Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

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The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE, commonly pronounced 'witchy') is a regional nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Colorado that facilitates collaboration between state governments and provides data and policy analysis for educators, policymakers, and governors in 15 Western states.[1] The organization was created in 1951 with the mission to "expand access to high-quality higher education to citizens of the West." WICHE oversees multiple operations including student exchange programs, regional initiatives, and research and policy work to assist its members. WICHE member states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.[2]

Student Exchange Programs

Western Undergraduate Exchange

WICHE encourages the sharing of educational resources by operating the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE, commonly pronounced 'wooey'). The program was founded in 1988, and as of 2012 was serving over 29,000 students in around 100 public colleges and universities.[3] WUE permits 15 Western states to allow non-resident students to enroll in their state institutions for a lower than out-of-state tuition rate. The program does not consider the availability of degree programs in the student's state of residence. It also does not consider the student's family income in granting admission. Students who enroll in WUE pay 1.5 times the in-state tuition rate. Therefore, the total tuition a non-resident student will pay is greatly reduced. For example, at the University of Idaho, a WUE student would pay about half the standard non-resident tuition rate.[4] The annual average savings for a student enrolled in the WUE program totals about $7,500.[5]

Some states limit the number of new WUE students admitted.[6] Each state in the program determines their level of participation in the program. Some campuses limit the number of WUE students they accept, treating it as a scholarship for the most desirable students from other states. Some limit their acceptance to students in only certain majors and departments. A few research-oriented schools haven't joined WUE because they already attract full-fare non-residents.[3]

The WUE program is relatively unknown to many students, parents and high school counselors. The program has a small staff and limited funds for marketing. However, the program has been growing in popularity since its inception.

Western Regional Graduate Program

WICHE also operates the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) which is similar in function to WUE. Participating universities offer specific graduate programs to interested students from member states. Students enrolled in WRGP pay in-state tuition rates. The programs offered in the WRGP are specifically chosen to be included. California residents are not eligible to apply for WRGP because the state is not a member of the program.[7]

Professional Student Exchange Program

The Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) is also offered through WICHE. This program is offered in 12 member states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Students in the PSEP may attend specified healthcare programs, be given preference in admission, and pay reduced tuition. Each PSEP state sets aside money to help fund the education of students in the PSEP. Due to the nature of the program, spaces are limited and competition for admission is high. Prospective students must contact their member state for an application and be able to certify their residency.[8]

Internet Course Exchange

The Internet Course Exchange (ICE) is one of the most recent developments to be created through WICHE. ICE provides member institutions an operations manual, specialized course options and information about transferability and cost.[9] The project includes ten institutions and five consortia that are able to post courses in which seats are available to be used by other member programs.[10]

Online initiative

In 1989, WICHE founded the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications (WCET), which has since been renamed to WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies[1], as a resource for its 15 member states. In the first annual meeting, delegates from non-member states successfully petitioned to join the cooperative. In 2004, WCET had over 250 members representing 43 states and seven countries. The initial mission of WCET was to assist states in the integration of online classes for the potential students. Eventually, the staff of WCET created a consumer's guide for potential distance learning students. WCET also partnered with a number of foundations to create a number of services including Technology Costing Methodology (TCM), EduTools, and eArmy University.[11]

See also

References

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External links

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