In addition to the responsibilities of the State Regents set forth in the Constitution, the Oklahoma Legislature has assigned the following to the coordinating board of control:
Federal Funds/Gifts/Scholarships. Accept federal funds/grants, accept and disburse grants, gifts and other money (foundations, individuals), and disburse scholarship funds and rewards for merit.
Allocation of Non-State Funds. Allocate revolving and other non-state appropriated E&G funds.
Property Transfer. Transfer from one institution to another any property belonging to such institutions when no longer needed by it and when needed by another institution to accomplish its functions.
Annual Report/Studies/Surveys. Conduct and publish reports, gather information about needs of state institutions and make additional reports and recommendations as necessary to the governor and Legislature.
Exercise All Powers necessary or convenient to accomplish the purpose and objectives of Article XIII-A of the Constitution.
Issue bonds. Issue obligations on behalf of the institutions within the State System, except for the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, for the purpose of funding capital projects at those institutions.
In addition to the above general responsibilities, the Legislature has assigned administration or directives for the following to the State Regents:
This list is not all-inclusive. Under past legislation, which has since been repealed, the State Regents have also served as the governing board for the osteopathic college, have served as the fiscal agent for the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program and have administered the osteopathic and optometry education assistance contract programs.
The following are some of the major programs currently administered by the State Regents.
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Academic Scholars Program
The Oklahoma State Regents’ Academic Scholars Program was created and funded by the Oklahoma Legislature and is administered by the State Regents as an incentive for students of high academic ability to attend both public and private higher education institutions in Oklahoma.
Chancellor Hans Brisch Scholarship Program
The Chancellor Hans Brisch Scholarship Program serves entering freshmen in college who have high academic achievement in high school, outstanding leadership characteristics and a commitment to the enhancement of the community.
While the controlling criteria for this award shall be as stated above, the program will include students with a diversity of geographic, ethnic and economic background and who plan to pursue a variety of programs of study in institutions across the state.
Future Teachers Scholarship Program
The 1985 Oklahoma Legislature authorized the State Regents to establish and maintain an incentive scholarship program to encourage the preparation of teachers in critical shortage areas for the public schools at one or more of the Oklahoma public or private higher education institutions.
Prospective teachers, whether planning to pursue an undergraduate teacher education program or to become qualified to teach after earning a bachelor's degree in a critical shortage area, shall be considered if they have graduated from high school with a grade point average ranking them in the top 15 percent of their graduating class. To the extent that funds are available, scholarships of $1,500 per year, renewable for up to three (3) additional years, shall be awarded to cover costs of general enrollment fees, other fees, books, materials, and services provided by the institution, including room and board [70:698.1].
Heartland Scholarship Program
The Heartland Scholarship Program was established on April 28, 1995, by the State Regents in the aftermath of the April 19 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. The bombing took the lives of 168 individuals and injured more than 400. Many young children perished in the Federal Building day care center. For the children in the Federal Building day care center who survived and for dependent children of individuals killed as a result of the April 19 bombing, the Heartland Scholarship Program was established.
The program consists of two funds: (1) the Heart of the Heartland Fund, which is funded from state revenues generated from sales of the Heart of the Heartland license tag, and (2) the Heartland Fund, which is funded from private, corporate, civic, religious and other governmental agency donations.
Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program
The purpose of the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program (OGSLP) is to guarantee low-interest loans through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) for all qualified students to help them meet their postsecondary educational expenses. The loans, obtained from eligible commercial or private lenders, educational institutions or state lenders, are guaranteed by the State Regents (through OGSLP) and reinsured by the federal government. In Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2006, OGSLP guaranteed more than 136,000 Federal Stafford and PLUS loans totaling approximately $532 million. Since its inception, OGSLP has guaranteed more than $6 billion in federal student loans.
In addition to guaranteeing loans, OGSLP also supports students and the financial aid community by disseminating information regarding college access initiatives, financial aid opportunities and effective default prevention strategies. OGSLP also promotes financial literacy throughout the state via the Oklahoma Money Matters program.
Oklahoma’s Promise (Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program)
The Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, created by the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Act in 1992, allows eighth, ninth and 10th grade students who enroll in the program to receive scholarships that will pay for their Oklahoma college tuition if they are income qualified and meet other requirements. To qualify, students must take certain required courses and make good grades overall. Students must also stay out of trouble outside the classroom to remain eligible. A 2006 statute authorized the use of the term "Oklahoma’s Promise" to identify the program.
