Comprehensive Statewide Plan for Postsecondary Education

The constitution and statutes of Nebraska assign the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education the responsibility for comprehensive planning for postsecondary education in Nebraska. The purpose of the "Comprehensive Plan for Postsecondary Education" is to provide direction for the future of postsecondary education in Nebraska. It identifies goals that will lead to an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive, and coordinated higher education network throughout the state. It is used by the Coordinating Commission to facilitate most of its statutory decision-making processes. For the state and its students to receive maximum benefits, the Comprehensive Plan must be accepted and supported by the educational community, the governor, the Legislature, businesses, and citizens within the state. The Comprehensive Plan is built upon the foundation of existing postsecondary educational institutions within the state, the current and projected demographics of the state, the economic and political realities of the state, and the state's constitution and statutes. By statute, the Plan must include the role and mission assignments for each public postsecondary education institution, as well as the Commission's recommended guidelines on issues such as tuition and fee levels, admission standards, dual credit, and articulation. It is the shared vision and statewide goals, however, that most influence the design of the Comprehensive Plan. As the environment for postsecondary education changes, the Comprehensive Plan must continually evolve and adjust. It is the responsibility of those who are interested in education and care about Nebraska's future to review regularly this vital document to assure it meets the state's changing needs. A review of Nebraska's evolving environment and the Comprehensive Plan's vision, goals, and guidelines was undertaken in 2015 and in 2016. Additional review and revisions will follow. The following are appended: (1) Nebraska Postsecondary Education Institutions; (2) Guidelines for Distance Learning; and (3) Commission-Established Peer Lists.