We encourage members of the public to provide comments in person at public meetings, submit written comments electronically, or both. At each scheduled public meeting, time is provided on the agenda for members of the public to provide comments. On this page you can learn the process for providing input on our public policy work.
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is the State of Oregon’s Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. The HECC is the name for both the state Commission and a state agency. The HECC agency staff support the
Commission, the
Workforce and Talent Development Board (WTDB), and
other advisory boards or public bodies described here.
Topics for Input
Anyone can provide public comment to our Commission or one of our advisory boards. You can find the topics for consideration on the agenda for each public meeting.
The agenda and materials for public meetings are available on the web page for each board or commission.
Look for the blue icon on the page for meeting materials.
Sign up for public meeting notices to learn when and where a meeting or hearing is, and what is on the agenda.
Find the agendas for upcoming meetings on the meeting materials pages below.
The topics for Oregon Administrative Rule hearings are described in the hearing notice.
Hearings on Proposed Changes to Oregon Administrative Rules
Accommodations
The HECC is committed to accessible services for all. Guidance on how to sign up for public testimony or request accommodations is provided in public meeting email notices and on the web pages for each board. Requests for accommodations should be made at least 72 hours in advance to the meeting administrator indicated in the public meeting notice.
Commenting in Person or Remotely
If you wish to provide public comment at an in-person, online, or hybrid meeting, arrive early and sign up to testify before the meeting begins. A sign in sheet is located near the entrance of the meeting room for in-person meetings. At remote meetings, you will be asked to email the meeting administrator who is listed on the public meeting notice.
When the Chairperson calls your name, please be prepared to share your testimony by being present in the room, or by turning on your camera and sound if you are participating remotely.
Addressing the Commission or board:
- If you can, speak clearly into the microphone. All comments are electronically recorded.
- Address the Chair, Vice-Chair, Executive Director, and members of the Commission: "Chair ____, Vice-Chair ____, Executive Director ____, and Members of the Commission…"
- For the record, state your name and the organization you represent (if any).
- If you have submitted written comments, please summarize instead of reading word for word.
- It is helpful to conclude with a comment such as: "Thank you and I'd be happy to answer any questions."
Depending upon time constraints, public comment may be limited to a few minutes for each person.
Submitting Written Public Comment
Written public comments may be submitted to the meeting administrator listed in the public meeting notice and on the web page for each board or public body. Written comment will be shared with Commissioners or board members, and shared publicly in the meeting documents for that public body.