Advisory Council Looks to the Future

At its September meeting the Commissioner's Advisory Council on Higher Education, chaired by Dr. Kenneth A. Shaw (Chancellor and President, Syracuse University), joined Department leaders to identify the opportunities and challenges ahead for higher education in New York State.

Dr. Kenneth A. Shaw
(Photo courtesy of Syracuse University)

The 25-member Council includes distinguished college and university presidents from all sectors of New York's higher education community (see member listing). Formed in 1998, the Council is charged with identifying and prioritizing critical issues in higher education and recommending steps for addressing them--with an emphasis on advising the Commissioner on the implications of these issues for students, postsecondary institutions, and the State as a whole. The Council typically meets in April, September, and December.

Commissioner Richard P. Mills

Education Commissioner Mills noted, "The Advisory Council helps to ensure that Regents policy is firmly grounded in the realities of today's colleges, universities, and proprietary schools. By building connections across the sectors, we strengthen our collective capacity to prepare school leaders, advocate for K-16 initiatives, and encourage economic development. "

The September meeting included discussion of these key areas, among others:

• impact of Department processes and initiatives on the field
• addressing the teacher shortage
• developing the 2004-2012 Statewide Plan for Higher Education
• strengthening relationships across K-12 and higher education
• joint legislative advocacy for higher education funding
• collaborating to prepare the next generation of school leaders

Deputy Commissioner Duncan-Poitier added that the Advisory Council will play a key role in helping to develop a Statewide Plan that is reflective, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the higher education community.