Message from Executive Director Ben Cannon
I am pleased to share that after a year of public process and extensive input from our partners, last month the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) launched a new strategic plan to advance our vision for Oregon higher education and workforce training.
While this week’s election promises change for the nation, the Commission’s plan emphasizes its continuing commitment to equitably serving all Oregonians through postsecondary education, training, and workforce development.
The plan speaks to a state and national context of increasing public skepticism about the value of higher education, including valid concerns about its costs and benefits. HECC’s view of this is clear: while most forms of postsecondary education pay off, they need to do so better and more equitably. The plan tackles questions of value directly with strategies that bolster relevance, alignment, affordability, and inclusivity, with particular attention to communities that have been historically underserved and marginalized. I look forward to working closely with partners on the activity that this plan will galvanize.
This fall has been an especially busy and exciting time for convenings with educators and partners to put our heads together on the most successful strategies to serve all Oregonians better. To name just a few our many events and gatherings, we recently concluded our annual Adult Basic Skills Conference and ASPIRE conferences, last week we convened partners who serve tribal students at a Tribal Student Success Network Summit, OregonServes is starting a new Climate Alliance, and our Commission leaders have been visiting public institutions statewide. It is increasingly important that we continue to learn from each other in our effort to improve equitable opportunity for Oregonians, and I thank all for their participation.
While we have much good news to share, I want to note our sadness about the recent dissolution of the Oregon Student Association (OSA). For nearly 50 years, the OSA has been the state’s most powerful voice for college students, and Oregon higher education would look very different today if not for its advocacy. We hope students and those who support them will establish new ways to help ensure that leaders put students first when making decisions affecting Oregon higher education. And as we embark upon the 2025 Legislative Session, we encourage you to stay informed and consider voicing your perspectives on higher education and training. You can stay in touch with HECC's work during the session here. Thank you as always for staying engaged.
HECC Adopts Strategic Plan to Improve Positive Impacts for Individuals, Communities, and the Economy
We are pleased to announce our new Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, after a year-long public process. The HECC strategic plan is used to guide development and implementation of higher education and workforce development funding and policy initiatives that impact Oregonians statewide. The new plan focuses on lowering costs and increasing benefits of higher education and training for individuals, employers, communities, and the economy. Read our recent press release here.
The two-page Strategic Plan was approved unanimously by the Commission at the October 10, 2024, public meeting, after a process of development and public input that started in fall 2023. It includes revised vision, mission, and values statements, and establishes five action-focused strategic goals to advance systems change through intentional strategies:
- RELEVANCE: Improve the responsiveness of Oregon’s education and training systems to the goals and needs of learners, employers, and communities.
- ALIGNMENT: Align Oregon’s education and training systems to create straightforward pathways for learners.
- AFFORDABLE ACCESS: Make postsecondary education and training affordable for all Oregonians.
- BELONGING: Elevate learner voices and support inclusivity and belonging in all postsecondary learning settings.
- LEADERSHIP: Infuse postsecondary education, workforce development, research, and innovation into Oregon’s economic development strategies.
The HECC contracted with Coraggio Group to facilitate the strategic development process, which included assessment of background data and needs; broad public and partner engagement (including a public survey with over 400 responses, numerous focus groups, interviews, and outreach sessions); as well as discussion and input over the course of a year of HECC public meetings. Thank you to all who participated!
 Photos courtesy of OSU, EOU, CGCC, Chemeketa CC, LBCC, and SOU (clockwise)
HECC Commission Leaders are Visiting Colleges and Universities Statewide to Inform Our Work
Since February 2024, Higher Education Coordinating Commission leaders have been travelling across the state to visit all of Oregon’s 24 public colleges and universities, and to foster conversations on how the HECC can more effectively coordinate and support them. HECC Chair Sandy Rowe and Vice Chair Greg Hamann proposed the campus visits in January of this year. Thanks to the welcoming responses of institution partners, either the chair or vice chair have already visited 17 of the 24 colleges and universities and with additional visits scheduled, they aim to conclude their tour by spring 2025.
The purpose of this statewide tour is for Commission leaders to deepen their understanding of each institution’s work, culture, and opportunities, and to promote a shared understanding of respective roles at the institution and state levels. Typical visits include meetings with the institutions’ presidents and board members, a tour of featured facilities, and time with student leaders and employees. In addition to the public institution visits by the Commission leaders, Executive Director Ben Cannon has undertaken a series of visits to the independent campuses, organized by The Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. Chair Rowe and Vice Chair Hamann will present a summary of their visits to the Commission when they are complete.
Oregon Educator Workforce Dashboard October 2024
A new interactive data dashboard published by the Oregon Longitudinal Data Collaborative (OLDC) provides insights on new teachers in Oregon public K-12 schools. The dashboard explores licensure recommendations, hiring, and retention for new teachers.
This data can answer fundamental questions about teachers trained by Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in Oregon, such as the following.
- How have EPP licensure recommendations changed over time since 2010?
- What percentage of licensed teachers become employed at public schools in Oregon?
