C.R.S. § 23-18-101 Short title
23-18-101. Short title. Parts 1 and 2 of this article shall be known and may be cited as the "College Opportunity Fund Act".
College Opportunity Fund and Higher Education Funding
C.R.S. tit. 23, art. 18
in effectC.R.S. § 23-18-102 Definitions
23-18-102. Definitions. As used in parts 1 and 2 of this article 18, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "College opportunity fund" or "fund" means the college opportunity fund created in section 23-18-202.
(2) "College opportunity fund program" or "program" means the college opportunity fund program created in the department of higher education pursuant to section 23-18-201 (1).
(3) "Commission" means the Colorado commission on higher education established pursuant to section 23-1-102.
(4) "Department" means the Colorado department of higher education established pursuant to section 24-1-114, C.R.S.
(5) (a) "Eligible undergraduate student" means:
(I) A student who is enrolled at a state institution of higher education and who is classified as an in-state student for tuition purposes;
(I.5) A student who is enrolled at a state institution of higher education as part of a pathways in technology early college high school that is approved as provided in article 35.3 of title 22, C.R.S., and who is classified as an in-state student for tuition purposes; or
(II) A student who is enrolled at a participating private institution of higher education and who:
(A) Is classified as an in-state student for tuition purposes;
(B) Is a graduate of a Colorado high school or has successfully completed a nonpublic home-based educational program as provided in section 22-33-104.5, C.R.S.;
(C) Demonstrates financial need through the student's eligibility for the federal Pell grant, or its successor program;
(C.5) Is not pursuing a professional degree in theology; and
(D) Meets any other eligibility requirements established by the commission.
(b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2005, p. 1011, § 1, effective June 2, 2005.)
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (5), a student shall not be considered an "eligible undergraduate student" during the first year the student attends a Colorado institution of higher education if the student receives status as an in-state student for tuition purposes pursuant to section 23-7-111.
(6) "Governing board" means the governing body of a state institution of higher education.
(7) "Institution of higher education" means a participating private institution of higher education or a state institution of higher education.
(8) "Participating private institution of higher education" means a private institution of higher education that enters into a performance contract with the department pursuant to section 23-18-201 (2) and agrees to participate in the program.
(9) "Private institution of higher education" means a not-for-profit college or university that maintains its primary place of business in the state of Colorado, that offers general baccalaureate degrees in arts and sciences, and that is institutionally accredited on the basis of an on-site review in Colorado by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting associations or by an accrediting agency determined by the commission to be appropriate to its educational purposes and programs.
(9.5) "Professional degree in theology" means a certificate signifying a person's graduation from a degree program that is:
(a) Devotional in nature or designed to induce religious faith; and
iew in Colorado by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting associations or by an accrediting agency determined by the commission to be appropriate to its educational purposes and programs.
(9.5) "Professional degree in theology" means a certificate signifying a person's graduation from a degree program that is:
(a) Devotional in nature or designed to induce religious faith; and
(b) Offered by an institution as preparation for a career in the clergy.
(10) (a) "State institution of higher education" means a public postsecondary institution that is governed by:
(I) The board of governors of the Colorado state university system;
(II) The board of regents of the university of Colorado;
(III) The board of trustees of the Colorado school of mines;
(IV) The board of trustees of the university of northern Colorado;
(V) The board of trustees of Adams state university;
(VI) The board of trustees of Western Colorado university;
(VII) The board of trustees of Colorado Mesa university;
(VIII) The board of trustees for Fort Lewis college;
(IX) The board of trustees for Metropolitan state university of Denver; or
(X) The state board for community colleges and occupational education.
(b) "State institution of higher education" does not include a local district college that is part of a local college district organized pursuant to article 71 of this title, which districts shall continue to be eligible for direct grant funding from the general assembly pursuant to section 23-71-301.
(11) "Stipend" means the amount of money per credit hour specified pursuant to section 23-18-202 (2)(b) held in trust for and paid on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student pursuant to section 23-18-202 (5). "Stipend" shall also include payment on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student for a part of a credit hour.
(12) "Student's share of in-state tuition" means the amount of total in-state tuition, less any amount paid on behalf of the student as a stipend.
