CALIFORNIA POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION COMMISSION
CPEC History
The California Postsecondary Education Commission was established in 1974 as the State planning and coordinating
body for higher education by Assembly Bill 770 (Chapter 1187 of the Statutes of 1973), Education Code
Section Education Code 66900-66906. The Commission serves a unique role in integrating policy, fiscal,
and programmatic analyses about California's entire system of postsecondary education;
"to assure the effective utilization of public postsecondary education resources, thereby eliminating waste
and unnecessary duplication, and to promote diversity, innovation, and responsiveness to student and societal
needs through planning and coordination."
Composition
The Commission consists of
16 members, nine of whom represent the general public, five who represent the
major systems of California education the California Community Colleges, the California State University,
the University of California, the independent colleges and universities, and the California State Board of Education),
and two student representatives.
Coordination
The Commission appoints its
executive director who coordinates the agency's staff to carry out the day to day
work of the Commission. Its external affairs staff interacts on a daily basis with legislators and their staff,
administrative offices, governmental officials, and media representatives. Its research staff prepares analyses,
briefs, and numerous publications approved and published by the Commission. They also engage in various
continuing activities such as reviewing proposed academic programs, new campuses or centers,
conducting data analysis of student flow, and responding to requests of the Legislature and Governor.
Responsibilities
Among the duties and responsibilities of the Commission are the following:
Provide independent, comprehensive, and timely information about student enrollment, educational outcomes and other educational policy issues;
Conduct long-range planning of the needs for new college or university campuses in light of projected enrollment demand;
Review proposals from public colleges and universities for new degree programs;
Serve as the State's primary information clearinghouse for postsecondary education;
Evaluate budget requests of State-supported colleges and universities;
Develop policy recommendations regarding financial aid programs for California students;
Seek strategies for greater efficiency and cost containment in postsecondary education;
Administer federal programs that improve teacher training by facilitating collaboration between K-12 and higher education faculties;
Recommend to the Legislature and the Governor legislation the Commission deems necessary or appropriate to improve postsecondary education in California;
Encourage greater cooperation and collaboration between and among California educational systems.