- Does teacher retention vary by gender, race, or ethnicity?
OLDC matched data from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to create this dashboard.
What is OLDC? The OLDC is an inter-agency program located in the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. We look at the intersections of K-12, postsecondary education, workforce training, and employment to examine how these sectors influence and impact each other. This work focuses on the impact of education programs, policies, and investments to help individuals and communities in Oregon thrive.
 Participants in the Tribal Student Success Network Summit. From left: Sidalee Jasso, Jacob Gonet, Katie Staton, Jason Younker, Erin Rau, Sidalee Jasso, Jacob Gonet
HECC Convenes Oregon Tribal Student Success Network
Thank you to all who joined us to connect and collaborate at the Oregon Tribal Student Success Network Summit, a day-long convening organized by the HECC on October 28, 2024. This is the second summit organized by the HECC to build relationships and collaboration among tribal partners and institutions to better serve tribal students and their families. The Summit brought together numerous representatives from the federally-recognized Tribes of Oregon, students, community members, HECC agency staff, and educators from many of Oregon's public and private higher education institutions at the Many Nations Longhouse on University of Oregon's (UO) campus.
This year, the event was led primarily by the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion and the agenda focused heavily on the Oregon Tribal Student Grant (OTSG), Oregon’s historic state-funded financial aid program, first launched in 2022, that pays up to the full college costs for eligible tribal students. We are especially thankful to the two UO student panelists, Jacob Gonet, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and Sidalee Jasso, a member of The Klamath Tribes—both recipients of the OTSG—who spoke about their educational journeys. We are also grateful to our UO colleagues who generously hosted us and shared UO opportunities. These colleagues include Jason Younker, assistant vice president and advisor to the president on sovereignty and government-to government relations and chief of the Coquille Indian Tribe, Olivia Sparks Iverson, Native American and indigenous recruitment coordinator, Katie Staton, Many Nations Longhouse steward, Jim Brooks, interim vice president for student services and enrollment, and Mark Diestler, interim director of financial aid and scholarships.
In addition to this student success focused event, the HECC regularly engages tribal partners by actively participating and consulting with the Tribes through Oregon's Government to Government process.
AmeriCorps and OregonServes Expand Partnership to Help Equip Oregon for Natural Disaster Response
State and federal agencies are working together to better equip Oregon to respond to natural disasters. AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, highlighted its expanding partnership with OregonServes in a recent press release here.
OregonServes, based in the HECC Office of Workforce Investments, promotes and enhances the culture of service, volunteerism, and civic engagement across communities throughout Oregon, and administers the state AmeriCorps program. For the past seven years, AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region has worked to support Oregon communities recovering from natural disasters brought on by floods, tornados, land/mudslides, the COVID-19 pandemic, and winter storms. OregonServes has guided AmeriCorps NCCC to communities in the greatest need of assistance, facilitating relationships with on-the-ground organizations. A new Memorandum of Understanding between AmeriCorps and OregonServes marks a commitment to expand AmeriCorps NCCC's support in Oregon.
First-Generation Student Success Grants Served More Than 650 Students at Oregon Community Colleges in 2023-24
We are pleased to share that the state-funded First Generation Student Success (FGSS) Grant Program served more than 650 students in 2023-24. This grant program funds strategies at nine Oregon public community colleges to increase the number of students working toward a degree who are first-generation, underrepresented by race/ethnicity (as defined in Oregon Revised Statute 342.120), and/or low- income. The HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development administers funding to support these programs.
The 2023-25 grantees include nine Oregon community colleges: Chemeketa, Klamath, Lane, Mt. Hood, Oregon Coast, Portland, Southwestern Oregon, Tillamook Bay, and Umpqua. During the 2023–2024 academic year, these nine FGSS grant projects focus on numerous strategies to support equity, access, and completion by serving underserved populations and reducing or removing academic, financial, and personal barriers. Strategies include:
- financial and scholarship support, fee waivers, supplies and materials for coursework
- transportation and childcare vouchers
- tutoring, academic and career advising
- mentoring and peer cohort connections
- outreach to prospective students and local community engagement
The FGSS program is one of numerous efforts to help Oregon advance toward its educational attainment goals. Institutions can learn more by emailing Luis.Juarez@hecc.oregon.gov.
Introducing the Oregon Climate Alliance
As part of the American Climate Corps, State Service Commissions like OregonServes have the opportunity to bring Oregonians together on climate response efforts. On December 3, we are convening climate partners to outline this national initiative, highlight some state models throughout the nation, and share our vision for an Oregon Climate Alliance.
This event is open to grantees and programs in both the OregonServes and Oregon Youth Works portfolios and any other organizations or entities who are doing climate and clean energy related work. Attendees will be able to provide feedback on the proposed model for a Climate Corps network in Oregon as we aim to strengthen workforce pathways to in-demand careers in Oregon’s clean energy and climate-resilience economy. If you are interested in attending this event, please register via Zoom.
