The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) serves as the coordinating board for SC’s 33 public institutions of higher learning. It acts both as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly and as an advocate for higher education. The Commission is responsible for assuring a balance between student and taxpayer interests and institutional policies, aspirations, and needs. CHE carries out its mission through statewide planning and approval authority, working with institutions to promote quality, access, and efficiency in the state’s higher education enterprise, while balancing stewardship, accountability, and advocacy. The major functions of CHE can be categorized broadly into four major areas: coordination and planning, research and information services, accountability and reporting, and program administration. In performing its responsibilities, CHE works closely with institutions to expand educational opportunities for all state’s citizens, to invest in research for economic development and a better quality of life, and to increase cooperation and collaboration for higher levels of efficiency and quality in higher education opportunities throughout the state.