Introduction

Welfare reform is a fundamental transformation of public policy. The magnitude of change is such that higher education systems will be impacted by this reform. Accordingly, higher education faces several challenges in accommodating needs is this area, particularly since state human service departments are leading the reform. This issue of Policy Insights provides background on the reform, discusses initial challenges faced by two- and four-year institutions, highlights some unique approaches to this initiative in the western states, and outlines policy implications for states and campuses. As the impact of the work requirements of the reform are profound, colleges and universities and higher education coordinating and governing boards have an important opportunity to exert greater leadership on the development of this federal initiative.

RECENT developments at the federal level involve devolution of responsibilities to the states. A key piece of this movement was welfare reform and state plans to implement reform measures. Early indications from higher education coordinating and governing boards suggest awareness of welfare reform and dismay at not having been invited to the planning table for designing and instituting changes.

Human service departments are leading state welfare reform efforts. Some departments established direct agreements with individual institutions rather than with higher education systems and proceeded with action plans without involving their higher education system.

The potential impact of the work requirements is extensive, and campuses and higher education coordinating and governing boards have an opportunity to exert leadership at the state level with this federal initiative.

This issue of Policy Insights was prepared by Lillian Montoya-Rael, Deputy Director, New Mexico Commission on Higher Education.

Policy Insights is a series designed as a companion publication for WICHE's recently published fact book, Policy Indicators for Higher Education: WICHE States. Drawing on the indicators contained in the fact book and information from other sources, Policy Insights examines current issues in higher education from the perspective of policymakers at the state level and on the campus.  Paper copies of any Policy Insights can be ordered electronically though the WICHE Publications Order Form.  There is no charge for paper copies of Policy Insights.

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education -- WICHE -- promotes and facilitates resource sharing, collaboration, and cooperative planning among western states and their colleges and universities. This includes communicating research information and policy analysis on vital issues in higher education to education and government policymakers. Member and affiliated states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

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