University of Hawaiʻi President Elected to Lead WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – David Lassner, president of the University of Hawaiʻi, where he leads both the 10-campus system that is the state’s sole provider of public postsecondary education and its flagship R1 research university, was elected as the 2022...

Dr. Raymonda ‘Ray’ Burgman Selected as Vice President, Programs and Services

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Raymonda “Ray” Burgman has been selected as its new Vice President, Programs and Services. Burgman brings over 20 years of experience in a...

The Federated States of Micronesia Joins WICHE

BOULDER, Colo. – The Federated States of Micronesia has joined the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, allowing more students in the Pacific Islands region access to tuition savings, workforce development, and behavioral health programs. The Federated States of...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands joins WICHE

BOULDER, Colo. – Starting July 1, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is joining the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education as part of its Pacific Island membership, which allows more students access to tuition savings, workforce development, and...

Strengthening the Academic Success of American Indian and Alaska Native Students

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has released two reports examining efforts to improve the college experience and increase graduation rates of American Indian and Alaska Native students. These works are both part of WICHE’s...

WICHE and New Mexico State University receive $300,000 NSF grant to develop unique transfer model

BOULDER, Colo. –  The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), in collaboration with its branch community colleges, are partnering on an important effort to bring more undergraduate transfer students in Science, Technology,...

Dr. Melody Rose is appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Dr. Melody Rose, chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), has been appointed by Gov. Steve Sisolak to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s 48 commissioners are appointed by the governors...

Red Rocks Community College Embodies ‘The Show Must Go On’ With Innovative Approach During COVID-19

BOULDER, Colo. – “Building Bridges in the Dark: Actions that Held Together a Theater Department in a Pandemic” from Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) in Colorado is a winning submission in this year’s Academic Leaders Toolkit. RRCC was recognized...

Boot Camp-Style Course for First-Year Students at University of Nevada, Reno Wins Award

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Nevada, Reno was recognized for its innovative one-credit course designed to better prepare first-year students for the rigors of college life. NevadaFIT (which stands for “Freshman Intensive Transition”) is a winning submission in...

Cathy Dinauer Appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Cathy Dinauer, the Executive Director of the Nevada State Board of Nursing, was recently appointed by Governor Steve Sisolak to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact of Western states and territories...

WICHE Receives New Funding to Expand the Interstate Passport Network

ECMC Foundation awards $500,000 grant to expand participation among Minority Serving Institutions in the Interstate Passport® Network   BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from ECMC Foundation to support...

Higher Education Compacts Come Together to Help Students Succeed with Open Educational Resources

BOULDER, Colo. – State leaders, postsecondary education institutions, and education leaders are working across state lines to promote the adoption of open educational resources (OER) to help millions of students access high-quality learning materials that are free to use,...

President of The CIRI Foundation named next chair of WICHE

Susan Anderson of Alaska takes the helm of the 48-member interstate compact commission in the West. BOULDER, Colo. – Susan Anderson, President/CEO of The CIRI Foundation (TCF), was elected as the 2021 chair of the Western Interstate Commission for...

Tanya Spilovoy honored with Outstanding Service Award from Midwestern Higher Education Compact

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tanya Spilovoy, Director of Open Policy at the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET), received the Midwestern Higher Education Compact’s (MHEC) Outstanding Service Award on November 9, during the commission’s Annual Commission Meeting, held virtually due...

Dr. John Morton appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Dr. John Morton, Vice President Emeritus of Community Colleges of the University of Hawai‘i, was recently appointed by Governor David Ige to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact of Western states...

Los Angeles Community College District joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The Los Angeles Community College District – made up of nine colleges serving the greater Los Angeles County area – has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities...

Western Colorado University is newest member of the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Western Colorado University, located in Gunnison, Colorado, has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Western becomes the 56th member of...

New Mexico State University joins the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – New Mexico State University has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. NMSU becomes the 59th member of the Network and...

University of Nevada, Reno joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Nevada, Reno has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. The University becomes the 58th member of the...

Truckee Meadows Community College joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Truckee Meadows Community College has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Truckee Meadows becomes the 56th member of the Network,...

Nevada State College joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Nevada State College (NSC) has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. NSC becomes the 57th member of the Network, signing...

Casper College joins the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Casper College, located in Casper, Wyoming, has joined the Interstate Passport Network, a national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Casper College is also the third institution...

College of Eastern Idaho joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The College of Eastern Idaho joins the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Located in Idaho Falls, the College of Eastern Idaho...

Chaminade University of Honolulu joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Chaminade University of Honolulu has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Chaminade University becomes the first private institution from the...

Washington State University joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Washington State University (WSU) has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. WSU becomes the first institution from the State of...

National Call to Action to eliminate college transfer barriers now

COVID-19 spurs need for immediate solutions to costly transfer inquiries BOULDER, Colo. – If ever there were a time to simplify how students transfer between colleges, this is it. As a result of COVID-19, thousands upon thousands of students...

American Council on Education to use Passport Learning Outcomes as a workforce framework

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and the American Council on Education (ACE) announce a collaboration to help more students with prior learning attain high-quality postsecondary credentials. WICHE’s Interstate Passport Network®, with 46 members...

University of Alaska Fairbanks joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) becomes the second higher education institution from the state of Alaska to join the Interstate Passport Network. With seven campuses across the state, UAF enrolls more than 8,500 students from all...

University of Alaska Southeast is newest member of Interstate Passport

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Alaska Southeast is the 42nd higher education institution in the country to join the Interstate Passport Network. The third regional university of the University of Alaska system, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) joins...

WICHE Commission approves resolution supporting flexibility in postsecondary education in the West due to COVID-19 outbreak

BOULDER, Colo.—The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our nation’s education systems, including the nearly 400 public and private colleges and universities in 16 Western states and territories. Prospective students face uncertainty about their academic future in...

University of Hawai’i System joins Interstate Passport

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Hawaiʻi System becomes the third higher education system to join the Interstate Passport Network. Joining Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu in the Network are eight additional institutions: Hawaiʻi...

