Executive
The Executive Division ensures that CCHE and CDHE’s array of policies are coordinated, consistent and aligned to address the goals of the strategic plan, the Governor’s agenda, and the needs of Colorado’s postsecondary students. In addition, this division manages the strategy and advocacy efforts on legislative proposals that impact higher education. Finally, the division coordinates all “outward facing” messaging and publications, to ensure clarity and consistency in postsecondary education communications. The division encompasses communication, outreach and community engagement, project management, operations, IT and legislative matters.
Budget and Finance
The finance and budget team focuses on budget development and management, financial aid policy, administration and accounting. This division manages the department budget, contracts and compliance with state fiscal rules. The accounting department is responsible for tracking funds, managing payroll and making payments to outside vendors or institutions.
Data Analysis, Research and Policy
Data, Research, and Policy manages CDHE’s data infrastructure to ensure secure, well- governed, and high-quality data that support targeted research and policy. The division is the main steward of individual-level data received from various sources. Data are collected from Colorado postsecondary institutions throughout the academic year through the Student Unit Record Data System (SURDS).
Division of Private Occupational Schools
The Division of Private Occupational Schools is the only regulatory division within the CDHE and is responsible for regulating approximately 300 private occupational schools. The division administers the Private Occupational School Act on behalf of the governor appointed Private Occupational School Board, which meets monthly to approve new schools, school renewals, school programs and courses per the Act and Rules. To protect students against fraudulent and substandard educational practices, the board also reviews division investigations and issues disciplinary actions against schools when appropriate.
Office of Educational Equity
The Office of Educational Equity works with IHEs to establish and inform statewide policy, acts as a conduit and amplifier of best practices and provides technical assistance. The office receives support from Lumina Foundation and is committed to promoting the public value of higher education and encouraging the general public to direct funding in a way that mirrors the diversity in the state and erases racial/ ethnic/income/geographic equity gaps.
Student and Academic Affairs
This division is responsible for academic and student affairs policy development and program implementation. Specifically, this division collaborates with public institutions in developing and implementing new policies and communicates broadly to stakeholders affected by these changes.
GEAR UP
GEAR UP is a national, federally funded pre-collegiate grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP is an acronym that stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness For Undergraduate Preparation.
Colorado Collegiate Apprenticeship Program
The Colorado Collegiate Apprenticeship Program leverages a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and over a $5 million dollar match from businesses to create 5,000 adult healthcare apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
Office of Industry Partnerships
The Office of Industry Partnerships promotes and encourages practical workplace experiences like student internships, cooperative education and apprenticeships that complement academic programming.
CollegeInvest
CollegeInvest provides a variety of savings options that meet the needs of Colorado families, regardless of saving and investment preferences. CollegeInvest provides expert information, simple financial planning tools, and tax advantaged 529 college savings plans to help Coloradans achieve their higher education goals.