The Board of Governors for Higher Education has many responsibilities.
THESE INCLUDE SETTING STATEWIDE TUITION AND FEE POLICIES, DEVELOPING FINANCIAL AID POLICIES, AND APPROVING ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES.
We will explore the work of the Connecticut Board of Governors in more detail.
In essence, the Board of Governors strives to enhance the potential of postsecondary education for all state residents and advocates for students, taxpayers and the postsecondary institutions under its jurisdiction. Naturally, the Board’s superior performance will result in improved education statistics for Connecticut.
In addition to administering student financial aid, its primary state responsibilities include the licensing and accreditation of Connecticut’s independent colleges and universities. As for its major federal responsibilities, they include AmeriCorps, veterans’ program approval, and the Teacher Quality Partnership approval program.
The Composition Of The Board
The Board of Governors is composed of 19 members who are leaders in the Connecticut community and reflect the geographic, racial and ethnic diversity of the state.
Voting members of the Board of Regents may not be employed by or serve as elected officials of any other public governing body while serving on the Board of Regents for Higher Education.
Nine board members are appointed by the Governor of Connecticut. The majority and minority leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly appoint four additional board members.
Below are some of the programmes under the jurisdiction of the Board of Governors.
The Academic Approval Program
The Board of Governors protects the interests of students and prospective students at Connecticut’s independent colleges and universities.
THE BOARD STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS ARE MAINTAINED BY THE DEGREE-GRANTING INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
The Minority Advancement Program
This initiative of the Connecticut Board of Governors helps high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain the knowledge and academic support necessary to succeed in college.
It also provides funding, through a competitive review process, to Connecticut colleges and universities for activities that improve student college readiness, retention and graduation.
The Alternate Route To Teacher Certification
This weekend program is ideal for adults who want to continue teaching. Administered by the Office of Higher Education and approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education, the ARC focuses on subject-specific methods.
IT PROVIDES TRAINING IN AREAS SUCH AS THE COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS, CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT, AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING.
ARC students observe classrooms, cooperating teachers, and ARC evaluators who receive team training during their student teaching practicum.
The Connecticut Commission On Community Service
This applies to those applying for an AmeriCorps grant.
The Commission oversees programs under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993.
This service is committed to promoting service and civic involvement to strengthen communities throughout Connecticut.
It works with the Office of Higher Education to fund and support programs that encourage volunteerism among Connecticut residents.
Here’s a detailed list of the Connecticut Board of Governors staff.
The Executive Staff
Mark E. Ojakian: President, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
Jane McBride Gates: Provost and Senior VP Academic and Student Affairs
David L. Kevinson: Vice President for Community Colleges
Elsa Nunez: Vice President for State Universities
The Senior Staff
Sean Bradbury: Director Of Government Relations
Erin Fitzgerald: Associate Director for Board Affairs
Maribel La Luz: Director of Communications
William J. Gammell: Director of Research and System Effectiveness
Michael Kzlowski: Director of Strategic Initiatives
Ernestine Y. Weaver: Counsel
Erika H. Steiner: Chief Financial Officer
Alice Pritchard: Chief of Staff
Steven Weinberger: Vice President for Human Resources
Joe Tolisano: Chief Information Officer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary responsibilities of the Connecticut Board of Governors For Higher Education?
The Connecticut Board Of Governors For Higher Education’s primary responsibility is to oversee and direct Connecticut’s higher education system. This includes setting tuition and fee policies, developing financial aid policies, approving academic programs, ensuring educational quality, and accrediting independent colleges and universities. In addition, the Board is charged with strategic planning for higher education in the state and ensuring that educational institutions meet state and federal standards.
How does the Board influence the quality of higher education in Connecticut?
The Board has a significant impact on the quality of higher education by setting academic standards, approving and monitoring academic programs, and ensuring that institutions adhere to quality educational practices. Through its policies and initiatives, the Board promotes academic excellence, encourages innovation, and ensures that educational institutions provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce and in society.
What programs and initiatives does the Board oversee?
The Board oversees a wide range of programs and initiatives, including the Academic Approval Program for independent colleges and universities, the Minority Advancement Program to support underprivileged high school students, and the Alternate Route To Teacher Certification (ARC) for adults pursuing a career in teaching. It also works with educational institutions on initiatives to improve college readiness, retention, and graduation rates.
How can the public get involved in the Board’s work?
The public can participate in the Board’s activities in a variety of ways, including attending public meetings, participating in community outreach programs, and providing feedback through public input channels. The Board encourages the active participation of community members in shaping the future of higher education in Connecticut.
What is the Board’s role in financial management and budgeting for higher education?
The Board plays a critical role in financial management and budgeting for higher education in Connecticut. It is responsible for overseeing the allocation and distribution of funds to higher education institutions, ensuring fiscal accountability, and managing budgets effectively. The Board also identifies funding sources and develops strategies for the efficient use of financial resources to support educational goals.
How does the Board anticipate and respond to future trends in higher education?
The Board anticipates and responds to future trends in higher education by staying informed about emerging educational needs, technological advances, and changes in the workforce. It actively engages in strategic planning, adopts innovative educational practices, and collaborates with government, industry, and educational institutions to align higher education programs with future societal and economic needs.
