About OHE

News

Purpose

 

The Office of Higher Education (OHE) is a critical part of the State Education Department whose purpose is to assure quality and maintain accessibility in higher education by carrying out the functions of its various units.

Who we serve

OHE coordinates New York State's Higher Education system encompassing 270 colleges and universities. There are 83 public, 147 independent and 40 proprietary degree-granting institutions. OHE primarily provides services to postsecondary institutions; professional educators; students; federal, state and local educational agencies as well as elected officials.

 

What we do

OHE manages the licensing and certification of teachers, coordinates the State's efforts to ensure standards for academic excellence and performance in higher education; implements the statutory requirements that protect the educational and financial interest of students attending New York State institutions; and administers a variety of the State's grant programs that provide access to higher education for those individuals who are underrepresented and under-served.

 

Programs and Services

OHE is organized into three primary functional areas: the Office of Teaching Initiatives; the Office of K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs; and the Office of Quality Assurance. The various units comprising these offices recommend and implement higher education policies, provide oversight, monitor the quality of the State's higher education system, and ensure access to higher education for all New York State citizens.

 

Our Vision

We will be the best state higher education agency in the nation, known by the people we serve for exemplary leadership, service, and results.

 

Our Goals

• Assure that a high quality postsecondary education is available to all that provides students with the knowledge and skills to compete in a rapidly changing economy and actively contribute to society.
  
  
• Coordinate New York's higher education system and strengthen partnerships to achieve the most effective use of resources and improve educational access, opportunities, and results.
  
  
• Assure that all teachers are prepared to teach all students in their classrooms.
  
  
• Protect the public's investment in education through the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and professional service.
  
  
• Collect and publish accurate and timely educational information to help shape public policy, increase institutional accountability, and promote sound consumer decisions.
  
  
• Provide leadership to staff that is collegial, clear, decisive, consistent and empowering.