72648A249A6C7C4587258478006433AE Hearing Summary

The committee came back to order.

Dr. Andy Feinstein, President of the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), introduced himself to the committee.  His presentation can be accessed here: http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/2017/unc_pp_-_9-17-19.pdf.  He introduced Dr. Katrina Rodriguez, Vice President of Student Affairs for UNC.  Dr. Rodriguez discussed UNC's undergraduate demographics and the issues facing low-income students, including food insecurity and high rates of student debt.  She talked about the affordability of obtaining a degree at UNC and the early struggles for under-prepared students.  Dr. Feinstein continued the presentation and discussed various programs, including teacher preparation and education, nursing and health sciences, and performing and visual arts.  He discussed the rural education center for education students, and the school's research programs, which include a cancer rehabilitation institute in addition to other programs.  Dr. Rodriguez discussed examples of student success at UNC and increasing student retention and graduation rates. She talked about strategic enrollment and student success plans, which include establishing partnerships with community colleges in order to assist transferring students.  Dr. Rodriguez discussed the school's total cost of attendance and the return on investment for a degree from UNC.  Dr. Feinstein discussed other campus initiatives and cost containment procedures.  He discussed student debt and the school's current strategic planning exercise.

Dr. Rodriguez answered questions from the committee regarding public-private partnerships to address housing costs and food insecurity. Dr. Feinstein talked about programs to help faculty and staff put a downpayment on a home in the area.  The panel responded to questions regarding career readiness and how UNC is helping to address the teacher shortage.

Dr. Paul Johnson, President, Colorado School of Mines (Mines), introduced himself to the committee.  His presentation can be accessed here: http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/2017/school_of_mines_sept_17_interim_committee_he_v3.pdf.  He discussed student outcomes and stated that increasing graduation rates and reducing the amount of time to obtain a degree have been a focus of the school.  He talked about the school's efforts to attract students, including outreach programs, the SUMMET program, and the Challenge program.  Cindy Sanchez, Dan Topham, and Evaleena Reyes, students at Mines, discussed their experiences at the school.  Dr. Johnson discussed academic support programs and student wellness, and other ways in which Mines prepares its students for success outside of the classroom.

Dr. Johnson answered questions from the committee regarding alternative degree program options for students.  Mr. Topham answered questions about financial and other barriers for students, and Ms. Reyes discussed the lack of female representation at the school as well as the benefits of Gear Up Colorado.

Dr. Angie Paccione, Executive Director of the Department of Higher Education, came to the table to discuss Gear Up Colorado.  Dr. Johnson answered questions from the committee regarding student services that assist with housing costs and food insecurity.  The students discussed their experiences with student service programs, and Dr. Johnson discussed how a cut to higher education funding would impact the school.

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.

Mark Kennedy, President of the University of Colorado System (CU System), Todd Saliman, Chief Financial Officer, CU System, and Jonte Roberts, representing herself as a student at CU Denver, came to the table to discuss the CU System.  The presentation can be accessed here: http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/2017/kennedy-leg-2019-09-17_final.pdf.  Mr. Kennedy discussed Colorado's future workforce needs and how different degrees can help fulfill those needs.  He talked about meeting the needs of non-traditional students through online courses and transitioning from providing degrees to offering credentials that can eventually lead to a degree.  He talked about the importance for students to be able to access up-to-date technology, the school's enrollment trends, and services available to students.  He discussed measures the school is taking to keep costs low for students, including investing in financial aid to keep tuition affordable.  Ms. Roberts discussed her experiences at CU Denver.

The panelists answered questions from the committee regarding partnerships with institutions across the state, community outreach, programs for nontraditional students, and how a cut to higher education funding would impact their school's budget.

Dr. Tony Frank, Chancellor, Colorado State University (CSU) and Dr. Rick Miranda, Provost and Executive Vice President, CSU, came to the table.  Dr. Frank discussed programming at CSU and the importance of providing access to a postsecondary degree to Colorado students.  He talked about increasing graduation rates, various degree programs the school offers, and the student debt and default rates of CSU students.  He further discussed efficiencies in the school's budget and how those efficiencies could be at risk with future cuts to higher education funding.

Dr. Frank answered questions from the committee about potential program cuts to students services if there is a decline in higher education funding.