California Postsecondary Education Commission

Purpose

The 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education recognized that critical to the success of the State's tripartite system of public higher education was a central body responsible for coordination and planning for higher education. The California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) has had this role since 1974.

The Commission serves California "to assure the effective utilization of public postsecondary education resources, thereby eliminating waste and unnecessary duplication, and to promote diversity, innovation, and responsiveness to student and societal needs through planning and coordination."

Comprehensive statewide planning for postsecondary education in the State is perhaps the most significant of the Commission's multiple responsibilities.

The Commission consists of 16 members (Outside Source), nine of whom represent the general public, five who represent the major systems of California education (the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, the independent colleges and universities, and the State Board of Education), and two student representatives.

There is also a statutory advisory committee with staff representatives designated from each segment, including a designee for the Superintendent.

Program/Services

Among the duties and responsibilities of the Commission are the following:

• Provide independent, comprehensive, and timely information about student enrollment, educational outcomes and other educational policy issues;
• Conduct long-range planning of the needs for new college or university campuses in light of projected enrollment demand;
• Review proposals from public colleges and universities for new degree programs;
• Serve as the State's primary information clearinghouse for postsecondary education;
• Evaluate budget requests of State-supported colleges and universities;
• Develop policy recommendations regarding financial aid programs for California students;
• Seek strategies for greater efficiency and cost containment in postsecondary education;
• Administer federal programs that improve teacher training by facilitating collaboration between K-12 and higher education faculties;
• Recommend to the Legislature and the Governor legislation the Commission deems necessary or appropriate to improve postsecondary education in California;
• Encourage greater cooperation and collaboration between and among California educational systems.

The Commission holds scheduled meetings which are open to the public.

Funding

Funding is appropriated annually in the State Budget.

Results

The CPEC issues reports on the topics noted above.

Contact Information

Robert Bakke
Education Programs Consultant
916-319-0459
rbakke@cde.ca.gov