Oregon commission studies access and finances at public colleges

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission must study Oregon’s post-secondary education system and recommend a framework for its design and operation. The study covers Oregon’s post-secondary education system, including its public colleges and universities. Recommendations must address access for students across locations, including rural and underserved communities, economic and job needs, and the financial health of each institution and the system. The commission must consult public higher education institutions, including faculty, staff, and students, and other stakeholders it identifies. The law took effect when passed. A preliminary report is due October 1, 2026, and a final report is due April 1, 2027.

The commission must assess institutional missions and opportunities for collaboration, restructuring, or integration. The mission review must cover community colleges, public universities, regional universities, and research universities. The review must consider research, public service, teaching, academic programs, education models, and the students served. The law’s findings identify community colleges as locally governed and note their taxing authority and fiscal responsibilities. The commission must include its study results in reports due October 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027.

The commission may study additional topics and may use contractors to carry out the study. These options apply to the commission’s study of Oregon’s post-secondary education system. Additional topics may include workforce programs, duplicated or unmet programs, links between students and employers, funding approaches, affordability, and institutional financial health. The commission may use contractors while carrying out the study. It must send its reports by October 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027.