In 2015, the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) was formed as a cabinet-level agency to coordinate Ohio's public colleges and universities and manage state-funded financial aid programs. The agency’s main responsibilities include authorizing and approving new degree programs, managing state-funded financial aid programs and developing and advocating policies to maximize higher education’s contributions to the state and its citizens.
As a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Chancellor of ODHE advises the Governor on higher education policy and implements the Governor’s plan to make college more affordable for Ohioans and drive the state’s economic advancement through the state’s network of public universities (14), regional branch campuses (24), community colleges (22), and adult workforce and adult education centers (more than 70.
ODHE engages in several initiatives that fall within five categories:
- Affordability
- Access & Acceleration
- Success & Completion
- On-Campus Initiatives
- Workforce Development
Examples of key initiatives coordinated through ODHE include:
- Finish for Your Future initiative: Aims to increase the proportion of adult students (over age 25) in enrollment and completion, with a goal of reaching 40% by 2025.
- Ohio Reach: Provides supportive services to students with a history in foster care, reporting a 77% average retention rate among participating students.
- Military-Friendly Campuses: Recognizes military-friendly schools through the Collegiate Purple Star Awards program.
- Educator Preparation Performance Reports: Provides data on program effectiveness to the public and institutions, increasing transparency.
- Ohio Innovation Exchange (OIEx): Digital platform that connects businesses with university resources, including faculty expertise and research facilities, to foster innovation and workforce collaboration.
- Second Chance Grant Program: Provides financial assistance to students who stopped out of an Ohio college, university, or Ohio Technical Center and are returning to finish their education.
- College Credit Plus (CCP): Dual enrollment program providing students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking courses from Ohio colleges or universities. The goal is to enhance students’ career readiness and postsecondary success, while providing options to college-ready students at no or limited costs to students and families.
- Ohio College Comeback Compact: Collaboration between eight public universities and community colleges in Northeast Ohio. The compact allows students who stopped out of and owe money to any of these colleges to continue their education at either their former college or at any of the other participating colleges. These student's debt is also reduced or eliminated.
- Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathways (OGTP): Faculty-developed pathways that lead to associate degree completion and then bachelor’s degree completion in a related major. By following an OGTP, students can ensure they are taking coursework that will transfer + apply to their desired degree.
- OhioLINK eTutoring: Students can sign up/log in to access online tutoring, writing reviews, and account support.
Resources
ODHE. (n.d.). Homepage. https://highered.ohio.gov/
ODHE. (n.d.). Finish For Your Future. https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/success-completion/degree-and-credential-attainment/finish-for-your-future/finish-for-your-future
Ohio Children's Alliance. (n.d.). Ohio Reach. https://www.ohiochildrensalliance.org/ohioreach
ODHE. (n.d.). Collegiate Purple Star. https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/campus-initiatives/education-for-veterans/collegiate-purple-star
ODHE. (n.d.). Transparency & Accountability. https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/academic-programs-policies/academic-program-approval/educator-preparation/ed-prep-transparency-accountability/ed-prep-transparency
ODHE. (n.d.). Ohio Innovation Exchange (OIEx). https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/workforce-development/oiex
