Indiana Commission for Higher Education ICHE

Overview

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) is the state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing postsecondary education in Indiana. Established in 1971, CHE serves as the primary body for planning, policy development, and advocacy concerning public higher education institutions in the state. Its mission is to promote access to and success in higher education for Indiana residents, ensuring that the state's colleges and universities effectively meet the educational needs of the population.

Historical and Legal Framework

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education was created by an act of the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by then-Governor Edgar Whitcomb in 1971. The Commission was established to define the educational missions of public colleges and universities, plan and coordinate Indiana’s state-supported system of post-high school education, and review both operating and capital budget appropriation requests from public institutions. The Commission is a fourteen-member public body with responsibilities that include approving or disapproving the establishment of new branches, campuses, extension centers, colleges, or schools, as well as the offering of new degree programs by public colleges and universities. It also distributes student financial aid from state aid programs and ensures that institutions align their offerings with workforce needs and state priorities.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives — Role in Higher Education

Mission: The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is dedicated to ensuring that Indiana residents have access to high-quality postsecondary education that prepares them for success in the workforce and in life.

Vision: To make Indiana a top 10 state in post-high school training and education by 2030, focusing on increasing college-going rates, improving completion rates, and enhancing the alignment of education with workforce needs.

Objectives:

• Enhance access to postsecondary education for all Indiana residents.
• Improve the affordability and value of higher education.
• Increase the number of degrees and credentials awarded.
• Align educational outcomes with workforce demands.
• Support the continuous improvement of postsecondary institutions.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Commission is governed by a fourteen-member board, with members appointed by the Governor of Indiana. The board includes representatives from public and independent higher education institutions, as well as members with expertise in business, labor, and other sectors. The Commission operates as an independent agency within the executive branch of Indiana state government, adhering to the Indiana Open Door Law, which ensures transparency and public access to meetings and records. The Commission's organizational structure includes various divisions and staff responsible for specific areas such as academic affairs, financial aid, data and research, and policy development.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the Indiana Commission for Higher Education does not accredit institutions, it plays a significant role in overseeing the quality of higher education in the state. The Commission reviews and approves academic degree programs offered by public colleges and universities, ensuring they meet state standards and align with workforce needs. Additionally, the Commission administers state financial aid programs and collects data on college-going, enrollment, and completion rates to inform policy decisions and institutional improvements. The Commission also collaborates with regional accrediting agencies to ensure that institutions maintain high academic standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education primarily focuses on state-level coordination and does not have formal international partnerships. However, it collaborates with various national organizations, such as the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs (NASSGAP) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), to stay informed about best practices and trends in higher education policy and finance. These collaborations help the Commission align Indiana's higher education system with national standards and innovations.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education aims to continue its efforts to improve postsecondary education in the state. Through initiatives like the HOPE (Hoosier Opportunities and Possibilities through Education) Agenda, the Commission seeks to increase college-going rates, improve completion rates, and align educational outcomes with workforce needs. These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the state's higher education landscape by expanding access to quality education for students in rural or underserved areas, providing working professionals with opportunities to advance their education without disrupting their careers, and offering a model for other institutions to collaborate and share resources in delivering online education. The Commission's focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement will contribute to the evolution of higher education in Indiana.

Summary

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education serves as the state's coordinating agency for postsecondary education, working to enhance access, affordability, and quality in higher education. Through its governance, oversight of academic programs, and administration of financial aid, the Commission plays a crucial role in shaping the higher education landscape in Indiana. Its ongoing efforts aim to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to succeed in postsecondary education and beyond, contributing to a more educated and skilled workforce that meets the demands of the state's economy.

FAQs

• What is the Indiana Commission for Higher Education? The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is a state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing postsecondary education in Indiana, focusing on access, affordability, and quality.
• How does the Commission support higher education institutions? The Commission supports institutions by reviewing and approving academic degree programs, administering state financial aid programs, and providing data and research to inform policy decisions.
• Who governs the Indiana Commission for Higher Education? The Commission is governed by a fourteen-member board appointed by the Governor of Indiana, including representatives from public and independent higher education institutions and other sectors.
• Does the Commission accredit colleges and universities? No, the Commission does not accredit institutions. Accreditation is handled by regional accrediting agencies; however, the Commission oversees the approval of academic programs offered by public colleges and universities in Indiana.
• How can I apply for state financial aid in Indiana? Information on applying for state financial aid can be found on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's website, including details on eligibility and application procedures.

Organization Name

Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Acronym

ICHE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1971

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

101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis
46204-4206 Indiana United States

Phone

+1 (317) 464 4400

Fax

+1 (317) 464 4410

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Indiana Commission for Higher Education's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Indiana Commission for Higher Education's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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