State of Oregon - Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a fourteen (14) member, volunteer state board and associated state agency that is dedicated to fostering pathways to opportunity and success for all Oregonians through an accessible, affordable, and coordinated network for educational achievement beyond high school. Thousands of Oregonians each year earn degrees, certificates, and training to build successful futures through the state's seven (7) public universities, seventeen (17) public community colleges, workforce programs, private and independent colleges and universities, and private career and trade schools. The HECC serves as a convener of these institutions and related groups working across the public and private higher education arena. The HECC leads and implements policies and programs to ensure that Oregon's network of postsecondary institutions, workforce development initiatives, and financial aid and college access programs are well-coordinated to foster student success. The HECC also recommends the comprehensive state budget for public postsecondary education in Oregon, and advises the Oregon Legislature, the Governor, and the Chief Education Office on higher education policy, funding, and strategic planning to achieve the state's postsecondary education goals. 

The HECC's eight (8) offices include: Executive Director, Operations (Ops), Research and Data (R&D), Student Access and Completion (OSAC), University Coordination, Private Postsecondary (PPS), Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD), and Workforce Investments (OWI).