educational and workforce goals. While not an accrediting body, the department plays a vital role in ensuring institutional compliance with state regulations and fostering a higher education system that meets the needs of Colorado's residents and economy.

8. FAQs

1. What is the role of the Colorado Department of Higher Education?
   The CDHE coordinates and supports public higher education institutions in Colorado, implementing policies set by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to enhance quality, accessibility and affordability.
2. Who governs the Colorado Department of Higher Education?
   The CDHE operates under the authority of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, which consists of an eleven-member board appointed by the Governor of Colorado.
3. Does the Colorado Department of Higher Education accredit institutions?
   No, the CDHE does not serve as an accrediting agency. It authorizes private postsecondary institutions to operate in the state and ensures they comply with state regulations.
4. How does the Colorado Department of Higher Education support students?
   The department administers financial aid programs, facilitates data collection and analysis and advocates for policies that promote student success, equity and workforce development.
5. What is the future direction of the Colorado Department of Higher Education?
   The CDHE aims to implement policies that address emerging workforce needs, integrate technology in education and promote equity and inclusion across the state's higher education institutions.

Organization Name

Colorado Department of Higher Education

Acronym

CDHE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1965

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

1600 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver
80202 Colorado United States

Phone

+1 (303) 862 3001

Fax

+1 (303) 996 1329

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Colorado Department of Higher Education's Facebook page

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Colorado Department of Higher Education's X page

LinkedIn

Colorado Department of Higher Education's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Colorado Department of Higher Education's YouTube channel

Instagram

Colorado Department of Higher Education's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Colorado Department of Higher Education's Wikipedia article

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