MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Origins of the Maryland Higher Education Commission trace to 1963, when the Advisory Council on Higher Education was formed (Chapter 41, Acts of 1963). The Council was renamed the Maryland Council on Higher Education in 1968 (Chapter 130, Acts of 1968). The State Board for Higher Education replaced the Council in 1976 (Chapter 538, Acts of 1976). The Board in turn was superseded in 1988 by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The Commission implemented a reorganization of Maryland universities and colleges in 1988 (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988).

In consultation with the governing boards and agencies concerned with higher education, the Commission develops and updates an overall plan, consistent with the Maryland Charter for Higher Education, to coordinate the growth and development of postsecondary education in Maryland. The Charter, adopted in 1988, sets forth State goals for higher education (Code Education Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-212).

Appointed by the Governor, the Secretary of Higher Education oversees the State's system of higher education. The Secretary also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Governor's Commission on Service; the Maryland Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness; the Education Coordinating Committee; the Maryland Education Council; the Education Coordinating Council for Correctional Institutions; the Southern Regional Education Board; and the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs.

The Commission's twelve members are appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Eleven serve five-year terms; a student member has a one-year term. The Governor names the chair (Code Education Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-206).

DIVISION OF FINANCE POLICY

The Division of Finance Policy started in 1988 as the Division of Finance and Policy Analysis and received its present name in 1993. It oversees State scholarship administration, finance, and facilities.

The Division administers over $30 million in State student financial aid. For institutions of higher education, the Division sets guidelines for operating and capital budgets; analyzes campus budget requests; and makes recommendations on funding. The Division also directs State aid for community colleges and private institutions, and capital improvements for community colleges.

STATE SCHOLARSHIP ADMINISTRATION
The State Scholarship Administration began in 1961 as the State Scholarship Board (Chapter 412, Acts of 1961). The Board was reorganized in 1988 as the State Scholarship Administration under the Maryland Higher Education Commission (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988). The Administration is responsible for all State student financial aid programs.

DIVISION OF PLANNING & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

The Division of Planning and Academic Affairs was formed in 1988. The Division is responsible for planning and academic affairs, and policy analysis and research. The Division approves academic programs and new institutions; oversees postsecondary institutions, including private career schools; and analyzes the needs of and plans for education and training programs. The Division also conducts data analysis and research. In addition, the Division oversees the Maryland Fire-Rescue Education and Training Commission.

MARYLAND FIRE-RESCUE EDUCATION & TRAINING COMMISSION
In 1976, the Maryland Fire-Rescue Education and Training Commission was established within the State Board for Higher Education (Chapter 682, Acts of 1976). The Commission was placed under the Maryland Higher Education Commission in 1988 (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988).

The Commission develops standards for fire, rescue and emergency medical education and training in Maryland. To coordinate emergency services training, the Commission develops and maintains a statewide master plan; collects and disseminates data; and reviews research on fire-rescue education. The Commission works in cooperation with the University of Maryland System.

The Commission consists of thirteen members appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Governor names the chair (Code Education Article, sec. 12-113).

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