(13) "Total in-state tuition" means the total amount of tuition that is paid to a state institution of higher education by or on behalf of a student who is eligible to pay in-state tuition, including but not limited to the amount of the stipend paid on behalf of the student.
C.R.S. § 23-18-201 College opportunity fund program - creation - eligibility - guidelines
23-18-201. College opportunity fund program - creation - eligibility - guidelines. (1) There is created in the department of higher education the college opportunity fund program, which is administered by the Colorado student loan program. On and after July 1, 2015, the Colorado student loan program may enter into an agreement with the department or another state entity to administer all or part of the college opportunity fund program. The college opportunity fund, created in section 23-18-202, is a trust fund for the benefit of eligible undergraduate students. It consists of a stipend for each undergraduate student in Colorado who applies for the stipend and who is admitted and registers to attend a state or participating private institution of higher education and is determined to be eligible by the Colorado student loan program to receive a stipend. An eligible undergraduate student may use the stipend for undergraduate courses and graduate-level courses that apply toward the student's undergraduate degree that are taken at a state or participating private institution of higher education at a fixed rate per credit hour, set annually by the general assembly.
(2) A student of a private institution of higher education shall be a beneficiary of the college opportunity fund and eligible to participate in the college opportunity fund program only if the private institution of higher education that the student attends has agreed to participate in the program by establishing a performance contract with the department. The performance contract shall specify the performance goals the institution shall achieve during the period that it operates under the performance contract. The department shall include each participating private institution of higher education and its students who participate in the college opportunity fund program in the student unit reporting data system, in order to enable the students of the participating private institution of higher education to participate in the program. The participating private institution of higher education shall reimburse the department for the actual expenses associated with including the institution in the student unit reporting data system.
(3) The Colorado student loan program, in consultation with the governing boards, shall adopt the necessary policies for the implementation of this part 2, which at a minimum shall include procedures for requesting funds for the program which adhere to commission budget guidelines and the annual budgeting cycle of the executive and legislative branches.
(4) The Colorado student loan program shall direct all state and participating private institutions of higher education to require resident undergraduate students to apply for the program. If a student is classified as an in-state student for tuition purposes at a state institution of higher education and does not apply for the program or is not eligible for the program, the student shall be responsible for paying the student's total in-state tuition amount.
C.R.S. § 23-18-202 College opportunity fund - appropriations - payment of stipends - reimbursement - report - repeal
23-18-202. College opportunity fund - appropriations - payment of stipends - reimbursement - report - repeal. (1) (a) Beginning with the state fiscal year commencing July 1, 2005, and for each state fiscal year thereafter, the general assembly shall make an annual appropriation, in trust for eligible undergraduate students, to the college opportunity fund, which is hereby established as a trust fund account with the Colorado student loan program. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection (1), moneys appropriated to the college opportunity fund are for the sole purpose of disbursement on behalf of eligible undergraduate students in accordance with this part 2 and are not for the general operation or any other function of the Colorado student loan program. Any unexpended and unencumbered moneys remaining in the college opportunity fund at the end of a fiscal year are the property of the trust fund and shall remain in the fund and shall not be credited or transferred to the general fund or any other fund.
(b) (I) The Colorado student loan program shall administer and disburse the funds in the college opportunity fund on behalf of eligible undergraduate students as provided in this part 2. Each institution of higher education may be required to pay an implementation fee and an ongoing disbursement fee, the amounts of which shall be determined by the Colorado student loan program but shall not exceed the actual cost of the implementation and ongoing disbursement; except that the fees may be required only if the department or the federal government takes action, including adopting rules, regulatory changes, or programmatic changes, that negatively affects the financial condition of the Colorado student loan program.
(II) Repealed.
(c) If there is money remaining in the college opportunity fund or if there is insufficient money in the college opportunity fund after the final census date of the last academic term of each state fiscal year, as determined in accordance with this section, the department may transfer up to ten percent of the annual total governing board appropriation for the institution between the cash spending authority for the governing board to expend stipends received on behalf of eligible undergraduate students and a fee-for-service contract for the governing board entered into pursuant to sections 23-1-109.7, 23-18-303.5, and 23-18-304 (1).
(d) (I) On June 30, 2024, the state treasurer shall transfer one million four hundred ninety-six thousand dollars from the college opportunity fund to the general fund.
(II) This subsection (1)(d) is repealed, effective July 1, 2025.