WICHE, WCET part of efforts to develop national network to support scaling, adoption of OER

BOULDER, Colo. – College and university leaders are working across state lines to reduce barriers faced by students and to empower faculty with access to a wide range of instructional materials. WICHE and its sister regional higher education compact organizations...

WICHE elects new officers for 2019-20

Camille Preus, of Oregon, named chair; Susan Anderson, of Alaska, named vice chair; Ray Holmberg, of North Dakota, to serve as immediate past chair Camille Preus, executive director of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), has been elected as...

NewsCap | December 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Jessica Rowland Williams named director of Every Learner Everywhere

BOULDER, Colo. – Jessica Rowland Williams has been named director of Every Learner Everywhere (Every Learner), a network of 12 partners strengthening digital learning in postsecondary institutions. WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies) serves as the intermediary for Every Learner Everywhere....

NewsCap | September 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology joins groundbreaking college transfer network

BOULDER, Colo. – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) becomes the first institution in Illinois to join the Interstate Passport Network (IPN), a nationwide network of two- and four-year colleges and universities that allows students to transfer lower-division...

NewsCap | July 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Postsecondary, legislative, and other leaders attend the Western Interstate Commission’s semi-annual meeting in Bismarck

North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg, chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), convened the interstate agency’s semi-annual meeting on May 20-21 at Bismarck State College. One of four regional higher education compacts in the U.S.,...

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education appoints seven new commissioners

Seven new commissioners were recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western state and territorial members that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of...

Russ Poulin will lead WCET as new WICHE VP of technology-enhanced education

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) today appointed Russ Poulin vice president of technology-enhanced education for WICHE and executive director of WCET (the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies), WICHE President Demarée Michelau announced at the agency’s biannual...

Univ. of Idaho program wins 2019 Colleagues’ Choice award at Forum meeting

A faculty-productivity reporting tool developed at the University of Idaho was honored by the Western Academic Leadership Forum (the Forum) Thursday at the group’s annual meeting in Boulder, Colo.

Williston State College program wins WICHE Bernice Joseph Award

An innovative first-term advising program at Williston State College in North Dakota was honored by the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders (the Alliance) at its annual meeting last Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Behavioral Health VP Mohatt honored for community psychology contributions by APA division

Dennis Mohatt, WICHE vice president for behavioral health, was nominated and selected for the 2019 Distinguished Contributions to Practice in Community Psychology Award by the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), American Psychological Association Division 27 representing the field of community psychology....

NewsCap | April 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

NewsCap | February 2019

This is the February 2019 edition of WICHE's bimonthly newsletter.

WICHE awarded $900,000 for initiative exploring recognition of learning

This WICHE effort, launched in 12/18, incorporates a landscape analysis of postsecondary education recognition of learning policy and practice, and an evaluation of primary learning assessment methods and their impact on student and workforce outcomes.

Five new commissioners appointed to WICHE

Five new commissioners were recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western states and territories that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of the...

Western students saved $417+ million through WICHE tuition-savings programs in 2018-19

America’s largest interstate higher education tuition-savings programs set records in 2018-19 for students enrolled and dollars saved.

NewsCap: December 2018

This is the December 2018 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

California students find tuition discounts, less-crowded campuses out of state

This EdSource story comprehensively featured WICHE's Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, and its value in serving California students.

NewsCap | December 2018

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Statewide Data on OER Savings

This Inside Higher Ed article features WCET Open Policy Director Tanya Spilovoy commenting on a North Dakota state audit that found significant cost savings to be had through use of open educational resources.

North Dakota’s Ray Holmberg elected chair of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks, N.D. was elected Nov. 9 as the new chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), at WICHE’s biannual commission meeting last week in Broomfield, Colo. WICHE, a...

Closing Attainment Gaps at Native-Serving Institutions

This ACT Center for Equity in Learning blog post is authored by Ken Pepion, who recently retired after 25 years of service to WICHE.

Demarée Michelau appointed president of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has appointed Dr. Demarée Michelau president of the regional interstate higher education agency serving 16 Western members, including U.S. states, territories, and freely associated states and their 80 million residents.

NewsCap: October 2018

This is the October 2018 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | October 2018

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

NewsCap | August 2018

This is the August 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NSI Summit July 26-27 sparks progress toward budding alliance

The first annual Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) National Summit was held July 26-27 at the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel, attracting nearly 100 higher education leaders to discuss, debate, and problem-solve issues unique to 24 Native-Serving colleges and universities.

NewsCap | June 2018

This is the June 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Ben Cannon appointed to WICHE commission

Ben Cannon, executive director of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission since 2013, has been appointed by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) commission.

Arizona, Utah, Wyoming selected for WICHE Task Force to close postsecondary attainment gaps

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has selected three states—Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming—through a competitive RFP process to participate in its new Task Force on Closing Postsecondary Attainment Gaps.

David Longanecker appointed interim president of WICHE

The commissioners of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) unanimously appointed Dr. David A. Longanecker interim president of the primary interstate higher education agency serving 16 states and territories.

Cal State Long Beach data fellows program wins regional higher education honor

Data Fellows for Student Success, a California State University Long Beach program that deploys institutional data in innovative and collaborative ways to support student success, was honored by the Western Academic Leadership Forum.

Washington State program supporting minority faculty wins regional higher education award

A Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) program to aid retention and mentorship of underrepresented faculty throughout the system was honored by the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders.

NewsCap | April 2018

This is the April 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. 

Rick Aman appointed to WICHE commission

Dr. Rick Aman, president of the newly created College of Eastern Idaho, has been appointed by Idaho Gov. C.L. (“Butch”) Otter to the governing body of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Student savings surpass $400 million for WICHE out-of-state tuition-discount programs in 2017-18

America’s largest interstate higher education tuition-discount programs set records in 2017-18 for students enrolled and dollars saved.

NewsCap | February 2018

This is the February 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

$400,000 Lumina Foundation grant to seed WICHE Task Force to close postsecondary attainment gaps

This month, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) will initiate a Task Force on Closing Postsecondary Attainment Gaps—thanks to a $400,000 Lumina Foundation grant.

