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Jessica Tice
304-558-0699
jessica.tice@wvhepc.edu

Higher Education Policy Commission chair calls for focus on college completion following tuition vote

June 22, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – Dr. Bruce Berry, chair of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, today released the following statement after the Commission voted 5-2 to approve in-state student tuition increase requests from West Virginia University (9.7 percent) and Potomac State College of WVU (8.1 percent), while voting 6-1 for an in-state student tuition increase request from West Virginia State University (7 percent) for the 2015-16 academic year: “Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing West Virginia’s higher education community. As our state’s public network of colleges and universities, the responsibility lies with us to ensure West Virginians have…

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West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ student named to national leadership academy

June 16, 2015

Kendyl Ryan is one of 29 selected from a nationwide pool of applicants CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kendyl Ryan, a native of Boone County, has been selected to participate in the highly competitive “GEAR UP Alumni Leadership Academy,” (GUALA) a 12-month national leadership program providing students across the country with intensive training in civic engagement and community development. The GUALA program identifies students with exceptional leadership potential and provides additional training and tools to help them more effectively engage their peers, schools and communities in creating a college-going culture. Ms. Ryan, a sophomore at Marshall University, was one of 29 students…

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W.Va. Higher Education Policy Commission adopts reverse transfer policy aimed at advancing degree completion

May 29, 2015

Shepherdstown, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today voted unanimously to approve a reverse transfer policy that facilitates degree completion. The procedural rule allows students who have transferred from a community college to a four-year institution, prior to receiving their associate degree, to be awarded an associate degree from the two-year college after earning enough credits while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. “One of the biggest challenges facing higher education today is ensuring more students are earning their degree credentials,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “This policy represents a strong step in our multifaceted approach to…

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College students working together to promote student leadership on campus

May 14, 2015

Annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference to be held Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 2 Weston, W.Va. – College students from across West Virginia are meeting at Jackson’s Mill next week to learn new ways to strengthen their campus communities. More than 75 student representatives from West Virginia’s two-year and four-year colleges and universities will participate in the annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference to be held Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 20. The conference is sponsored by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS), the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Shepherd University.…

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‘College Decision Day’ events to celebrate college bound seniors across West Virginia

May 1, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Twelve West Virginia high schools will participate in West Virginia’s first statewide “College Decision Day” campaign to recognize high school seniors who plan to pursue some type of education or training beyond high school. College Decision Day is organized by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), an initiative coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to help students go to college and succeed. “College Decision Day is inspired by sports events, such as the NCAA national signing day and the NFL draft,” Dr. Adam S. Green, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the Commission, said. “We…

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West Virginia colleges working together to support students with disabilities

April 14, 2015

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s public colleges and universities met in South Charleston today to discuss strategies to support students with disabilities. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) hosted a one-day workshop focusing on policies, communications practices and environmental and learning resources to encourage a campus-wide culture that supports diversity and accessibility. “Ensuring access for all students is critical to fulfilling our mission of providing high-quality education and training programs to meet the needs of West Virginia’s communities,” James Skidmore, Chancellor of the WVCTCS, said. “Compliance…

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April 15 financial aid deadline fast approaching for W.Va. students

April 1, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today reminded high school seniors, college students and others planning to attend a West Virginia higher education institution this fall that April 15, 2015 is the deadline for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the state’s Higher Education Grant. “The Higher Education Grant is West Virginia’s largest need-based financial aid program,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Each year, it places college within reach for thousands of West Virginia students who have a demonstrated financial need. With the deadline quickly approaching for…

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Concord University to host “GEAR UP Kickoff” for area seventh graders on April 2

April 1, 2015

More than 450 seventh graders will have the opportunity to learn about life on a college campus during Concord University’s “GEAR UP” Kickoff event to be held April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. GEAR UP stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.” The project, which is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), helps students in ten West Virginia counties prepare to enter and succeed in higher education and skillset training programs. Students from Collins Middle School and Meadow Bridge High School in Fayette County; Montcalm High School in Mercer County; Gilbert…