(2) (a) (I) For the state fiscal year commencing July 1, 2005, and for each state fiscal year thereafter, the commission, in consultation with the governing boards and participating private institutions, shall annually estimate the number of undergraduate full-time equivalent students who are eligible for stipends under this part 2 at each state institution of higher education and each participating private institution of higher education. The commission shall annually report the numbers by February 15 to the governor and to the joint budget committee of the general assembly for inclusion in the annual general appropriations act.
(II) The general assembly reviewed the reporting requirements to the general assembly in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a) during the 2008 regular session and continued the requirements.
er education. The commission shall annually report the numbers by February 15 to the governor and to the joint budget committee of the general assembly for inclusion in the annual general appropriations act.
(II) The general assembly reviewed the reporting requirements to the general assembly in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a) during the 2008 regular session and continued the requirements.
(b) (I) For the state fiscal year commencing July 1, 2005, and for state fiscal years thereafter, for an eligible undergraduate student attending a state institution of higher education, the specified amount of the stipend per credit hour is an amount set annually by the general assembly, which in no case shall exceed the student's total in-state tuition. The value of the per credit hour stipend is the same for each eligible undergraduate student, regardless of the state institution of higher education that the student attends. The student is responsible for paying the student's share of total in-state tuition, if any.
(II) If the student is enrolled in a pathways in technology early college high school pursuant to article 35.3 of title 22, the p-tech school is responsible for paying the student's share of total in-state tuition, if any.
(III) Repealed.
(c) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the commission shall forward to the general assembly and governor, by November 1 of each year, a list of institutions eligible to receive stipends on behalf of eligible undergraduate students under the program. The commission shall annually request that the general assembly adjust the amount appropriated to the Colorado student loan program for the stipends, which amount may reflect inflation and enrollment growth in the state institutions of higher education.
(d) Beginning with the state fiscal year commencing July 1, 2006, the commission, in consultation with the governing boards and any participating private institutions of higher education, shall review annually the amount of the stipend per credit hour established pursuant to subsection (2)(b) of this section. Following the review, and notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the commission, in consultation with the governing boards and participating private institutions, shall annually make recommendations regarding possible adjustments to the amount of the stipend per credit hour to the governor, and the joint budget committee of the general assembly for consideration in preparing the annual general appropriations act.
(e) An eligible undergraduate student who attends a participating private institution of higher education may receive financial assistance under this part 2 in the amount of fifty percent of the stipend amount.
(3) (a) For the state fiscal year commencing July 1, 2005, and for each state fiscal year thereafter, the general assembly shall appropriate spending authority to each governing board for the funds estimated to be received by an institution, under the direction and control of the governing board, as stipends, consistent with the provisions of section 23-1-104. The spending authority for the stipends estimated to be received shall be calculated by multiplying the amount of the applicable per-credit-hour stipend by the number of eligible student credit hours that are estimated to be attributable to each state institution of higher education under the direction and control of the governing board.
(b) (I) The tuition increases from which the general assembly derived the total cash spending authority for each governing board shall be noted in a footnote in the annual general appropriations act.
(II) Repealed.
the number of eligible student credit hours that are estimated to be attributable to each state institution of higher education under the direction and control of the governing board.
(b) (I) The tuition increases from which the general assembly derived the total cash spending authority for each governing board shall be noted in a footnote in the annual general appropriations act.
(II) Repealed.
(c) Repealed.
(4) (a) Regardless of when an institution receives moneys in the form of a stipend on behalf of a student, or if the stipend amount is reduced by the general assembly, a state institution of higher education shall not increase the student's share of in-state tuition to make up for an actual or effective reduction during the same fiscal year in the stipend amount from which the total in-state tuition amount was calculated or for issues relating to the timing of stipend payments.
(b) If moneys in the college opportunity fund in any fiscal year are not sufficient to pay the rate per credit hour established pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section, then the Colorado student loan program shall reduce the amount of the stipend per credit hour for all students to match the available funds, subject to joint budget committee approval. This paragraph (b) shall not be construed to limit the department's ability to request an adjustment to, or the general assembly's ability to adjust, the amount of the stipend during the budget process.