$990,000 Lumina Foundation grant will help WICHE start new Native-Serving Institutions network

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education will soon launch a new consortium for colleges and universities that heavily serve Native American Indians and Alaska Natives.

NewsCap | December 2017

This is the December 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Montana higher-ed chief named chair of WICHE

Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian was elected Nov. 10 as new chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

NewsCap | October 2017

This is the October 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | August 2017

This is the August 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | June 2017

This is the June 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Portland State University Receives 2017 Academic Leaders Toolkit Award at the Western Academic Leadership Forum Annual Meeting

The Western Academic Leadership Forum (the Forum) presented the 2017 Academic Leaders Tool of the Year Award to Portland State University for its Desk Manuals Tool on Thursday, April 27, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

NewsCap | April 2017

This is the April 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

University of Hawaii Community Colleges Receives 2017 Inaugural Bernice Joseph Award at Annual Meeting

The Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders (the Alliance) presented the 2017 Bernice Joseph Award to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges for its Sector Mapping Tool on Thursday, March 23, in Long Beach, Calif.

NewsCap | February 2017

This is the February 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Number of High School Graduates Across America Leveling Off; Minority Grads Rising, to be Near Majority Soon

The steady growth in high school graduates that led to significant expansion of higher education in the United States in recent decades is coming to an abrupt halt.

NewsCap | December 2016

This is the December 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Patricia Sullivan Elected Chair of WICHE

New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Engineering Assistant Dean Patricia A. Sullivan on Nov. 10 was elected chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Clay Christian Elected Vice Chair of WICHE

Montana’s Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian on Nov. 10 was elected vice chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | August 2016

This is the August 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Interstate Passport Initiative Framework Complete

Lost academic credits and tuition dollars, delayed graduations, and dampened students’ hopes and aspirations have been commonplace for thousands of transfer students because of the reluctance of many colleges and universities to accept course credits earned elsewhere.

NewsCap | June 2016

This is the June 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | March 2016

This is the March 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | January 2016

This is the January 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Colorado Lt. Gov. Garcia Selected by WICHE as its New President

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) today announced that Colorado Lt. Gov. Joseph A. Garcia will become the seventh executive to lead the organization in its 62 years.

Patricia Sullivan Elected Vice Chair of WICHE

Patricia Sullivan, Associate Dean for Outreach and Public Service in the College of Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), was elected the vice chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles Elected Chair of WICHE

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, on Nov. 3 was elected the chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) during the commission’s semi-annual meeting held in Boulder.

NewsCap | November 2015

This is the November 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

WICHE Awarded First in the World Federal Grant to Expand Interstate Passport

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has been awarded a grant totaling $2.99 million from the U.S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, to scale and enhance the Interstate Passport.

NewsCap | September 2015

This is the September 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | June 2015

New Mexico, Vermont and Wyoming join SARA; National SARA board meets

New Mexico and Wyoming have been approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become members of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA).

NewsCap | April 2015

This is the April 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | February 2015

This is the February 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | December 2014

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Three Additional WICHE States Join SARA

Arizona, Oregon and South Dakota have been approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become members of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA).

NewsCap | October 2014

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

WICHE Launches New Block Transfer Framework

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has just launched the Interstate Passport, a new block transfer framework based on learning outcomes, not courses and credits.

A Knocking Update: COVID-19 and Public School Enrollments and Graduates

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has released COVID-19 and Public School Enrollments and Graduates, a follow-up analysis to the Knocking at the College Door report. Released in December 2020, the data in WICHE’s Knocking...

New Analysis Offers Insight About Why Underrepresented Adult Students Are Less Likely To Receive College Credit for Their Prior Learning

Report sheds light on multiple possible factors why Black and lower-income adult students have lower rates of credit receipt in credit for prior learning programs designed to save time and money in earning postsecondary credentials INDIANAPOLIS – The Council...

University of Hawaiʻi President Elected to Lead WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – David Lassner, president of the University of Hawaiʻi, where he leads both the 10-campus system that is the state’s sole provider of public postsecondary education and its flagship R1 research university, was elected as the 2022...

Dr. Raymonda ‘Ray’ Burgman Selected as Vice President, Programs and Services

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Raymonda “Ray” Burgman has been selected as its new Vice President, Programs and Services. Burgman brings over 20 years of experience in a...

The Federated States of Micronesia Joins WICHE

BOULDER, Colo. – The Federated States of Micronesia has joined the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, allowing more students in the Pacific Islands region access to tuition savings, workforce development, and behavioral health programs. The Federated States of...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands joins WICHE

BOULDER, Colo. – Starting July 1, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is joining the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education as part of its Pacific Island membership, which allows more students access to tuition savings, workforce development, and...

Strengthening the Academic Success of American Indian and Alaska Native Students

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has released two reports examining efforts to improve the college experience and increase graduation rates of American Indian and Alaska Native students. These works are both part of WICHE’s...

WICHE and New Mexico State University receive $300,000 NSF grant to develop unique transfer model

BOULDER, Colo. –  The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), in collaboration with its branch community colleges, are partnering on an important effort to bring more undergraduate transfer students in Science, Technology,...

Dr. Melody Rose is appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Dr. Melody Rose, chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), has been appointed by Gov. Steve Sisolak to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s 48 commissioners are appointed by the governors...

Red Rocks Community College Embodies ‘The Show Must Go On’ With Innovative Approach During COVID-19

BOULDER, Colo. – “Building Bridges in the Dark: Actions that Held Together a Theater Department in a Pandemic” from Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) in Colorado is a winning submission in this year’s Academic Leaders Toolkit. RRCC was recognized...

Boot Camp-Style Course for First-Year Students at University of Nevada, Reno Wins Award

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Nevada, Reno was recognized for its innovative one-credit course designed to better prepare first-year students for the rigors of college life. NevadaFIT (which stands for “Freshman Intensive Transition”) is a winning submission in...

