Overview

The WICHE Commissioners created the Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC) in 1995 to inform the Commission and staff about significant legislative issues related to higher education; provide input on WICHE initiatives; and advise staff on program considerations related to WICHE's policy workshops. Today, the LAC serves these purposes and also works to strengthen state policymaking in higher education in the West by engaging legislators who are appointed by the WICHE Commission in the discussion of relevant higher education issues and by seeking their input on strategies for interstate collaboration. WICHE also serves as an information resource for LAC members. The LAC meets annually (generally in September), and members are invited to other WICHE activities, such as policy forums and webinars.

WICHE Commissioners who are state legislators are automatically appointed to the LAC. Each WICHE state and territory is allotted two LAC members, unless one or more of the WICHE Commissioners from the state or territory is also a legislator, in which case the state or territory is allotted three members. Each LAC member serves a two-year term and may be reappointed at the discretion of the WICHE Commissioners.