(5) (a) (I) After an undergraduate student has applied for the program, been approved for the program, and enrolled in a state or participating private institution of higher education, the institution shall request that the Colorado student loan program make a stipend payment from the college opportunity fund to the institution on behalf of the eligible undergraduate student. A payment by the Colorado student loan program to an institution of higher education from the college opportunity fund shall not be subject to the assessment of a transaction fee pursuant to section 24-36-120, C.R.S. The stipend payment shall be paid to the institution upon receipt by the institution of the eligible undergraduate student's authorization. The amount of the stipend paid on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student shall be applied against the student's total in-state tuition.
(II) Notwithstanding any provision of subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a) to the contrary, an institution, with a student's permission, may apply for the program on the student's behalf using the information in the student's admission application after the student has been enrolled in the institution.
(b) The stipend paid by the Colorado student loan program on behalf of the eligible undergraduate student shall note on the student's receipt of payment from the state or private institution of higher education that the moneys came from the college opportunity fund.
tudent's behalf using the information in the student's admission application after the student has been enrolled in the institution.
(b) The stipend paid by the Colorado student loan program on behalf of the eligible undergraduate student shall note on the student's receipt of payment from the state or private institution of higher education that the moneys came from the college opportunity fund.
(c) (I) An eligible undergraduate student shall not receive a stipend from the college opportunity fund for more than one hundred forty-five credit hours during the eligible undergraduate student's lifetime; except that:
(A) If an eligible undergraduate student has received stipend payments for one hundred forty-five credit hours and the student has received a bachelor's degree, the eligible undergraduate student is eligible to receive stipend payments for an additional thirty undergraduate credit hours; and
(B) For credit hours initiated on or after July 1, 2006, an eligible undergraduate student may receive stipend payments for developmental education courses, as defined in section 23-1-113 (11)(b), and courses taken pursuant to the "Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act", article 35 of title 22. For a student who enrolls in a course at an institution of higher education pursuant to the "Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act", article 35 of title 22, the student loan division in the department shall record the student's uniquely identifying student number before submitting a stipend payment on behalf of the student. Stipend payments received for the developmental education courses specified in this subsection (5)(c)(I)(B) do not apply to the lifetime limitation of one hundred forty-five credit hours.
(II) For an eligible undergraduate student who is enrolled as a continuing student at a state institution of higher education or a participating private institution of higher education as of July 1, 2005, the commission shall determine the number of credit hours for which the student may receive a stipend from the college opportunity fund, based on the number of credit hours the eligible undergraduate student has earned.
(III) For an eligible undergraduate student who has completed one or more college courses while enrolled in high school pursuant to the "Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act", article 35 of title 22, or while designated as an ASCENT program participant pursuant to section 22-35-108 or as a TREP program participant pursuant to section 22-35-108.5, or while enrolled in a pathways in technology early college high school pursuant to article 35.3 of title 22, all college-level credit hours earned by the student while so enrolled do not count against the lifetime limitation described in subsection (5)(c)(I) of this section.
(d) (I) An eligible undergraduate student and an institution of higher education shall not receive the payment of a stipend on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student for:
(A) to (C) Repealed.
(D) International baccalaureate courses;
(E) Advanced placement courses;
(F) Off-campus, extended campus, or continuing education classes that are not supported by state general fund money, except as approved by the commission, and, on or after July 1, 2007, except for classes or programs offered by an institution of higher education that an eligible undergraduate student who is a member of the armed forces or a dependent of a member of the armed forces attends for credit on a military base; or
(G) Classes offered by an institution of higher education that was established after July 1, 2007.
(II) and (III) Repealed.
n, and, on or after July 1, 2007, except for classes or programs offered by an institution of higher education that an eligible undergraduate student who is a member of the armed forces or a dependent of a member of the armed forces attends for credit on a military base; or
(G) Classes offered by an institution of higher education that was established after July 1, 2007.
(II) and (III) Repealed.
(e) Notwithstanding the lifetime-credit-hour limitation established pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection (5), an eligible undergraduate student may apply to the commission for a waiver of the limitation. The commission may grant a waiver of the lifetime-credit-hour limitation if it finds:
(I) That extenuating circumstances exist related to the student's health or physical ability to complete the degree program within the lifetime-credit-hour limit;
(II) That the degree program, as approved by the commission, requires more than one hundred twenty hours to complete;
(III) That, while the eligible undergraduate student was enrolled in a specific degree program, the commission approved and the institution implemented an alteration of degree requirements or standards for the specific degree; or
(IV) That requiring the eligible undergraduate student to pay the full amount of total in-state tuition for credit hours that exceed the limitation would cause a substantial economic hardship on the student and the student's family.
