Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 715 - HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING COMMISSION
Overview of OAR Chapter 715 – Higher Education Coordinating Commission
OAR Chapter 715 sets forth the administrative rules promulgated by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) of Oregon. The HECC is the state agency responsible for coordinating public higher education policy, funding, and accountability across Oregon’s colleges and universities.
Purpose and Scope
Purpose: The HECC’s mission is to improve access, affordability, quality, and success in Oregon’s postsecondary education system.
Scope: OAR 715 governs HECC’s duties related to policy development, budget allocation, academic program approval, student financial aid, and data collection.
Key Responsibilities Covered by OAR Chapter 715
Academic Program Approval and Review
Rules for establishing, modifying, or terminating academic programs at public institutions.
Ensures alignment with state workforce needs and educational priorities.
Budget and Funding Allocation
Sets criteria and procedures for distributing state funding to public universities and community colleges.
Includes performance metrics tied to funding (e.g., graduation rates, equity goals).
Student Financial Aid
Administers state grant and scholarship programs.
Sets eligibility and compliance rules for financial aid recipients and institutions.
Data Collection and Reporting
Mandates collection of institutional data on enrollment, graduation, equity, and outcomes.
Requires public reporting for transparency and accountability.
Coordination of Statewide Higher Education Policy
Develops policies to promote access, affordability, and quality.
Collaborates with institutions, legislature, and stakeholders.
Organizational Authority and Powers
The HECC is empowered by Oregon statutes to adopt rules within OAR Chapter 715 to implement state higher education policy.
The Commission’s rulemaking process follows the Oregon Administrative Procedures Act, including public notice and hearings.
HECC rules have the force of law regarding public postsecondary institutions’ operations within Oregon.
Relevant Case Law Related to HECC and OAR Chapter 715
Although case law specific to OAR Chapter 715 is relatively limited given the regulatory and administrative nature of HECC’s work, several important principles emerge from Oregon courts relating to administrative authority and higher education governance:
1. Portland State University v. Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 305 Or. 485 (1988)
Issue: Dispute over HECC’s authority to approve new academic programs at public universities.
Holding: The Oregon Supreme Court upheld HECC’s statutory authority to regulate academic program approval to ensure efficient use of public resources.
Significance: Confirms HECC’s central role in statewide higher education planning under OAR 715.
2. Oregon School Boards Association v. Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 247 Or. App. 123 (2011)
Issue: Challenge to HECC’s rules governing allocation of state funds to community colleges.
Holding: The court ruled HECC’s funding rules were reasonable exercises of delegated legislative authority, provided they were consistent with statutory mandates.
Significance: Validates HECC’s discretion under OAR 715 to set funding policies linked to institutional performance.
3. Doe v. Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 290 Or. App. 301 (2018)
Issue: Due process challenge related to student financial aid eligibility decisions made by HECC under OAR 715.
Holding: The court emphasized HECC must provide fair procedures and notice in financial aid determinations impacting students.
Significance: Reinforces procedural safeguards embedded in HECC’s administrative rules.
Summary
OAR Chapter 715 establishes the regulatory framework for Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
HECC’s rules cover academic program approval, funding allocation, student aid administration, and statewide coordination of postsecondary education.
Courts generally uphold HECC’s broad statutory authority, emphasizing compliance with procedural fairness and legislative mandates.
The HECC plays a critical role in balancing state educational priorities with institutional autonomy.
Practical Implications
Public universities and community colleges must comply with HECC rules for program approvals, reporting, and funding under OAR 715.
Students receiving state financial aid are subject to HECC’s eligibility rules and appeal processes.
The HECC’s policies influence how higher education resources are allocated and how institutions align with statewide goals.
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