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program
The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program was established in 1971 to assist Oklahoma college students with demonstrated financial need to meet the cost of attendance at postsecondary institutions in Oklahoma through reimbursement of a portion of their cost of attendance.
Congress amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide incentive grants to states for the implementation or expansion of state grant programs. Accordingly, the purpose of the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP) is to provide matching funds to encourage operation of state grant programs to improve student access and choice in higher education. States pay all administrative costs and match federal allotment dollars from non-federal resources. Funds not used by one state may be reallocated to others in proportion to their higher education enrollments.
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Program
The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) program was established by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2003 to assist Oklahoma college students in meeting the cost of attendance at non-public postsecondary institutions in Oklahoma. To qualify, a student must be an Oklahoma resident; be a full-time undergraduate; attend a qualified Oklahoma not-for-profit, private or independent institution of higher education located in Oklahoma; have a family income of $50,000 or less; and meet their institution's policy on satisfactory academic progress for financial aid recipients. Recipients can receive awards for up to five years after their first semester of postsecondary enrollment, not to exceed the requirements for completion of a baccalaureate program.
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarships
Established by the State Regents in 1995, this program enables public regional universities to provide scholarships to academically promising baccalaureate students. Regional universities are authorized up to 15 freshmen scholarships each year dedicated specifically to that school.
Renee Neuwald Memorial Scholarship Program
This scholarship was created by private donations to honor the lifelong contributions of Renee Neuwald to the teaching profession. The goal of the Renee Neuwald Memorial Scholarship is to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students with financial need who are graduates of the Tulsa High School for Science and Technology.
Tulsa Reconciliation Scholarship Program
The 2002 Oklahoma Legislature established the Tulsa Reconciliation Scholarship Program in an effort to preserve the awareness of the history and meaning of the civil unrest that occurred during the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. Each year, two seniors from each of Tulsa’s 10 public high schools will receive $1,000, one-time scholarships.
William P. Willis Scholarship Program
The 1986 Oklahoma Legislature authorized the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to establish and maintain a scholarship program for the purpose of providing scholarships to low-income, full-time undergraduates attending institutions in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Minority Teacher Recruitment Center
The Minority Teacher Recruitment Center was created for the purpose of recruiting, retaining and placing minority teachers in the public schools of the state of Oklahoma. The MTRC pre-collegiate programs include the ACE and LEAP programs for middle and high schools, and Collegiate Partnership Grants are awarded to institutions of higher education for recruitment and retention activities.
No Child Left Behind Grants
NCLB competitive grants are authorized by federal legislation for professional development for Oklahoma’s K-12 teachers to promote changes in educational practice or teachers’ content knowledge that increases student achievement in the classroom. Additionally, the intent is to influence the implementation of research-based curriculum in undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs and to strengthen collaboration among higher education institution faculty and other partners in the program.
Oklahoma Associations Supporting International Studies
OASIS is a collaboration of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Oklahoma Department of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to ensure a workforce prepared for global competition. Infusing international studies throughout the K-16 curricula and recruiting international students to study in Oklahoma are the goals of this effort.
Oklahoma Teacher Enhancement Program
OTEP is a Title II Grant designed to link K-12 student learning to teacher preparation. Following initial research, the Teacher Work Sample Methodology has proven to be a reliable measure of teacher impact on student learning and is being incorporated into teaching education programs.
Oklahoma Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program
TSEIP is a program that reimburses eligible student loan expenses or pays an equivalent cash benefit to individuals who graduate from an Oklahoma-accredited teacher education program in math or science, receive teaching certification and complete a commitment to teach math or science at least 75 percent of the time in an Oklahoma public secondary school for at least five years.
Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program
The only program of its kind in the country, the goal of this collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services is to increase the quality of child care by enhancing the knowledge and professionalism of its workers. Eligible childcare professionals are provided an opportunity to attend a two-year college while earning credentials, certificates and degrees.
STUDENT PROGRAMS
Cash for College
Cash for College is an annual public outreach project that uses television commercials and other media to provide students and parents with information about obtaining financial aid for college. The Cash for College Web site, www.cashforcollegeok.info, offers helpful links and other financial aid resources, including an outline of federal and state aid programs and explanation of the aid application process.
GEAR UP
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded program designed to better prepare middle and high school students for college through academic preparation programs and scholarships for students, professional development activities for educators and college access information for students and parents.
Since 1999 Oklahoma GEAR UP has targeted resources and services to priority students through partnerships among the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; Oklahoma colleges and universities; public schools; faith, tribal and community-based organizations; and businesses.
