Higher Education in New York State: A New Era of Collaboration & Cooperation

by Johanna Duncan-Poitier, Deputy Commissioner

Welcome to the Higher Education Bulletin, the first edition of a periodic newsletter from the State Education Department's Office of Higher Education (OHE). With the Bulletin, our goal is to provide timely, useful information to the higher education community.

While continuing as Deputy Commissioner for the Department's Office of the Professions, I was pleased to also accept the Regents appointment as Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Higher Education. Since that appointment in December 2001, I have met with many individuals from the higher education community, including sector leaders representing the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), and independent and proprietary colleges and universities; college and university presidents, deans and faculty; business and union leaders; State legislators, and others. All have given generously of their time. These meetings have begun an important process to ensure that OHE is responsive to the field and to those who rely on the State's outstanding higher education institutions.

Higher education leaders have asked the Office to provide timely, practical, and consistent information about our programs and the policy directions of the Board of Regents. The Bulletin is just the start. You have a right to expect clear direction from OHE, and we want our actions to demonstrate that we share your commitment to the robust evolution of the institutions that serve our students. We will collaborate to secure the relevance, integrity, and success of New York's system of higher education. Communication is key to that effort.

In this issue, we look at opportunities to define a strong vision for the future, including a new approach to the Statewide planning process, New Century Libraries, new funding for Alternative Teacher Certification programs, upcoming teaching and leadership forums, and more. As we go forward, the Bulletin will feature our latest initiatives and how we can work together to support students and the programs that prepare them. To show the leadership we expect from this community, we will also highlight our own efforts to ensure that OHE delivers the performance this community deserves. As a cornerstone of The University of the State of New York, higher education must thrive under the partnerships we form. Thank you for your support.

Please e-mail comments, suggestions, and ideas to hedepcom@mail.nysed.gov.