Moving California Ahead: An Executive Summary Concerning Two Commission Higher Education Long-Range Planning Reports, Providing for Progress and Policy for Progress.

Overview & Synopsis

This is an executive summary of two long-range higher education planning reports completed at the outset of the 21st century by the California Postsecondary Education Commission. They are "Providing for Progress: California Higher Education Enrollment Demand and Resources into the 21st Century" and the companion "Policy for Progress: Reaffirming California Higher Education Accessibility, Affordability, and Accountability into the 21st Century." This document draws upon these reports and their respective resources, collecting the major conclusions and recommendations of both to address: California's continued burgeoning growth in higher education enrollment demand and the state's ability to respond; economic trends that will affect both the ability to finance higher education growth and the types of learning and training opportunities offered; how to retain educational excellence while maintaining access for an increasingly diverse student body; and the growing importance of technology in the classroom and education environment. Specific topics covered in this report include a discussion of present and past long-range planning reports, factors influencing the future of California higher education, enrollment projections and capacity, capital outlay costs, economic and fiscal forecasts, and three sets of recommendations: for elected officials and policymakers, for higher education leaders, and for postsecondary oversight agencies. (SM)