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Health Sciences Service Program makes awards to health profession students committed to practicing in West Virginia

March 19, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) announced today that 14 outstanding health profession master/doctoral students from across the state are the newest recipients of Health Sciences Service Program awards, which are granted to students committed to practicing for at least two years in an underserved area of West Virginia. “This program is a win-win for our students and our state,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “This year’s remarkable student recipients represent the next generation of health professionals who will fill the critical role of serving in West Virginia’s high-need areas.” The Health Sciences Service…

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West Virginia Network partners with URcast to expand access to learning content for K-12 students

March 5, 2015

-Program gives students access to lessons in or outside the classroom without Internet connection- Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Network (WVNET), a branch of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, has partnered with URcast to provide K-12 students in classrooms across West Virginia access to learning content without an Internet connection. URcast, a content distribution application customized for the K-12 classroom, provides caching services that allow students to view content without an Internet connection wherever they have a computer, tablet or smart phone. This is made possible by reallocating bandwidth and placing a caching server within the school.…

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Deadline approaching for PROMISE Scholarship applications

February 19, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – High school seniors in the class of 2015 planning to apply for West Virginia’s PROMISE Scholarship program have until March 1 to complete the required forms, the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission office reminded students and families today. Through PROMISE, qualifying high school graduates receive annual awards of up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at eligible West Virginia higher education institutions. “Since the PROMISE program started, more than $400 million has been provided to more than 35,000 West Virginia students from all 55 counties to attend a public or independent college…

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Two College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops rescheduled for this weekend

February 19, 2015

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Students and families in the Beckley and Lewisburg areas can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms this Sunday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. Financial aid counselors from Concord University and New River Community and Technical College will be on hand at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and New River Community and Technical College’s campus in Lewisburg to answer questions and work with families one-on-one. The workshops, which were originally scheduled for last weekend but postponed due to snow, are part of the statewide…

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College Goal Sunday workshops in Beckley and Lewisburg rescheduled for February 22

February 15, 2015

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Due to poor road conditions in the area, the College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops planned for today at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and at New River Community and Technical College in Lewisburg have been rescheduled for Sunday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. College Goal Sunday is a free event to help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid application forms. Workshops are staffed by financial aid experts and are held at multiple locations across the state. All other West Virginia workshops will be open today from 1 to 4…

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College Goal Sunday event offers free assistance in applying for college financial aid

February 5, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia students can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms during West Virginia’s sixth annual College Goal Sunday event. College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops will be held February 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 24 locations across the state. “Completing the FAFSA is critical for anyone considering going to college,” Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said. “Students must submit this form in order to be considered for a variety of financial aid programs including…

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State’s higher education community to unite for Higher Education Day at the Capitol

January 26, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – Representatives of higher education institutions from across the state will join forces on Tuesday, January 27, for Higher Education Day at the Legislature, an annual event held to recognize West Virginia’s colleges and universities and highlight the far-reaching postsecondary opportunities available across the state. Participating institutions include West Virginia’s public four-year and two-year colleges and universities, along with independent four-year institutions. Each campus will distribute information and have representatives on hand to answer questions. The event is hosted by Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; James Skidmore, Chancellor of the Community…

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W.Va. higher education office provides financial aid assistance to students and families

January 23, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With key state financial aid deadlines approaching, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is offering students and their families free assistance with application forms. Students seeking individual assistance can call the Commission’s financial aid hotline at 888-825-5707 to ask questions or set up an appointment with a financial aid counselor. “The FAFSA is the first and most important step for students,” said Dr. Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “We encourage anyone thinking about going to college to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after the beginning of the year – and to fully explore…

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Higher Education Policy Commission confirms appointment of Gary G. White as interim president of Marshall University

December 30, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In an emergency meeting this morning, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) unanimously approved the appointment of Gary G. White as interim president of Marshall University. The Marshall University Board of Governors selected White in an emergency meeting yesterday to lead the institution as the search for a permanent president moves forward. “Gary White is exceptionally qualified to lead Marshall University during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Bruce Berry, the Commission’s chair. “West Virginia’s higher education system has benefitted immensely from his service, and we look forward to working with him in this critical role…

