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How WICHE Advances its Mission

Our Vision

WICHE will strive to provide access to postsecondary education opportunities that are both valuable and equitable for residents of the West, so that all may realize their potential as individuals and contribute to the region’s economic, social, and cultural vitality.

 

Our Mission

WICHE works collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West. By promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy, WICHE strengthens higher education’s contributions to the region’s social, economic, and civic life.

 

The Workplan

Each May, WICHE’s 48-member commission develops and approves the organization’s annual Workplan. The Workplan outlines the diverse set of activities, projects, and initiatives that the WICHE Commission has prioritized for the fiscal year beginning July 1, all of which are intended to advance WICHE’s mission.

 

Our Strategic Priorities

WICHE undertakes its work in the following five areas, identified and approved by the WICHE Commission in its annual Workplan:

 

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Supporting the alignment of appropriations, tuition, and financial aid policy and practice at the institutional, state, and federal levels to make postsecondary education more accessible to those who seek it.

Improving access to and success in postsecondary education for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved, by developing and sharing evidence-based strategies to increase student outreach and engagement.

Collaborating across all sectors, including but not limited to behavioral health, business, and industry, to meet the region’s workforce needs so that our communities can thrive.

Developing and supporting advancements in teaching and learning, student services, and technology to help students access and succeed in postsecondary education and increase the value of their investment after completion.

Collecting and measuring sound data about postgraduate outcomes to determine the true value of WICHE’s partnerships for students and society at large so that we can continually improve how students, institutions, and WICHE members spend their time, effort, and money on postsecondary education and workforce training.