Oklahoma GEAR UP is built on two broad college access components: scholarship funding through Oklahoma’s Promise-OHLAP and early intervention strategies.
Oklahoma Campus Compact
Oklahoma Campus Compact (OkCC) is an organization of Oklahoma college and university presidents who have committed to articulating the importance of civic responsibility as an outcome of higher education. It was established in October 2000 and represents 33 public and independent institutions in Oklahoma. OkCC provides leadership, networking and technical assistance to campuses and communities in the areas of: service learning, civic engagement and community service.
Oklahoma Educational Planning and Assessment System (OK EPAS)
The EPAS program provides assistance to Oklahoma’s middle school and high school students to be better prepared for college. School districts volunteer to participate in the program that includes three assessments, EXPLORE, PLAN and the ACT. EPAS serves nearly 500 school districts and 85,000 eighth and 10th graders. Improvements in many major areas have been documented, including ACT scores, college-going rates and remediation.
Oklahoma Money Matters
Oklahoma Money Matters (OKMM), the financial literacy initiative of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program, serves as an information clearinghouse to help youth and adults successfully manage personal finances, understand consumer credit and navigate the financial aid process. OKMM supports financial education through targeted outreach and development of community partnerships to increase public awareness of financial literacy issues, build knowledge of fiscal principles and share available resources.
Oklahoma Project FAITH in Student Success
Oklahoma Project FAITH in Student Success is a federally funded program designed to help faith and tribal leaders educate their organizations’ members in college preparation and financial aid access. Project FAITH particularly targets students who underutilize financial aid opportunities, as well as those who may not know how to adequately prepare for college. Oklahoma has many programs to assist students and their parents in preparing and paying for college, and Project FAITH empowers faith and tribal leaders with the training and resources to help create a better understanding of accessing higher education among their members.
ReachHigher – Oklahoma’s Adult Degree Completion Program
Nine of Oklahoma’s regional public universities offer a degree completion program for working adults. It’s a way to finish a bachelor’s degree in an intensive, flexible format that’s convenient for Oklahomans who wish to attend school while working and raising a family.
Students who successfully complete the program are granted a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership. The curriculum consists of skills and theory regarding organizational behavior, ethics, interpersonal skills, management, finance and communication skills.
Summer Academies in Math and Science
Summer Academies are designed to enhance eighth- through 12th-grade students' knowledge of math and science by introducing them to new and exciting fields and concepts through hands-on learning experiences. Academies last from one to six weeks on college and university campuses across the state. Depending on the academy format, students either stay on campus or commute from home.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs
Designed for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, these programs offer training in computer applications, customer service, life skills, resume preparation and more. Offered at all Oklahoma two-year colleges, the programs provide employment and training skills to TANF recipients so that they may ultimately become members of the workforce and attain self-sufficiency.
www.OKcollegestart.org
This comprehensive, Web-based information system is a “one-stop” destination for students and parents who want to get ready for college. The site lets students create a customized profile, learn about paying for college, prepare for the ACT, explore careers and find a college that is right for them. Click, compare, choose at OKcollegestart.org.
CENTERS
Ardmore Higher Education Center
The Ardmore Higher Education Center was created by the 1974 Oklahoma Legislature. Instruction of students enrolled through the higher education program in Ardmore is provided by East Central University, Murray State College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Students at the Ardmore Higher Education Center receive resident credit from the institution offering the coursework.
Kerr Conference Center
In 1978 the Robert S. Kerr home and approximately 40 acres of surrounding land near Poteau in Le Flore County was donated to the state of Oklahoma for educational purposes. The State Regents, with the aid and cooperation of other state and federal agencies, converted the Kerr home into a conference center for use by education, government and industry. The State Regents contract with Carl Albert State College for administration, food service, maintenance and security at the center.
Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park
Located in southwestern Oklahoma near Altus, the center includes a newly built 120-room lodge, an arts conference center, performance complexes, an 18-hole golf course and a nature park. The State Regents have had responsibility for the center since January 2002.
The mission of the center is to develop, sustain and protect a world-renowned educational destination as a cultural conference center, arts park and natural preserve with recreational experiences compatible with that environment.
The facilities have annually hosted the Summer Arts Institute, an institute for gifted and talented fine arts high school students, since 1978.