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West Virginia’s higher education community mourns loss of Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp

December 17, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and Dr. Bruce Berry, the Commission’s Chair, released the following statements regarding the passing of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, President of Marshall University: “President Kopp was thoroughly devoted to Marshall University, and especially to its students. Under his thoughtful leadership, Marshall has thrived as a place for students to learn, to grow, and to give back to our state and the people around them. Our higher education community is diminished by President Kopp’s passing. We send abiding prayers to his wife, Jane, and their children…

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Nearly $500,000 grant set to expand opportunities for adult learners across West Virginia

December 2, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program is positioned to expand online learning opportunities for adults in West Virginia seeking to complete a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree. Through the $499,991 grant, which was awarded to the West Virginia Network (WVNET), students will be able to participate in live video classes from the convenience of their laptop or tablet using a web conferencing system. “We have placed an increased emphasis in West Virginia on helping adult learners complete postsecondary education,” said Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia…

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West Virginia joins collaboration of states working to make distance education easier for students

November 22, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today announced that West Virginia has become one of the first states approved as a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a nationwide collaborative working to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by campuses in other states. West Virginia’s participation becomes effective on December 1, 2014. “Making distance education courses more readily accepted across state lines will help more students progress toward their degrees,” said Dr. Paul L. Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Our institutions are doing a great job at growing and leveraging online…

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Chancellor Hill applauds Senator Rockefeller’s abiding commitment to higher education

November 8, 2014

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Following an announcement today by U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller of the creation of the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics at West Virginia University, Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, released the following statement: “Through decades of public service to West Virginia, Senator Rockefeller has fought for – and achieved – stronger educational opportunities for West Virginians. From visionary policy-making that paved the way for historic investments in scientific research and STEM education, to robust efforts aimed at keeping college attainable and affordable through federal student loans and…

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West Virginia’s higher education community arms students with career-ready technology skills

October 27, 2014

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Representatives of West Virginia’s higher education community today announced a new collaboration with Microsoft Corp. aimed at giving students high-tech skills that are essential for success in today’s economy. Through the Microsoft IT Academy, students at each public four- and two-year higher education institution in the state now will have access to technology education and software that will boost their readiness for in-demand careers. “Our students’ expertise must be ever growing and evolving, especially in technology. The Microsoft IT Academy can help them sharpen their technology skills in ways that the careers of today and tomorrow demand,”…

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West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission launches ’15 to Finish’ initiative

September 30, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives of West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities gathered today in Charleston to launch the Higher Education Policy Commission’s statewide 15 to Finish* campaign, an initiative designed to encourage students to take 15 credit hours each semester and promote timely degree completion. “Enrolling in and completing at least 15 credits per semester is essential to completing a degree on time – within four years for a four-year degree,” said Dr. Paul L. Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “And the payoffs for taking this full course load extend beyond timely degree completion. Research has shown that taking 15…

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West Virginia awarded $21 million “GEAR UP” college-readiness grant

September 22, 2014

For immediate release: Monday, September 22, 2014 Contact: Jessica Kennedy, Assistant Director of Communications Division of Student Affairs West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (304) 558-0655 (office) (304) 532-0911 (cell) jkennedy@hepc.wvnet.edu NEWS RELEASE West Virginia awarded $21 million “GEAR UP” college-readiness grant CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Students in ten West Virginia counties will have extra help preparing for college and career training programs, thanks to a $21 million grant awarded to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission). The U.S. Department of Education announced today that the Commission will receive a “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR…

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Governor Tomblin declares statewide “College Application and Exploration Week”

August 25, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has designated October 20 – 24 as “College Application and Exploration Week” in an effort to help students prepare for college. Schools across the state will participate by hosting a variety of hands-on activities including college application workshops, panel discussions with current college students and college scavenger hunts and trivia contests. During the week, students of all ages — from kindergarteners to adult learners — will learn about the importance of pursuing higher education and the different types of college options available including certificate programs, two-year degree programs and four-year degree programs. Students who…

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