Cathy Dinauer Appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Cathy Dinauer, the Executive Director of the Nevada State Board of Nursing, was recently appointed by Governor Steve Sisolak to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact of Western states and territories...

WICHE Receives New Funding to Expand the Interstate Passport Network

ECMC Foundation awards $500,000 grant to expand participation among Minority Serving Institutions in the Interstate Passport® Network   BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from ECMC Foundation to support...

Higher Education Compacts Come Together to Help Students Succeed with Open Educational Resources

BOULDER, Colo. – State leaders, postsecondary education institutions, and education leaders are working across state lines to promote the adoption of open educational resources (OER) to help millions of students access high-quality learning materials that are free to use,...

President of The CIRI Foundation named next chair of WICHE

Susan Anderson of Alaska takes the helm of the 48-member interstate compact commission in the West. BOULDER, Colo. – Susan Anderson, President/CEO of The CIRI Foundation (TCF), was elected as the 2021 chair of the Western Interstate Commission for...

Tanya Spilovoy honored with Outstanding Service Award from Midwestern Higher Education Compact

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tanya Spilovoy, Director of Open Policy at the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET), received the Midwestern Higher Education Compact’s (MHEC) Outstanding Service Award on November 9, during the commission’s Annual Commission Meeting, held virtually due...

Dr. John Morton appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Dr. John Morton, Vice President Emeritus of Community Colleges of the University of Hawai‘i, was recently appointed by Governor David Ige to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact of Western states...

Los Angeles Community College District joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The Los Angeles Community College District – made up of nine colleges serving the greater Los Angeles County area – has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities...

Western Colorado University is newest member of the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Western Colorado University, located in Gunnison, Colorado, has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Western becomes the 56th member of...

New Mexico State University joins the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – New Mexico State University has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. NMSU becomes the 59th member of the Network and...

University of Nevada, Reno joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Nevada, Reno has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. The University becomes the 58th member of the...

Truckee Meadows Community College joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Truckee Meadows Community College has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Truckee Meadows becomes the 56th member of the Network,...

Nevada State College joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Nevada State College (NSC) has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. NSC becomes the 57th member of the Network, signing...

Casper College joins the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Casper College, located in Casper, Wyoming, has joined the Interstate Passport Network, a national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Casper College is also the third institution...

College of Eastern Idaho joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The College of Eastern Idaho joins the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Located in Idaho Falls, the College of Eastern Idaho...

Chaminade University of Honolulu joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Chaminade University of Honolulu has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Chaminade University becomes the first private institution from the...

Washington State University joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Washington State University (WSU) has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. WSU becomes the first institution from the State of...

National Call to Action to eliminate college transfer barriers now

COVID-19 spurs need for immediate solutions to costly transfer inquiries BOULDER, Colo. – If ever there were a time to simplify how students transfer between colleges, this is it. As a result of COVID-19, thousands upon thousands of students...

American Council on Education to use Passport Learning Outcomes as a workforce framework

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and the American Council on Education (ACE) announce a collaboration to help more students with prior learning attain high-quality postsecondary credentials. WICHE’s Interstate Passport Network®, with 46 members...

University of Alaska Fairbanks joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) becomes the second higher education institution from the state of Alaska to join the Interstate Passport Network. With seven campuses across the state, UAF enrolls more than 8,500 students from all...

University of Alaska Southeast is newest member of Interstate Passport

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Alaska Southeast is the 42nd higher education institution in the country to join the Interstate Passport Network. The third regional university of the University of Alaska system, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) joins...

WICHE Commission approves resolution supporting flexibility in postsecondary education in the West due to COVID-19 outbreak

BOULDER, Colo.—The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our nation’s education systems, including the nearly 400 public and private colleges and universities in 16 Western states and territories. Prospective students face uncertainty about their academic future in...

University of Hawai’i System joins Interstate Passport

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Hawaiʻi System becomes the third higher education system to join the Interstate Passport Network. Joining Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu in the Network are eight additional institutions: Hawaiʻi...

WICHE, WCET part of efforts to develop national network to support scaling, adoption of OER

BOULDER, Colo. – College and university leaders are working across state lines to reduce barriers faced by students and to empower faculty with access to a wide range of instructional materials. WICHE and its sister regional higher education compact organizations...

WICHE elects new officers for 2019-20

Camille Preus, of Oregon, named chair; Susan Anderson, of Alaska, named vice chair; Ray Holmberg, of North Dakota, to serve as immediate past chair Camille Preus, executive director of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), has been elected as...

NewsCap | December 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Jessica Rowland Williams named director of Every Learner Everywhere

BOULDER, Colo. – Jessica Rowland Williams has been named director of Every Learner Everywhere (Every Learner), a network of 12 partners strengthening digital learning in postsecondary institutions. WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies) serves as the intermediary for Every Learner Everywhere....

NewsCap | September 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology joins groundbreaking college transfer network

BOULDER, Colo. – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) becomes the first institution in Illinois to join the Interstate Passport Network (IPN), a nationwide network of two- and four-year colleges and universities that allows students to transfer lower-division...

NewsCap | July 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Postsecondary, legislative, and other leaders attend the Western Interstate Commission’s semi-annual meeting in Bismarck

North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg, chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), convened the interstate agency’s semi-annual meeting on May 20-21 at Bismarck State College. One of four regional higher education compacts in the U.S.,...

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education appoints seven new commissioners

Seven new commissioners were recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western state and territorial members that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of...

Russ Poulin will lead WCET as new WICHE VP of technology-enhanced education

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) today appointed Russ Poulin vice president of technology-enhanced education for WICHE and executive director of WCET (the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies), WICHE President Demarée Michelau announced at the agency’s biannual...

Univ. of Idaho program wins 2019 Colleagues’ Choice award at Forum meeting

A faculty-productivity reporting tool developed at the University of Idaho was honored by the Western Academic Leadership Forum (the Forum) Thursday at the group’s annual meeting in Boulder, Colo.