(f) Notwithstanding the lifetime-credit-hour limitation established pursuant to subsection (5)(c) of this section and in addition to the provisions of subsection (5)(e) of this section, a state institution of higher education may annually grant a one-year waiver of the lifetime-credit-hour limitation for up to five percent of the eligible undergraduate students enrolled in the state institution of higher education. For any remaining portion of the institution's five percent of eligible undergraduate students who may receive waivers, the institution shall give priority to students who are seeking job retraining.
(6) If an eligible undergraduate student enrolls in a class for which the state or participating private institution of higher education receives a stipend payment pursuant to subsection (5) of this section and the eligible undergraduate student subsequently withdraws from the class on or prior to the final date on which the institution permits a student to withdraw without the payment of any amount of tuition, the institution shall reimburse the college opportunity fund for the proportional amount of the stipend received that conforms to the governing board's refund policy for the class from which the student withdrew. The credits for which the stipend is refunded shall not count against the eligible undergraduate student's lifetime-credit-hour limitation established pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection (5) of this section.
(7) It is the intent of the general assembly that the amount of a stipend received by a state institution of higher education on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student pursuant to this part 2 shall not constitute a grant from the state of Colorado pursuant to section 20 (2)(d) of article X of the state constitution.
(8) It is the intent of the general assembly that nothing in this article preclude the general assembly at a future time from including a local district college that is part of a local college district organized pursuant to article 71 of this title in the college opportunity fund program.
(9) It is the intent of the general assembly that the college opportunity fund and fee-for-service contracts authorized pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 be fully funded for enrollment growth.
C.R.S. § 23-18-203 College opportunity fund - data retention
23-18-203. College opportunity fund - data retention. (1) The commission, in cooperation with the state and participating private institutions of higher education, shall maintain a record of the number of credit hours for which each eligible undergraduate student receives a stipend from the college opportunity fund. The commission shall also maintain any confidential information concerning eligible undergraduate students participating in the program.
(2) The commission, in consultation with the governing boards, shall determine by policy when to forward to each state and participating private institution of higher education a report on the number of credit hours accumulated by each eligible undergraduate student against the lifetime-credit-hour limitation established pursuant to section 23-18-202 (5)(c). Each institution shall make the information on the number of credit hours accumulated against the limitations available to the student upon request.
C.R.S. § 23-18-204 College opportunity fund - advertisement - disclosure
23-18-204. College opportunity fund - advertisement - disclosure. If an institution of higher education advertises, in the form of direct mail, print, radio, television, or via the internet, a student's ability to receive a stipend from the college opportunity fund, the institution of higher education shall include in the advertisement the total cost of attending the institution, including a student's total tuition cost plus applicable fees.
C.R.S. § 23-18-205 College opportunity fund - information - notification
23-18-205. College opportunity fund - information - notification. (1) It is the intent of the general assembly that the department and the commission inform students beginning in the eighth grade of the state's financial commitment to students to assist them in continuing their education by attending college and of the additional financial resources that may be available to the students in order to further their education.
(2) (a) The commission shall work with the department of education to notify annually eighth-grade students of the state's contribution to the college opportunity fund on behalf of resident students and the manner in which the students may receive additional information regarding financial resources for higher education including but not limited to the amount of the stipend and a student's ability to use specific websites to explore financial and academic options for preparing to enter college.
(b) The Colorado student loan program shall include information regarding the college opportunity fund on an internet website to assist students in planning financially and academically to attend an institution of higher education in Colorado including but not limited to the current value of the stipend.
(3) On and after July 1, 2005, if the department and the commission advertise and publicize a specific stipend dollar amount, the dollar amount may not exceed the amount most recently set by the joint budget committee or adopted by the general assembly, and the advertisement or publication materials shall note that the stipend amount is subject to change by the general assembly.
C.R.S. § 23-18-206 College opportunity fund - directive
23-18-206. College opportunity fund - directive. The Colorado student loan program and the state treasurer, in consultation with the governing boards, shall cooperatively establish a disbursement schedule for stipends awarded pursuant to this part 2.
