Survey seeks input on higher ed future in Oregon

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission is seeking input from the SOU campus community, the state’s other six public universities and the general public on what the future of public higher education in Oregon may hold. The HECC’s lead consultant for its House Bill 4124 higher education revitalization study, EY-Parthenon, has launched a four-question, open-ended public survey to gather feedback.

The survey, which is open through Dec. 4, 2026, invites students, faculty, staff, employers, legislators, community members and other interested parties to share their perspectives. It is available online here.

The survey asks respondents to answer four questions related to the study and describe their connection to or affiliation with higher education. Responses will help identify challenges, opportunities and priorities for Oregon’s public postsecondary education system and will be considered along with other research and public engagement as recommendations are developed.

EY-Parthenon is serving as an independent, evidence-based technical adviser to the commission for the study, which is part of the implementation process for House Bill 4124.

HB 4124 was passed by the Oregon Legislature last spring, and directs the HECC to conduct a comprehensive, systemwide study and develop recommendations to restructure, stabilize and improve Oregon’s public postsecondary education system. The bill, introduced by Ashland State Rep. Pam Marsh, is intended to address issues including financial management, declining enrollment, rising personnel and operating costs and potential for collaboration among the state’s public universities and community colleges. It required the HECC to submit a preliminary report on Oct. 1, and a final report with detailed legislative recommendations by April 1 of 2027.

The HECC has established several avenues for public engagement and collaboration, including an advisory group, regional meetings, a student voices group, faculty and staff focus groups, a legislative roundtable, and an academic and fiscal leadership table. Additional analysis and consultation are underway as the commission works toward the higher education revitalization study required by the legislation.

Information about the study’s background and process, along with a link to the survey, is available on the commission’s House Bill 4124 implementation webpage.

Participation is open to anyone interested in the future of public higher education in Oregon. Organizers encourage colleges and universities statewide to share the survey widely.