Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education CCPE

Overview

The Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) is a constitutional agency established to oversee and coordinate public postsecondary education in Nebraska. Created by a constitutional amendment approved by Nebraska voters in 1990 and operational since January 1, 1992, the CCPE plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's higher education landscape. Its primary responsibilities include developing a comprehensive statewide plan for postsecondary education, coordinating the activities of public institutions, and ensuring the efficient use of resources to meet the educational, research, and public service needs of the state.

History and Legal Framework

The CCPE was established under Article VII, Section 14 of the Nebraska Constitution, which mandates the creation of a coordinating commission for postsecondary education. The commission's authority and responsibilities are further defined in Nebraska Statutes, particularly Section 85-1403. These legal frameworks empower the CCPE to develop and implement policies that promote an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive, and coordinated system of postsecondary education in Nebraska. The commission's creation aimed to address the growing need for a unified approach to higher education in the state.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

The mission of the CCPE is to develop an ongoing comprehensive statewide plan for the operation of an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive, and coordinated system of postsecondary education. Its objectives include:

• Identifying and enacting policies to meet the educational, research, and public service needs of the state.
• Effecting the best use of available resources through the elimination of unnecessary duplication of programs and facilities among Nebraska's public institutions.
• Administering state appropriations to Nebraska's six community colleges.
• Administering a nationwide distance learning agreement on behalf of the state.
• Providing data and analysis to inform decision-making and policy development in higher education.

Through these objectives, the CCPE aims to enhance access to quality higher education, improve student outcomes, and support the state's economic development.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The CCPE operates as an independent agency within the Nebraska state government. It is governed by a commission consisting of members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Legislature. The commission appoints an executive director who oversees the day-to-day operations of the agency. The CCPE collaborates with various stakeholders, including public and private postsecondary institutions, government agencies, and community organizations, to fulfill its mission. While it has the authority to coordinate and oversee public postsecondary education, the CCPE does not have direct governance over individual institutions, which maintain their own boards and administrative structures.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The CCPE plays a significant role in supporting accreditation and quality evaluation processes within Nebraska's higher education system. It collaborates with institutions to ensure that academic programs meet established standards and align with the state's educational goals. The commission reviews and approves new academic programs and changes to existing programs to ensure they contribute to the state's higher education objectives. Additionally, the CCPE monitors institutional performance and provides data and analysis to inform continuous improvement efforts across the system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The CCPE engages in international cooperation to enhance the global competitiveness of Nebraska's higher education institutions. It is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which facilitates the offering of distance education across state lines. Through SARA, the CCPE supports Nebraska institutions in expanding their reach and providing educational opportunities to students beyond the state's borders. This membership reflects the commission's commitment to fostering international partnerships and broadening access to higher education.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

Currently, the CCPE continues to influence the development of higher education in Nebraska through its comprehensive planning and policy initiatives. The commission's annual Nebraska Higher Education Progress Report provides comparative statistics to monitor and evaluate progress toward achieving key priorities, such as increasing college enrollment and completion rates and reducing the out-migration of educated individuals. Looking forward, the CCPE aims to further enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education by promoting innovation, supporting workforce development, and addressing emerging challenges in the higher education landscape.

Summary

The Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education is a vital entity in the state's higher education system. Through its constitutional mandate, the CCPE develops and implements policies that promote a coordinated and efficient system of postsecondary education. Its efforts in planning, accreditation, and international cooperation contribute to the advancement of higher education in Nebraska, supporting the state's educational and economic objectives.

FAQs

1. What is the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education?

   The CCPE is a constitutional agency established to oversee and coordinate public postsecondary education in Nebraska, ensuring a unified approach to higher education in the state.

2. When was the CCPE established?

   The CCPE was created by a constitutional amendment approved by Nebraska voters in 1990 and became operational on January 1, 1992.

3. What are the primary responsibilities of the CCPE?

   The CCPE is responsible for developing a comprehensive statewide plan for postsecondary education, coordinating the activities of public institutions, administering state appropriations to community colleges, and providing data and analysis to inform policy development.

4. How does the CCPE support accreditation and quality evaluation?

   The CCPE collaborates with institutions to ensure academic programs meet established standards, reviews and approves new programs, and monitors institutional performance to support continuous improvement.

5. Is the CCPE involved in international cooperation?

   Yes, the CCPE is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), facilitating the offering of distance education across state lines and supporting Nebraska institutions in expanding their reach.

Organization Name

Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education

Acronym

CCPE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1974

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

140 N. 8th Street, Suite 300
Lincoln
68508 Nebraska United States

Phone

+1 (402) 471 2847

Fax

+1 (402) 471 2886

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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