C.R.S. § 23-18-207 College opportunity fund - legislative declaration - commission report
23-18-207. College opportunity fund - legislative declaration - commission report. (1) The general assembly finds that:
(a) No other state has tried to change the funding of institutions of higher education from the institution to the student as provided for in this part 2;
(b) Because this part 2 creates a new and untried program, it is anticipated that during the early years of its implementation, there may be some unanticipated effects requiring additional statutory changes.
(2) (a) Beginning July 1, 2006, and continuing through July 1, 2009, the commission shall submit to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives and to the joint budget committee of the general assembly annual reports on the status of the program established pursuant to this part 2. The annual reports may include, but are not limited to, recommended statutory changes.
(b) On or before July 1, 2010, the commission shall submit a final report to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives and to the joint budget committee of the general assembly on the implementation of the program established pursuant to this part 2.
C.R.S. § 23-18-208 Advance - cash-flow management
23-18-208. Advance - cash-flow management. Notwithstanding any provision of section 24-75-203 (1), C.R.S., to the contrary, the Colorado student loan program may authorize and, upon such authorization, the state treasurer shall make an advance without interest from the college opportunity fund to a governing board to assist the governing board in managing its cash flow. An advance made pursuant to this section shall be repaid within the same state fiscal year in which the advance is made.
C.R.S. § 23-18-301 Legislative declaration
23-18-301. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a) Higher education is an economic engine for Colorado, helps to create an informed citizenry, and contributes significantly to Colorado's superior quality of life;
(b) In order to ensure the state's ongoing social, cultural, and economic vibrancy, funding for higher education should be based on the needs of the state, the people of Colorado, and the students;
(c) Colorado ranks highly in the United States in the percentage of its citizens between the ages of twenty-five and sixty-four with a college degree, largely due to the migration of college-educated adults from other states and countries;
(d) In order to ensure that Colorado students have access to a postsecondary education that will allow them to compete for jobs in Colorado's increasingly high-tech economy and the global economy, it is essential that Colorado make wise use of its investment in higher education to increase the number of Coloradans who have earned a high-quality postsecondary credential;
(e) It is important that the state of Colorado ensures that all Coloradans have access to affordable higher education, regardless of income, race, gender, age, or academic preparation, and that higher education services are available in all geographic areas of the state, including rural areas, historically underserved areas, and areas with low educational attainment;
(f) In particular, it is critical that the rate of postsecondary participation by low-income Coloradans and minorities, who are currently underrepresented, be increased at Colorado's institutions of higher education;
(f.5) As part of an affordable higher education, the Colorado commission on higher education should ensure that institutions provide realistic opportunities for students to shorten their time to degree, when appropriate, while also recognizing the challenges that some students face as they work or take care of and support their families while striving to avoid accumulating student debt; and
(g) Colorado's limited state resources must be used in a way that provides incentives for state institutions of higher education to achieve the policy goals adopted by the general assembly and identified in the Colorado commission on higher education's master plan.
(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that:
(a) In order for the general assembly to perform its duty to exercise oversight and ensure that tax dollars are being used to achieve stated policy goals, higher education must be funded in a manner that is transparent and understandable;
(b) These goals can be accomplished by the general assembly establishing performance funding metrics that are consistent, predictable, and focused on improved performance;
(c) With a consistent and predictable funding model for higher education, state institutions of higher education will be able to engage in long-term financial planning that will benefit students through more predictable tuition and fees; and
(d) If higher education is funded in a manner that is transparent and understandable, Coloradans, and especially Colorado taxpayers, will more easily understand the benefit realized from Colorado's investment in its higher education system.
C.R.S. § 23-18-302 Definitions - repeal
23-18-302. Definitions - repeal. As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Applicable fiscal year" or "applicable state fiscal year" means the state fiscal year that commences July 1 after the conclusion of the regular legislative session. For example, during the 2015 regular legislative session, the "applicable fiscal year" means the 2015-16 fiscal year.
(2) "Area technical college" has the same meaning as provided in section 23-60-103 (1).
(3) "Commission" means the Colorado commission on higher education established pursuant to section 23-1-102.