Williston State College program wins WICHE Bernice Joseph Award

An innovative first-term advising program at Williston State College in North Dakota was honored by the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders (the Alliance) at its annual meeting last Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Behavioral Health VP Mohatt honored for community psychology contributions by APA division

Dennis Mohatt, WICHE vice president for behavioral health, was nominated and selected for the 2019 Distinguished Contributions to Practice in Community Psychology Award by the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), American Psychological Association Division 27 representing the field of community psychology....

NewsCap | April 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

NewsCap | February 2019

This is the February 2019 edition of WICHE's bimonthly newsletter.

WICHE awarded $900,000 for initiative exploring recognition of learning

This WICHE effort, launched in 12/18, incorporates a landscape analysis of postsecondary education recognition of learning policy and practice, and an evaluation of primary learning assessment methods and their impact on student and workforce outcomes.

Five new commissioners appointed to WICHE

Five new commissioners were recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western states and territories that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of the...

Western students saved $417+ million through WICHE tuition-savings programs in 2018-19

America’s largest interstate higher education tuition-savings programs set records in 2018-19 for students enrolled and dollars saved.

NewsCap: December 2018

This is the December 2018 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

California students find tuition discounts, less-crowded campuses out of state

This EdSource story comprehensively featured WICHE's Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, and its value in serving California students.

NewsCap | December 2018

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Statewide Data on OER Savings

This Inside Higher Ed article features WCET Open Policy Director Tanya Spilovoy commenting on a North Dakota state audit that found significant cost savings to be had through use of open educational resources.

North Dakota’s Ray Holmberg elected chair of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks, N.D. was elected Nov. 9 as the new chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), at WICHE’s biannual commission meeting last week in Broomfield, Colo. WICHE, a...

Closing Attainment Gaps at Native-Serving Institutions

This ACT Center for Equity in Learning blog post is authored by Ken Pepion, who recently retired after 25 years of service to WICHE.

Demarée Michelau appointed president of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has appointed Dr. Demarée Michelau president of the regional interstate higher education agency serving 16 Western members, including U.S. states, territories, and freely associated states and their 80 million residents.

NewsCap: October 2018

This is the October 2018 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | October 2018

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

NewsCap | August 2018

This is the August 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NSI Summit July 26-27 sparks progress toward budding alliance

The first annual Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) National Summit was held July 26-27 at the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel, attracting nearly 100 higher education leaders to discuss, debate, and problem-solve issues unique to 24 Native-Serving colleges and universities.

NewsCap | June 2018

This is the June 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Ben Cannon appointed to WICHE commission

Ben Cannon, executive director of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission since 2013, has been appointed by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) commission.

Arizona, Utah, Wyoming selected for WICHE Task Force to close postsecondary attainment gaps

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has selected three states—Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming—through a competitive RFP process to participate in its new Task Force on Closing Postsecondary Attainment Gaps.

David Longanecker appointed interim president of WICHE

The commissioners of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) unanimously appointed Dr. David A. Longanecker interim president of the primary interstate higher education agency serving 16 states and territories.

Cal State Long Beach data fellows program wins regional higher education honor

Data Fellows for Student Success, a California State University Long Beach program that deploys institutional data in innovative and collaborative ways to support student success, was honored by the Western Academic Leadership Forum.

Washington State program supporting minority faculty wins regional higher education award

A Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) program to aid retention and mentorship of underrepresented faculty throughout the system was honored by the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders.

NewsCap | April 2018

This is the April 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. 

Rick Aman appointed to WICHE commission

Dr. Rick Aman, president of the newly created College of Eastern Idaho, has been appointed by Idaho Gov. C.L. (“Butch”) Otter to the governing body of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Student savings surpass $400 million for WICHE out-of-state tuition-discount programs in 2017-18

America’s largest interstate higher education tuition-discount programs set records in 2017-18 for students enrolled and dollars saved.

NewsCap | February 2018

This is the February 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

$400,000 Lumina Foundation grant to seed WICHE Task Force to close postsecondary attainment gaps

This month, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) will initiate a Task Force on Closing Postsecondary Attainment Gaps—thanks to a $400,000 Lumina Foundation grant.

$990,000 Lumina Foundation grant will help WICHE start new Native-Serving Institutions network

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education will soon launch a new consortium for colleges and universities that heavily serve Native American Indians and Alaska Natives.

NewsCap | December 2017

This is the December 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Montana higher-ed chief named chair of WICHE

Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian was elected Nov. 10 as new chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

NewsCap | October 2017

This is the October 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | August 2017

This is the August 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | June 2017

This is the June 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Portland State University Receives 2017 Academic Leaders Toolkit Award at the Western Academic Leadership Forum Annual Meeting

The Western Academic Leadership Forum (the Forum) presented the 2017 Academic Leaders Tool of the Year Award to Portland State University for its Desk Manuals Tool on Thursday, April 27, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

NewsCap | April 2017

This is the April 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

University of Hawaii Community Colleges Receives 2017 Inaugural Bernice Joseph Award at Annual Meeting

The Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders (the Alliance) presented the 2017 Bernice Joseph Award to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges for its Sector Mapping Tool on Thursday, March 23, in Long Beach, Calif.

NewsCap | February 2017

This is the February 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Number of High School Graduates Across America Leveling Off; Minority Grads Rising, to be Near Majority Soon

The steady growth in high school graduates that led to significant expansion of higher education in the United States in recent decades is coming to an abrupt halt.

NewsCap | December 2016

This is the December 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Patricia Sullivan Elected Chair of WICHE

New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Engineering Assistant Dean Patricia A. Sullivan on Nov. 10 was elected chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Clay Christian Elected Vice Chair of WICHE

Montana’s Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian on Nov. 10 was elected vice chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | August 2016

This is the August 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Interstate Passport Initiative Framework Complete

Lost academic credits and tuition dollars, delayed graduations, and dampened students’ hopes and aspirations have been commonplace for thousands of transfer students because of the reluctance of many colleges and universities to accept course credits earned elsewhere.

NewsCap | June 2016

This is the June 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | March 2016

This is the March 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | January 2016

This is the January 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Colorado Lt. Gov. Garcia Selected by WICHE as its New President

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) today announced that Colorado Lt. Gov. Joseph A. Garcia will become the seventh executive to lead the organization in its 62 years.

