The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) was established in 1965 by the legislature. In January, 2008, Senate Bill 08-018 made the Department of Higher Education (DHE) separate from CCHE in order to clarify the individual roles of the DHE and CCHE.
Our Mission
We support students, advocate and develop policies to maximize higher education opportunities for all.
Our Vision
All Coloradans will have an education beyond high school to pursue their dreams and improve our communities.
Annual Report
The Department publishes an annual report that includes a snapshot of the goals, challenges, and work of the Department.
Our Values
Collaborative
Collaborate - Latin, collaborat, 'worked with.'
We work to bridge gaps between partners by facilitating, convening and listening, as a result strengthening our higher education ecosystem.
Data-Driven
Data-Driven - 'compelled by data, rather than by intuition or personal experience.'
Our robust data collection efforts allow us to identify programs and supports that inform best practices for education providers, so students thrive.
Inclusive
Inclusive - Latin, inclusionem, 'act of making a part of.'
We set policies and initiate programs that serve ALL students, focusing on students from underrepresented backgrounds to eliminate equity gaps.
Student-Focused
Student-Focused - 'a wide variety of educational programs, learning experiences, instructional approaches and academic-support strategies that are intended to address the distinct learning needs, interests, aspirations, or cultural backgrounds of individual students and groups of students.'
Meeting the needs of students (of all ages) is at the core of everything we do. Adopting a student-focused approach to our actions enables us to be better advocates for student success.
We work...
With Integrity
Integrity - Latin, integritas, intact, 'being honest and having strong moral principles.'
We are honest brokers, promoting and prioritizing the needs of our students with caring consideration.
Towards Fulfillment
Fulfillment - 'the act or process of fulfilling'
We are passionate leaders that seek meaning in work and life. We are curious and pursue opportunities to grow and explore.