Washington Higher Education Secretariat WHES

Overview

The Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES) is a voluntary, non-profit forum established in 1986 to facilitate collaboration among chief executive officers of national higher education associations in the United States. Coordinated by the American Council on Education (ACE), WHES serves as a platform for leaders to engage in strategic discussions, address emerging challenges, and develop collective responses to issues impacting higher education. The Secretariat's primary functions include fostering networking opportunities, sharing insights, and conducting in-depth studies on specific topics through working groups composed of its members.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1986, the Washington Higher Education Secretariat was created to provide a unified space for leaders of national higher education associations to discuss and respond to strategic issues affecting the sector. Operating as a non-profit organization, WHES functions under the coordination of the American Council on Education, a prominent entity in U.S. higher education advocacy. The Secretariat's activities are guided by its mission to promote collaboration and informed decision-making among its member organizations, which represent a broad spectrum of institutions and professionals within the higher education community.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

The mission of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat is to serve as a forum for chief executives of national higher education associations to consider strategic issues, review trends and challenges confronting higher education, and develop collective responses. The Secretariat aims to:

• Provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among member associations.
• Facilitate discussions on policy developments and their implications for higher education.
• Support the development of informed strategies to address sector-wide challenges.
• Encourage the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions among member organizations.

Through these objectives, WHES seeks to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of the higher education sector in the United States.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Washington Higher Education Secretariat is governed by a Steering Committee comprising nine member chief executives and the President of the American Council on Education. This committee is responsible for overseeing the Secretariat's activities and planning its agenda. Meetings are typically held monthly from October through June, with special sessions scheduled as needed. The Secretariat operates independently, with its activities coordinated by the American Council on Education, ensuring that it remains a neutral platform for dialogue and collaboration among its diverse member organizations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

While the Washington Higher Education Secretariat does not engage directly in the accreditation process, it plays a supportive role in fostering discussions about quality assurance and institutional effectiveness. Through its forums and working groups, WHES provides a space for member organizations to address issues related to accreditation standards, assessment practices, and continuous improvement efforts within higher education institutions. This collaborative approach helps align the sector's efforts toward maintaining and enhancing educational quality across diverse institutions.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Washington Higher Education Secretariat primarily focuses on domestic higher education policy and does not have formal international partnerships. However, its member organizations often engage in global collaborations through their own networks and affiliations. By participating in WHES, these organizations can share insights and strategies that may inform their international engagements, promoting a broader understanding of global higher education trends and challenges.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Washington Higher Education Secretariat continues to influence higher education policy by providing a platform for leaders to discuss and respond to emerging issues. As the higher education landscape evolves, WHES remains a vital forum for addressing topics such as:

• Access and equity in higher education.
• Adaptation to technological advancements and digital learning environments.
• Workforce development and alignment of educational outcomes with labor market needs.
• Institutional sustainability and financial health.

Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, WHES contributes to shaping policies and strategies that support the resilience and advancement of higher education institutions in the United States.

Summary

The Washington Higher Education Secretariat serves as a critical forum for chief executives of national higher education associations to engage in strategic discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing challenges and advancing the interests of the higher education sector. By facilitating networking, sharing best practices, and supporting collective action, WHES plays an essential role in fostering a cohesive and responsive higher education community in the United States.

FAQs

• What is the Washington Higher Education Secretariat?
  The Washington Higher Education Secretariat is a non-profit forum that brings together chief executives of national higher education associations to discuss strategic issues and collaborate on addressing challenges in the higher education sector.
• Who coordinates the activities of the Secretariat?
  The activities of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat are coordinated by the American Council on Education (ACE), a prominent organization in U.S. higher education advocacy.
• How often does the Secretariat meet?
  The Secretariat holds monthly meetings from October through June, with special sessions scheduled as needed. In-person meetings are typically held twice a year at the National Center for Higher Education.
• What is the role of the Steering Committee?
  The Steering Committee, composed of nine member chief executives and the President of ACE, oversees the Secretariat's activities and plays an active role in planning its program agenda.
• Does the Secretariat engage in accreditation activities?
  While the Washington Higher Education Secretariat does not directly engage in accreditation, it provides a platform for discussions on quality assurance and institutional effectiveness among its member organizations.
• Is the Secretariat involved in international collaborations?
  While the Secretariat focuses on domestic higher education policy, its member organizations often engage in international collaborations through their own networks and affiliations.

Organization Name

Washington Higher Education Secretariat

Acronym

WHES

Year of Establishment

1/01/1986

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

One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 800
Washington
20036-1110 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 939 9410

Fax

+1 (202) 833 4760

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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