Engage in Our Public Policy and Funding Work

Greetings! We invite you to stay engaged in the public work we do for Oregonians. As a policy and funding coordinating commission and agency, we work with people across the state whose perspectives inform and improve our decisions, programs, and services. There are many ways to engage with the work of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is the State of Oregon’s Commission and agency working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. The HECC coordinates funding and policy for postsecondary education and training, and convenes partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. We work to improve affordability, student success, equity, and economic and community impact.

• Read a short introduction to the HECC here.
  

Learn more about the key responsibilities assigned to our Commission by Oregon law. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (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 seven other advisory boards or public bodies described here.

Who Can Engage in Our Work for Oregonians?

Anyone who is interested in our work or impacted by our work can get involved! We work for all Oregonians. We consult with organizational partners and equity advisory groups on an ongoing basis. Some of our ongoing partners are listed here, and we encourage the involvement of new partners. Read about our engagement with Oregon Tribes through the Government-to-Government process here.

Engage in Public Meetings and Hearings

Anyone can provide written or public comment to our Commission or one of our advisory boards about the topics they are considering. You can find the topics for consideration on the agenda for each public meeting or the notice for a public hearing. The agenda and materials for public meetings are available on the web page for each board or commission.

• Sign up for public meeting notices here to learn when/where a meeting is, and what is on the public agenda for an upcoming meeting.
• Get an introduction to the standard process for public testimony at a meeting here.
  

What Do Our Commissions and Boards Do?

Each board or advisory committee has specific authorities that determine the topics for their public meetings. Learn more about the responsibilities of the HECC and its affiliated boards at the links below. We also convene public hearings about proposed changes to Oregon Administrative Rules pertaining to the HECC and its programs.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission and Workforce and Talent Development Board

Other Advisory Boards and Public Bodies

We convene public meetings for numerous advisory boards, committees, consortia and other public bodies.

Partner With Us in Achieving State Goals

Oregon has statewide goals for educational attainment and a strategic plan to help us achieve them. We invite you to learn about and use our strategic planning, research, and resources.

• Join us in implementing Oregon’s Strategic Roadmap for Postsecondary Education and Training: The Strategic Roadmap is designed as a resource not just for the HECC but also for institutions and partners statewide. We invite you to consider how your work can contribute.
• Join us in applying the Equity Lens: Join us in our work to change systems to better serve Oregonians who are currently and historically underserved in postsecondary education and training. The Equity Lens is a foundational document that the HECC uses—and encourages partners to use—to make intentional equity-informed decisions, actions, targeted interventions, and investments.
• Use HECC Research and Data to help guide decisions: The HECC publishes numerous reports, metrics, and analyses to help guide Oregon’s collective progress toward state educational attainment and workforce goals.
• Engage in programs and initiatives underway: If you have questions about any of our initiatives or wish to get involved, please feel free to email the contacts listed on the web page for each topic. If you don’t know whom to contact, email us at info.hecc@hecc.oregon.gov.
  • Learn about featured initiatives underway.
    
  • Read about the work of our eight offices.
    
  • Find legislative and budget development resources.
    

Get the Latest News

• Read our latest news and announcements.
  
• Subscribe to receive newsletters, press releases, public meeting notices, and more by email.
  

Request a Presentation or a Meeting

• Request an outreach presentation on financial aid or college/career planning: The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) welcomes requests for presentations and workshops. OSAC gives presentations to students, families, and career/college access staff across Oregon on a variety of topics related to career and college readiness.
• Learn about our equity work and meet our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility team: We would be happy to meet with community members and diverse communities to provide resources or discuss our equity goals.
  

Share Updates With Students and Learners in Your Community

• Access Free Publications and Webinars: We offer brochures and posters, events, webinars, and more to help students and those who support them navigate the world of financial aid, college, and careers.
  
• Sign up for newsletters on financial aid programs, equity updates, and more.