Date: 01/26/2006
Final
Briefing by Dept. of Higher Ed
COMMITTEE ON JOINT EDUCATION
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01:40 PM
The meeting was called to order by the co-chairman, Representative Merrifield.
01:41 PM
Terry Farina, current chair of the Colorado Commission of Higher Education (CCHE), thanked the committee for the opportunity to appear before the committee. He reviewed his thoughts upon nearing the end of his years of service on the CCHE. He expressed appreciation for the quality of people who work at the Department of Higher Education. He discussed the challenges of serving on the CCHE and reviewed the scope of the CCHE's responsibilities. He stressed the importance of the education system on the future of the country.
01:45 PM
Mr. Farina reviewed the highlights of the past four years, including implementation of the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) program. Mr. Farina introduced Rick O'Donnell, Executive Director, Department of Higher Education.
01:47 PM
Mr. O'Donnell began his presentation of the department's role and priorities, with a hand-out as a guide for the committee (Attachment A). Mr. O'Donnell spoke to the different divisions overseen by the Department, including the CollegeInvest/Colorado Student Loan Program. He said that the department signed a contract with Nelnet during 2005 and indicated that $25 million of upfront monies from the contract were placed in the Colorado in College scholarship program.
01:50 PM
Mr. O'Donnell's presentation noted the department's oversight responsibilities for the Division of Private Occupational Schools and the Colorado Historical Society. The Colorado Council on the Arts falls under the department as well, though Mr. O'Donnell noted that current pending legislation proposes moving the council out of the department to the Office of Economic Development.
01:53 PM
Mr. O'Donnell discussed degree authorization responsibilities that CCHE has pertaining to private colleges and universities operating in Colorado. Currently, 97 institutions have such authorization, ranging from the University of Denver to for-profit schools.
01:56 PM
Mr. O'Donnell reviewed the new higher education admission requirements that will be implemented through the classes of 2008 and 2010, and will apply to Colorado's four-year public institutions. He acknowledged that certain requirements have created controversy with some school districts, including small, rural school districts. Representative Merrifield asked Mr. O'Donnell and Mr. Farina about the potential for delaying requirements, specifically those established for the class of 2010. Mr. Farina stated that he believes research shows that the single greatest predictor of college success is completion of a rigorous high school program.
02:01 PM
Mr. O'Donnell noted that Gully Stanford from the department has been a liaison with school districts regarding implementation of the requirements. He said the department had not asked the CCHE to consider a delay in implementation and stated that he feels there has been ample time to prepare for implementation. Representative Merrifield said that one of his concerns is that every student may not be college-bound. Senator Evans expressed similar concerns about students who pursue other avenues after college. Senator Evans said that he hears from the private sector that college graduates are not prepared for the world of work. Mr. O'Donnell said that CCHE has required every core course undergo peer review for rigor with a goal of ensuring that each institution offers a strong core curriculum. He said that the Governor's Alignment Council is in the process of visiting with Colorado employers to hear their concerns.
02:06 PM
Senator Windels expressed her concerns regarding rural school districts and new mandates without adequate support. She singled out the increasing costs to school districts of offering supplemental on-line courses for rural school districts. She suggested that foreign language instruction may be better placed in preschool and elementary schools, rather than in high schools. Mr. O'Donnell continued to discuss his meetings with rural school districts. Mr. Farina acknowledged Senator Windels' comments and said that he did not want to shortchange the chances of success for Colorado's high school graduates. He reiterated that CCHE was very willing to work with school districts regarding higher education admissions requirements.
02:14 PM
Senator Windels restated her support for collaboration with the rural school districts and for the possibility of delaying requirements. Representative Merrifield also reiterated his concerns about going forward with the current timeline. Representative Paccione asked about opportunities for flexibility and about the current provisions for admittance "windows" and said that she was concerned about lessening the flexibility that institutions have had under such waivers. Mr. O'Donnell said that he did not feel that Colorado students were going to lack or be denied opportunities to pursue higher education, even though some students may not be able to attend their first choice in schools. Mr. Farina commented further on issues of access.
02:22 PM
Representative Pommer expressed his concern about recent cuts in graduate programs at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and said that its research and graduate programs have resulted in significant contributions to the state's economy. Mr. O'Donnell said that he has not advocated cuts in higher education and responded to Representative Pommer's concerns. Mr. O'Donnell noted that the University of Colorado at Boulder has been recognized for efficiency and value in education nationwide. Representative Pommer again noted that he worries that cuts in the University of Colorado's graduate programs will have a detrimental effect over the long term.
02:30 PM
Representative King discussed the potential for linking school district success in graduating students who do not need remediation to the ability to seek waivers of higher education admission requirements. The committee discussion continued to discuss the impact of admission requirements.
02:34 PM
Mr. O'Donnell explained offerings through the statewide extended studies program, before moving on to a discussion of the performance contracts with higher education institutions. The current review process of general education core courses was discussed as well.
02:37 PM
Mr. O'Donnell reviewed the budget and financial requirements for CCHE, including the FY 2006-07 General Fund budget requests. Mr. O'Donnell responded to questions regarding legal challenges to the "pervasively sectarian" test in state law. Colorado Christian University has sued in federal court as it pertains to its denial of participation in the College Opportunity Fund (COF) program. Senator Tupa expressed his concern about the potential outcome of such a legal challenge and its impact on the COF stipends.
02:44 PM
Representative Larson asked Mr. O'Donnell on base funding for state colleges. Mr. O'Donnell spoke to pending supplementals that would affect Fort Lewis College. Mr. O'Donnell described the five-year higher education financing plan that CCHE had been asked to submit to the Joint Budget Committee. He also provided data depicting $74 million in unfunded enrollment costs, reflecting a lack of funding from 2001 through 2005.
02:48 PM
Mr. O'Donnell described efforts in financial aid reform and said that CCHE's priority is student access, which must be represented as a top priority in financial aid. He concluded his presentation with references to the ongoing College in Colorado Campaign.
02:52 PM
The committee adjourned.