Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education

Board of Governors for Higher Education Each state has a structure that governs and coordinates the system of public higher education. Rhode Island’s structure is highly efficient for a state of its size and complexity.

Rhode Island System of Public Higher Education Who Are We? Created by Education Act of 1981 Governing Board for Public Higher Education in Rhode Island Separate Legal Entity (Quasi-Public Agency) Accountable for Providing Access, Academic Quality and Sound Fiscal Management

Rhode Island System of Public Higher Education Who Are We? Board of Governors for Higher Education Office of Higher Education Three Institutions of Higher Education Community College of Rhode Island Rhode Island College University of Rhode Island

Board of Governors for Higher Education Who Are We? Membership 12 Public Members Appointed by the Governor - Limited to 3 Terms (staggered) of 3 Years 1 Student Limited to 1 Term of 2 Years; Rotated Among 3 Institutions 2 Legislators

Office of Higher Education Who Are We? 21 Professional and Support Personnel Providing Staff Support to the Board of Governors Academic and Student Affairs Commissioner’s Office External Relations Finance and Management Legal/Labor Relations

Three Institutions With Unique Missions Who Are We? URI University of Rhode Island Research University Several Renowned Scholars and Professionals Nationally Ranked Oceanography Program Student Body from all 50 States and Several Foreign Countries

Three Institutions With Unique Missions Who Are We? RIC Rhode Island College Four-Year Comprehensive Teaching Institution Nationally Accredited Education and Social Work Programs Largest Teacher Preparation Program in the State 90% of Student Body are RI Residents

Three Institutions With Unique Missions Who Are We? CCRI Community College of Rhode Island New England’s Largest Two-Year Institution 99% of Student Body are RI Residents Transfer and Career Programs Job Training and Workforce Development Community Outreach Programs Developmental Education

Board and Governors and Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Develop Vision for Public Higher Education in Rhode Island Exercise Leadership Coordinate Regulate Ensure Quality Ensure Accountability Promote Economic Development

Board and Governors and Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Exercise Leadership Improve Rhode Island Educational Attainment* to that of Lead States by 2015 through: Preparation Participation Quality Workforce Economic Development *Current Rank – 18th in the Nation and 5th in New England

Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Coordinate Enhance Access through Transfer/Articulation Manage Programmatic Duplication Oversee the Implementation of Technology System wide Collaborate Closely with State System of K-12

Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Regulate Oversee Proprietary Schools Provide Consumer Protection Ensure Financial Integrity Approve Academic Degree Programs Rhode Island Public Higher Education Institutions Some Independent Institutions

Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Provide Quality Assurance Set High Academic Standards for: Students Institutions Programs of Study Establish Clear Ways to Measure Performance Promote Student Learning and Success Improve Teacher Preparation Promote PK-16 Alignment

Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Ensure Accountability Establish and Monitor Performance Indicators Produce One Budget for Public Higher Education Allocate State Appropriations to Three Institutions Conduct Performance and Internal Audits Develop and Monitor Capital Spending Plans Oversee Major Capital Projects – Including Debt Management Operate Efficiently and Responsibly within State Budget Allocation Never Seek Supplemental Appropriations

Office of Higher Education What Do We Do? Promote Economic Development Encourage Campus Entrepreneurship Conduct Workforce Training Use University Research to Create New Businesses and Industries for the State

Scope of Economic Impact Considerable Return on Investment FY 2004 State Appropriation - $172.1M Total System Budget - $596.7M 37,160 Students Enrolled in the System 31,561 In-State Students 5,599 Out-of-State and International Students 3,859 Professional and Support Personnel Economic Impact Projected at Over a Billion Dollars Annually

Auxiliary Enterprises Economic Impact Manage Large Businesses Dining Services Housing Bookstore Health Services Student Union Total Budget of $64.0M Funded by Student Fees – By Statute No State Funds Can Support Auxiliary Operations

Research Economic Impact Federal, State and Non-Profit Dollars Contribute Significantly to Local Economy $71.2M in Research Funds Most Projects are Self-Supporting

Benefits of Higher Education College Graduates Higher Incomes Contribute More to State Revenue Higher Employment Rate Increased Participation in Democratic Process Higher Standard of Living More Civically Engaged More Involved in their Children’s Education

Challenges and Opportunities Budget Trends/Rankings – State Appropriation RI Ranks 44th Nationally in Terms of Per Capita State Appropriations for Higher Education (RIPEC) FY 2004 Appropriation is $2.7M More than FY 2003 but $2.4M Less than FY 2002 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 $152.1 $162.8 $174.5 $169.4 $172.1

Challenges and Opportunities Flexibility with Accountability Relief from FTE Cap Promote Entrepreneurship Through an Ethics “Carve-Out” Bill CCRI Newport Outreach to Aquidneck Island and East Bay New Facility Requires Additional Faculty and Staff

Major Challenge How to Remain Accessible and Affordable in the Face of Declining State Support

Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education