Featured Partnership: AmeriCorps and Electric Vehicle Initiatives
As just one example of a Climate Corps partnership, AmeriCorps members serving with OregonServes' grantee, Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), help Oregonians access electric vehicles. Through MFS's innovative Portland Electric Ways to Work program, funded in collaboration with the Portland Clean Energy Fund and Forth, members help low-income and credit-challenged individuals from historically underserved communities get loans, rebates, and credits to purchase electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and e-bikes. For their service, AmeriCorps members develop valuable skills and receive multiple benefits, including applicable certifications and credentials, team-building and networking opportunities, health insurance, help with childcare costs, a monthly living allowance, and at the end of their term, a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay off student loans or enroll in college courses.
Commission Approves PSU's Mission Statement
In connection with Portland State University’s new strategic plan, PSU has developed a new mission statement, vision, and values. At its October 9 public meeting, the HECC approved the new mission statement of Portland State University, which is incorporated into the university's new strategic plan.
Purpose Statement (Mission): Let Knowledge Serve the City
Portland State University, Oregon’s most diverse and only urban public research university, was founded in 1946 to serve veterans returning from World War II.
PSU provides access to a top-tier education as a key driver of economic and social mobility, a source of growth for the diverse communities in the region, and a catalyst for social progress. And this isn't just what we do – it’s who we are.
Much has changed in our world since 1946, and our communities face profound challenges. With Our Future in Focus, we express our unwavering purpose: to support learners to follow their dreams and achieve their goals for a better life for their families and communities.
As we remember our institutional founding with pride, we embrace our future as an urban minority-serving research institution, inspiring each other to create new opportunities for our region and our world.
The HECC has a statutory responsibility to review mission statements adopted by the governing boards of the public universities for approval. President Ann Cudd and PSU Board of Trustees Chair Ben Berry presented to the Commission on the university's new Strategic Plan, Mission, Vision, and Values, which were approved by the PSU Board of Trustees in a resolution at its September 27, 2024, meeting. Read the full plan here: PSU Strategic Plan Booklet - 2024.
Academic Program Approvals
At its October 9 public meeting, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission approved the following new academic programs at the public institutions. Learn more about the programs in our meeting materials here.
Community College Program Approvals:
- Chemeketa Community College: Tasting Room Management, Less-Than One-Year Certificate of Completion (CC)
- Umpqua Community College: Addiction Studies, One-Year Certificate of Completion (CC1); Front Office Medical, CC1; Human Services, Associate of Applied Science (AAS); Paralegal, AAS; Computer Information Systems, AAS; Cyber Security, AAS; Paramedicine, AAS; Expert Systems: Automation, Machine Learning and Robotics Certificate, Less Than One-Year Certificate of Completion (CC); Registered Nursing, Associate of Applied Science; Mechatronics Certificate, CC1; Wine Production Certificate, Less Than One-Year Certificate of Completion (CC0); Winery/Tasting Room Management, CC0;Practical Nursing - LPN, Two-Year Certificate of Completion (CC2); Welding, Associate of Applied Science; Nursing Assistant, CC; Trauma Informed Care, CC; Electrical Apprenticeship Technologies, AAS.
Partner News: Advance CTE Releases New Framework
The organization Advance CTE, which serves as a resource for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the nation, has just released a modernized National Career Clusters® Framework. The new framework is intended to be an industry-driven, learner-centered, and inclusive roadmap for learners to explore and prepare for good jobs and careers. The HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) works in partnership with the Oregon Department of Education to coordinate aligned secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs in Oregon. As the agencies work to implement the framework, they will work with local partners to ensure it guides CTE programs statewide to help engage students, meet employer demand, and strengthen communities. Learn more about our work here.
2024 ASPIRE Conferences Convened Participants from 19 Oregon Counties to Strengthen College and Career Mentoring
Thanks to the hundreds of participants and the expert presenters who joined us this month for the ASPIRE Fall Conference, an annual event organized by the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) to advance college and career mentoring and access. In 2024, we held two ASPIRE conference events—one in Eugene and one in Bend—providing valuable information to ASPIRE sites, school counselors, and others dedicated to supporting college and career readiness.
A total of 218 individuals participated, representing 77 different K-12 schools, 5 colleges, 16 community-based organizations, and 4 Oregon Tribes. Attendance also spanned 19 Oregon counties from across the state. The conference featured 19 breakout sessions led by HECC staff and numerous partners, including C3, ECMC The College Place, the Ford Family Foundation, Get Schooled, NCAN, Oregon Gear UP, Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and Willamette University. Thank you to all who participated for joining us in our commitment to enhance college and career readiness across Oregon.
Correction to September newsletter, Commission Appointments
The September HECC Collaborations newsletter included an article that incorrectly noted the reappointment of returning former Commissioner Helen Edwards to the Commission. While Helen Edwards's appointment was submitted by the Governor’s Office for September Senate confirmation, the Senate did not yet consider or vote on this nomination. This appointment is expected to be considered at the next round of Senate confirmation hearings.
|