Patricia Sullivan Elected Vice Chair of WICHE

Patricia Sullivan, Associate Dean for Outreach and Public Service in the College of Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), was elected the vice chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles Elected Chair of WICHE

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, on Nov. 3 was elected the chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) during the commission’s semi-annual meeting held in Boulder.

NewsCap | November 2015

This is the November 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

WICHE Awarded First in the World Federal Grant to Expand Interstate Passport

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has been awarded a grant totaling $2.99 million from the U.S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, to scale and enhance the Interstate Passport.

NewsCap | September 2015

This is the September 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | June 2015

New Mexico, Vermont and Wyoming join SARA; National SARA board meets

New Mexico and Wyoming have been approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become members of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA).

NewsCap | April 2015

This is the April 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | February 2015

This is the February 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | December 2014

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Three Additional WICHE States Join SARA

Arizona, Oregon and South Dakota have been approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become members of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA).

NewsCap | October 2014

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

WICHE Launches New Block Transfer Framework

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has just launched the Interstate Passport, a new block transfer framework based on learning outcomes, not courses and credits.

A Knocking Update: COVID-19 and Public School Enrollments and Graduates

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has released COVID-19 and Public School Enrollments and Graduates, a follow-up analysis to the Knocking at the College Door report. Released in December 2020, the data in WICHE’s Knocking...

New Analysis Offers Insight About Why Underrepresented Adult Students Are Less Likely To Receive College Credit for Their Prior Learning

Report sheds light on multiple possible factors why Black and lower-income adult students have lower rates of credit receipt in credit for prior learning programs designed to save time and money in earning postsecondary credentials INDIANAPOLIS – The Council...

University of Hawaiʻi President Elected to Lead WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – David Lassner, president of the University of Hawaiʻi, where he leads both the 10-campus system that is the state’s sole provider of public postsecondary education and its flagship R1 research university, was elected as the 2022...

Dr. Raymonda ‘Ray’ Burgman Selected as Vice President, Programs and Services

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Raymonda “Ray” Burgman has been selected as its new Vice President, Programs and Services. Burgman brings over 20 years of experience in a...

The Federated States of Micronesia Joins WICHE

BOULDER, Colo. – The Federated States of Micronesia has joined the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, allowing more students in the Pacific Islands region access to tuition savings, workforce development, and behavioral health programs. The Federated States of...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands joins WICHE

BOULDER, Colo. – Starting July 1, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is joining the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education as part of its Pacific Island membership, which allows more students access to tuition savings, workforce development, and...

Strengthening the Academic Success of American Indian and Alaska Native Students

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has released two reports examining efforts to improve the college experience and increase graduation rates of American Indian and Alaska Native students. These works are both part of WICHE’s...

WICHE and New Mexico State University receive $300,000 NSF grant to develop unique transfer model

BOULDER, Colo. –  The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), in collaboration with its branch community colleges, are partnering on an important effort to bring more undergraduate transfer students in Science, Technology,...

Dr. Melody Rose is appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Dr. Melody Rose, chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), has been appointed by Gov. Steve Sisolak to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s 48 commissioners are appointed by the governors...

Red Rocks Community College Embodies ‘The Show Must Go On’ With Innovative Approach During COVID-19

BOULDER, Colo. – “Building Bridges in the Dark: Actions that Held Together a Theater Department in a Pandemic” from Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) in Colorado is a winning submission in this year’s Academic Leaders Toolkit. RRCC was recognized...

Boot Camp-Style Course for First-Year Students at University of Nevada, Reno Wins Award

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Nevada, Reno was recognized for its innovative one-credit course designed to better prepare first-year students for the rigors of college life. NevadaFIT (which stands for “Freshman Intensive Transition”) is a winning submission in...

Cathy Dinauer Appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Cathy Dinauer, the Executive Director of the Nevada State Board of Nursing, was recently appointed by Governor Steve Sisolak to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact of Western states and territories...

WICHE Receives New Funding to Expand the Interstate Passport Network

ECMC Foundation awards $500,000 grant to expand participation among Minority Serving Institutions in the Interstate Passport® Network   BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from ECMC Foundation to support...

Higher Education Compacts Come Together to Help Students Succeed with Open Educational Resources

BOULDER, Colo. – State leaders, postsecondary education institutions, and education leaders are working across state lines to promote the adoption of open educational resources (OER) to help millions of students access high-quality learning materials that are free to use,...

President of The CIRI Foundation named next chair of WICHE

Susan Anderson of Alaska takes the helm of the 48-member interstate compact commission in the West. BOULDER, Colo. – Susan Anderson, President/CEO of The CIRI Foundation (TCF), was elected as the 2021 chair of the Western Interstate Commission for...

Tanya Spilovoy honored with Outstanding Service Award from Midwestern Higher Education Compact

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tanya Spilovoy, Director of Open Policy at the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET), received the Midwestern Higher Education Compact’s (MHEC) Outstanding Service Award on November 9, during the commission’s Annual Commission Meeting, held virtually due...

Dr. John Morton appointed to the WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colo. – Dr. John Morton, Vice President Emeritus of Community Colleges of the University of Hawai‘i, was recently appointed by Governor David Ige to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact of Western states...

Los Angeles Community College District joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The Los Angeles Community College District – made up of nine colleges serving the greater Los Angeles County area – has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities...

Western Colorado University is newest member of the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Western Colorado University, located in Gunnison, Colorado, has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Western becomes the 56th member of...

New Mexico State University joins the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – New Mexico State University has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. NMSU becomes the 59th member of the Network and...

University of Nevada, Reno joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Nevada, Reno has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. The University becomes the 58th member of the...

Truckee Meadows Community College joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Truckee Meadows Community College has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Truckee Meadows becomes the 56th member of the Network,...

Nevada State College joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Nevada State College (NSC) has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. NSC becomes the 57th member of the Network, signing...

