The majority of the policy issues on record for the State Commission of Higher Education for North Dakota focus either on last year’s restructuring following the exit of the former Chancellor or how to fund projects as our state institutions continue to grow. However, there has been an interesting new proposal that moves beyond the reach of the board in this election cycle.

The proposal is Measure #3, which would effectively “eliminate the part-time eight-member board of higher education and the chancellor’s office, and, in lieu, create an appointed full-time three-member commission of higher education to oversee and administer all public higher education in the state” (House Concurrent Resolution No. 3047: 1.01.11.21.3). [1]

The official ballot continues to propose that “the new commission would be appointed by the Governor to four year terms from a list of nominees provided by a special committee, and would be subject to confirmation by the Senate. One of the commissioners must possess leadership experience in the private sector business, industry, or service and one member, at the time of appointment, must hold a professional position within the higher education sector. The commissioners could be reappointed to three consecutive terms”(House Concurrent Resolution No. 3047, 2013 Session Laws, Ch.521).[2]

Coming on the heels of a favorable review of the board this past spring, it is surprising that the measure has garnered quite a bit of support from the legislature. Now it will be up to the people of North Dakota to educate themselves and vote on the governing of higher education in the state.