PROGRAMS
Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count
Achieving the Dream is a national initiative to help more community college students succeed by completing college courses and earning certificates and/or degrees. The initiative is particularly focused on student groups that have faced the most significant barriers to success, including low-income students and students of color. Achieving the Dream focuses colleges and others on understanding and making better use of data. It acts on multiple fronts, including efforts at community colleges and in research, public engagement and public policy.
Brain Gain Funding
The Oklahoma State Regents annually allocate Brain Gain performance funds to institutions that have shown improvement in their retention or graduation rates. The program is based on the State Regents’ Brain Gain 2010 initiative created in 1999 to increase the percentage of degree holders in Oklahoma. The Regents also provide grant support for campus-based initiatives designed to enhance colleges’ retention, graduation and degree-completion efforts.
Improvement Grants have been funded since 2004 to aid campuses in implementing intervention strategies that will improve student retention, graduation and degree completion, either campus-wide or for targeted populations. In 2005, Programs of Excellence Grants were awarded to five institutions that are implementing innovative, relevant and high-quality academic programs that also foster creativity.
Cooperative Alliances
In fall 2005, three pilot programs were launched to create a more student-centered collaboration between higher education institutions and technology centers. By streamlining the college credit process for career tech students, the program is expected to increase the number of high school students who go on to college.
Economic Development Grant Program
The State Regents established the Economic Development Grant Program in January 1988. It is keyed to support the efforts of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education to develop Oklahoma’s workforce, establish centers of intellectual excellence and commercialize research outcomes. The grant program encourages institutions to promote an entrepreneurial vision on their campuses that advances workforce and enterprise development and the commercialization of research.
Endowment Fund Program
The Endowment Fund Program was started in 1988 to attract and retain faculty by establishing professorships, chairs and related activities to improve the quality of instruction and research at state colleges and universities.
EPSCoR Matching Fund Program
The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is a federal initiative targeting states that have historically received a low amount of federal research funds. The State Regents is the fiscal agent for providing matching funds for initiatives to develop advanced research capabilities.
Master Lease Purchase Program
The State System Master Lease Purchase Program offers a method of financing the acquisition of major personal and real property that will provide cost efficiencies in finance and administration. Authorized institutions must enter into lease agreements for values of $50,000 to $10 million. The lease terms will vary by the useful life of the equipment purchased, but the useful life must not exceed 20 years.
Office of Accountability
Assigned to the State Regents as fiscal agent by the Legislature in 2003, the office provides reports regarding the performance of public schools to the people of Oklahoma. The office implements the Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program, monitors compliance progress made by districts, and makes reports and recommendations where appropriate to the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the governor.
Oklahoma College Savings Plan
This plan allows anyone – parents, grandparents, friends, etc. – to open a tax-advantaged account for a child through payroll deduction or direct contribution. Funds can be used for college expenses at nearly all colleges and universities in the United States. The earnings on the investments are free from federal and Oklahoma taxes if used for eligible college expenses. Annual contributions of up to $10,000 per taxpayer are deductible from Oklahoma taxable income.
OneNet
The Oklahoma Legislature established OneNet in 1992, building upon and succeeding the televised instruction system operated by the State Regents, with the approval of a statewide capital bond issue that provided $14 million for the implementation of a statewide telecommunications network. OneNet operates hub sites throughout Oklahoma to provide the infrastructure to support a high-speed telecommunications network with an equitable rate structure.
OneNet's state-of-the-art technology and dedicated staff currently provide high-speed communications to a variety of Oklahoma entities, such as public and career technology schools; colleges and universities; public libraries; local, tribal, state and federal governments; court systems; rural health care delivery systems; and programs engaged in research.
The extension of the National Lambda Rail (NLR) through Oklahoma in 2005 has the ability to profoundly impact Oklahoma's economy. The NLR is a major national initiative that will provide a national technical support structure for research and experimentation. Using OneNet's existing network for in-state distribution, Oklahoma will be substantially more competitive for future research projects.
Online College of Oklahoma (OCO)
In response to increased demand for anytime, anywhere learning, OCO was established as a pilot project in spring 2000. OCO builds on existing distance education resources (the Oklahoma Electronic Campus) to provide Oklahomans with convenient access to high-quality educational courses, programs and resources offered by state colleges and universities.
Regents Education Program
The purpose of the Regents Education Program is to educate Oklahoma regents and trustees about the nature of their responsibilities and the seriousness with which they should be undertaken. More specifically, the program is to provide information and understandings that will allow regents and trustees to perform their public responsibilities and to govern successfully in the face of greater calls for wider programs and services, mandates for greater accountability, changing clientele and demands, and resource scarcity.