Casper College joins the Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Casper College, located in Casper, Wyoming, has joined the Interstate Passport Network, a national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Casper College is also the third institution...

College of Eastern Idaho joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The College of Eastern Idaho joins the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Located in Idaho Falls, the College of Eastern Idaho...

Chaminade University of Honolulu joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Chaminade University of Honolulu has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. Chaminade University becomes the first private institution from the...

Washington State University joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – Washington State University (WSU) has joined the Interstate Passport Network, the national program of two- and four-year colleges and universities that streamlines the transfer process for students. WSU becomes the first institution from the State of...

National Call to Action to eliminate college transfer barriers now

COVID-19 spurs need for immediate solutions to costly transfer inquiries BOULDER, Colo. – If ever there were a time to simplify how students transfer between colleges, this is it. As a result of COVID-19, thousands upon thousands of students...

American Council on Education to use Passport Learning Outcomes as a workforce framework

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and the American Council on Education (ACE) announce a collaboration to help more students with prior learning attain high-quality postsecondary credentials. WICHE’s Interstate Passport Network®, with 46 members...

University of Alaska Fairbanks joins Interstate Passport Network

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) becomes the second higher education institution from the state of Alaska to join the Interstate Passport Network. With seven campuses across the state, UAF enrolls more than 8,500 students from all...

University of Alaska Southeast is newest member of Interstate Passport

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Alaska Southeast is the 42nd higher education institution in the country to join the Interstate Passport Network. The third regional university of the University of Alaska system, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) joins...

WICHE Commission approves resolution supporting flexibility in postsecondary education in the West due to COVID-19 outbreak

BOULDER, Colo.—The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our nation’s education systems, including the nearly 400 public and private colleges and universities in 16 Western states and territories. Prospective students face uncertainty about their academic future in...

University of Hawai’i System joins Interstate Passport

BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Hawaiʻi System becomes the third higher education system to join the Interstate Passport Network. Joining Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu in the Network are eight additional institutions: Hawaiʻi...

WICHE, WCET part of efforts to develop national network to support scaling, adoption of OER

BOULDER, Colo. – College and university leaders are working across state lines to reduce barriers faced by students and to empower faculty with access to a wide range of instructional materials. WICHE and its sister regional higher education compact organizations...

WICHE elects new officers for 2019-20

Camille Preus, of Oregon, named chair; Susan Anderson, of Alaska, named vice chair; Ray Holmberg, of North Dakota, to serve as immediate past chair Camille Preus, executive director of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), has been elected as...

NewsCap | December 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Jessica Rowland Williams named director of Every Learner Everywhere

BOULDER, Colo. – Jessica Rowland Williams has been named director of Every Learner Everywhere (Every Learner), a network of 12 partners strengthening digital learning in postsecondary institutions. WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies) serves as the intermediary for Every Learner Everywhere....

NewsCap | September 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology joins groundbreaking college transfer network

BOULDER, Colo. – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) becomes the first institution in Illinois to join the Interstate Passport Network (IPN), a nationwide network of two- and four-year colleges and universities that allows students to transfer lower-division...

NewsCap | July 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Postsecondary, legislative, and other leaders attend the Western Interstate Commission’s semi-annual meeting in Bismarck

North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg, chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), convened the interstate agency’s semi-annual meeting on May 20-21 at Bismarck State College. One of four regional higher education compacts in the U.S.,...

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education appoints seven new commissioners

Seven new commissioners were recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western state and territorial members that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of...

Russ Poulin will lead WCET as new WICHE VP of technology-enhanced education

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) today appointed Russ Poulin vice president of technology-enhanced education for WICHE and executive director of WCET (the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies), WICHE President Demarée Michelau announced at the agency’s biannual...

Univ. of Idaho program wins 2019 Colleagues’ Choice award at Forum meeting

A faculty-productivity reporting tool developed at the University of Idaho was honored by the Western Academic Leadership Forum (the Forum) Thursday at the group’s annual meeting in Boulder, Colo.

Williston State College program wins WICHE Bernice Joseph Award

An innovative first-term advising program at Williston State College in North Dakota was honored by the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders (the Alliance) at its annual meeting last Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Behavioral Health VP Mohatt honored for community psychology contributions by APA division

Dennis Mohatt, WICHE vice president for behavioral health, was nominated and selected for the 2019 Distinguished Contributions to Practice in Community Psychology Award by the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), American Psychological Association Division 27 representing the field of community psychology....

NewsCap | April 2019

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

NewsCap | February 2019

This is the February 2019 edition of WICHE's bimonthly newsletter.

WICHE awarded $900,000 for initiative exploring recognition of learning

This WICHE effort, launched in 12/18, incorporates a landscape analysis of postsecondary education recognition of learning policy and practice, and an evaluation of primary learning assessment methods and their impact on student and workforce outcomes.

Five new commissioners appointed to WICHE

Five new commissioners were recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western states and territories that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of the...

Western students saved $417+ million through WICHE tuition-savings programs in 2018-19

America’s largest interstate higher education tuition-savings programs set records in 2018-19 for students enrolled and dollars saved.

NewsCap: December 2018

This is the December 2018 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

California students find tuition discounts, less-crowded campuses out of state

This EdSource story comprehensively featured WICHE's Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, and its value in serving California students.

NewsCap | December 2018

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Statewide Data on OER Savings

This Inside Higher Ed article features WCET Open Policy Director Tanya Spilovoy commenting on a North Dakota state audit that found significant cost savings to be had through use of open educational resources.

North Dakota’s Ray Holmberg elected chair of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks, N.D. was elected Nov. 9 as the new chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), at WICHE’s biannual commission meeting last week in Broomfield, Colo. WICHE, a...

Closing Attainment Gaps at Native-Serving Institutions

This ACT Center for Equity in Learning blog post is authored by Ken Pepion, who recently retired after 25 years of service to WICHE.

Demarée Michelau appointed president of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has appointed Dr. Demarée Michelau president of the regional interstate higher education agency serving 16 Western members, including U.S. states, territories, and freely associated states and their 80 million residents.

NewsCap: October 2018

This is the October 2018 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | October 2018

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

NewsCap | August 2018

This is the August 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NSI Summit July 26-27 sparks progress toward budding alliance

The first annual Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) National Summit was held July 26-27 at the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel, attracting nearly 100 higher education leaders to discuss, debate, and problem-solve issues unique to 24 Native-Serving colleges and universities.

NewsCap | June 2018

This is the June 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Ben Cannon appointed to WICHE commission

Ben Cannon, executive director of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission since 2013, has been appointed by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) commission.

Arizona, Utah, Wyoming selected for WICHE Task Force to close postsecondary attainment gaps

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has selected three states—Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming—through a competitive RFP process to participate in its new Task Force on Closing Postsecondary Attainment Gaps.

David Longanecker appointed interim president of WICHE

The commissioners of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) unanimously appointed Dr. David A. Longanecker interim president of the primary interstate higher education agency serving 16 states and territories.

Cal State Long Beach data fellows program wins regional higher education honor

Data Fellows for Student Success, a California State University Long Beach program that deploys institutional data in innovative and collaborative ways to support student success, was honored by the Western Academic Leadership Forum.

Washington State program supporting minority faculty wins regional higher education award

A Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) program to aid retention and mentorship of underrepresented faculty throughout the system was honored by the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders.

NewsCap | April 2018

This is the April 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. 

Rick Aman appointed to WICHE commission

Dr. Rick Aman, president of the newly created College of Eastern Idaho, has been appointed by Idaho Gov. C.L. (“Butch”) Otter to the governing body of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Student savings surpass $400 million for WICHE out-of-state tuition-discount programs in 2017-18

America’s largest interstate higher education tuition-discount programs set records in 2017-18 for students enrolled and dollars saved.

NewsCap | February 2018

This is the February 2018 edition of the newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

$400,000 Lumina Foundation grant to seed WICHE Task Force to close postsecondary attainment gaps

This month, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) will initiate a Task Force on Closing Postsecondary Attainment Gaps—thanks to a $400,000 Lumina Foundation grant.

$990,000 Lumina Foundation grant will help WICHE start new Native-Serving Institutions network

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education will soon launch a new consortium for colleges and universities that heavily serve Native American Indians and Alaska Natives.

NewsCap | December 2017

This is the December 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Montana higher-ed chief named chair of WICHE

Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian was elected Nov. 10 as new chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

NewsCap | October 2017

This is the October 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | August 2017

This is the August 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | June 2017

This is the June 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Portland State University Receives 2017 Academic Leaders Toolkit Award at the Western Academic Leadership Forum Annual Meeting

The Western Academic Leadership Forum (the Forum) presented the 2017 Academic Leaders Tool of the Year Award to Portland State University for its Desk Manuals Tool on Thursday, April 27, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

NewsCap | April 2017

This is the April 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

University of Hawaii Community Colleges Receives 2017 Inaugural Bernice Joseph Award at Annual Meeting

The Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders (the Alliance) presented the 2017 Bernice Joseph Award to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges for its Sector Mapping Tool on Thursday, March 23, in Long Beach, Calif.

NewsCap | February 2017

This is the February 2017 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Number of High School Graduates Across America Leveling Off; Minority Grads Rising, to be Near Majority Soon

The steady growth in high school graduates that led to significant expansion of higher education in the United States in recent decades is coming to an abrupt halt.

NewsCap | December 2016

This is the December 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Patricia Sullivan Elected Chair of WICHE

New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Engineering Assistant Dean Patricia A. Sullivan on Nov. 10 was elected chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Clay Christian Elected Vice Chair of WICHE

Montana’s Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian on Nov. 10 was elected vice chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | August 2016

This is the August 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Interstate Passport Initiative Framework Complete

Lost academic credits and tuition dollars, delayed graduations, and dampened students’ hopes and aspirations have been commonplace for thousands of transfer students because of the reluctance of many colleges and universities to accept course credits earned elsewhere.

NewsCap | June 2016

This is the June 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | March 2016

This is the March 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | January 2016

This is the January 2016 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Colorado Lt. Gov. Garcia Selected by WICHE as its New President

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) today announced that Colorado Lt. Gov. Joseph A. Garcia will become the seventh executive to lead the organization in its 62 years.

Patricia Sullivan Elected Vice Chair of WICHE

Patricia Sullivan, Associate Dean for Outreach and Public Service in the College of Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), was elected the vice chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles Elected Chair of WICHE

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, on Nov. 3 was elected the chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) during the commission’s semi-annual meeting held in Boulder.

NewsCap | November 2015

This is the November 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

WICHE Awarded First in the World Federal Grant to Expand Interstate Passport

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has been awarded a grant totaling $2.99 million from the U.S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, to scale and enhance the Interstate Passport.

NewsCap | September 2015

This is the September 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | June 2015

New Mexico, Vermont and Wyoming join SARA; National SARA board meets

New Mexico and Wyoming have been approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become members of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA).

NewsCap | April 2015

This is the April 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | February 2015

This is the February 2015 edition of the biannual newsletter of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

NewsCap | December 2014

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

Three Additional WICHE States Join SARA

Arizona, Oregon and South Dakota have been approved by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to become members of the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA).

NewsCap | October 2014

The newsletter from WICHE serving Western states, students, and institutions since 1953.

WICHE Launches New Block Transfer Framework

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has just launched the Interstate Passport, a new block transfer framework based on learning outcomes, not courses and credits.

A Knocking Update: COVID-19 and Public School Enrollments and Graduates

BOULDER, Colo. – The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has released COVID-19 and Public School Enrollments and Graduates, a follow-up analysis to the Knocking at the College Door report. Released in December 2020, the data in WICHE’s Knocking...

New Analysis Offers Insight About Why Underrepresented Adult Students Are Less Likely To Receive College Credit for Their Prior Learning

Report sheds light on multiple possible factors why Black and lower-income adult students have lower rates of credit receipt in credit for prior learning programs designed to save time and money in earning postsecondary credentials INDIANAPOLIS – The Council...