(4) "Credential completion" means the calculation of student credential completion by a governing board based on equal weighting of the total resident student completions of postsecondary credentials in a given state fiscal year. The credential completion calculation includes:
(a) Only credentials recognized by the department and determined by commission policy for purposes of this subsection (4); and
(b) Equal weighting for a resident student who transfers out of an institution with a community college role and mission specified in statute, after accumulating at least eighteen credit hours at the institution in a two-year degree program.
(5) "Department" means the Colorado department of higher education established pursuant to section 24-1-114.
(6) "Local district college" means a local district college operating pursuant to article 71 of this title 23.
(7) "Master plan" means the master plan created pursuant to section 23-1-108.
(8) "One-hundred-fifty-percent-of-time graduation rate" means, for a four-year institution, the percentage of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students starting in the fall term and graduating within six years with a bachelor's degree from the same institution, and, for a two-year institution, the percentage of first-time, full-time, associate degree-seeking or undergraduate certificate-seeking students starting in the fall term and completing their declared program within one hundred fifty percent of the normal time to completion, as reported to the integrated postsecondary education data system maintained by the federal department of education. If the integrated postsecondary education data system does not include data for an institution or governing board for prior state fiscal years, the department shall use its available data, as reported by the governing board to the department through the student-unit record database, in place of the missing integrated postsecondary education data system data. The department shall ensure that the governing boards collect and report the data in a consistent manner. A student may be counted only once in a state fiscal year for purposes of this performance funding metric.
(9) "One-hundred-percent-of-time graduation rate" means, for a four-year institution, the percentage of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students starting in the fall term and graduating within four years with a bachelor's degree from the same institution, and, for a two-year institution, the percentage of first-time, full-time, associate degree-seeking or undergraduate certificate-seeking students starting in the fall term and completing their declared program within one hundred percent of the normal time to completion, as reported to the integrated postsecondary education data system maintained by the federal department of education. If the integrated postsecondary education data system does not include data for an institution or governing board for prior state fiscal years, the department shall use its available data, as reported by the governing board to the department through the student-unit record database, in place of the missing integrated postsecondary education data system data. The department shall ensure that the governing boards collect and report the data in a consistent manner
clude data for an institution or governing board for prior state fiscal years, the department shall use its available data, as reported by the governing board to the department through the student-unit record database, in place of the missing integrated postsecondary education data system data. The department shall ensure that the governing boards collect and report the data in a consistent manner. A student may be counted only once in a state fiscal year for purposes of this performance funding metric.
(10) "Pell-eligible student" means an undergraduate student who qualifies for the federal Pell grant or for a grant through a successor program.
(11) "Preceding fiscal year" or "preceding state fiscal year" means the state fiscal year that ends immediately before the applicable fiscal year. For example, during the 2015 regular legislative session, the "preceding fiscal year" means the 2014-15 fiscal year.
(12) (a) "Resident first-generation undergraduate student" means a resident student who, until the age of eighteen, primarily resided with a single parent who does not, or with parents or guardians both of whom do not, possess a bachelor's degree, based on institutional reporting data described in subsection (12)(b) of this section.
(b) Each governing board shall collect and report to the department resident first-generation undergraduate student data based on student reporting as to primary residence until the age of eighteen and the educational attainment of the student's parents or guardians. Data collected must be reported in compliance with this subsection (12) not later than the census student data for the fall 2020 term and for each fall term thereafter. The department shall ensure that the governing boards collect and report the data in a consistent manner.
(13) "Resident first-generation undergraduate student population share" means the resident first-generation undergraduate student head count as a percentage of the overall resident student population head count from the fall enrollment census collected by the department.
(14) "Resident Pell-eligible student population share" means the resident Pell-eligible student head count as a percentage of the overall resident student population head count from the end-of-term fall enrollment collected by the department.
(15) "Resident student full-time equivalent enrollment" means the final state fiscal year count of resident undergraduate and graduate full-time equivalent students enrolled at a state institution of higher education, not including resident graduate students at the university of Colorado Anschutz medical campus and graduate students at the Colorado state university veterinary medicine campus.
(16) "Resident underrepresented minority student population share" means the total resident student head count of underrepresented minority students, as defined by the department, as a percentage of the overall resident student population head count from the end-of-term fall enrollment collected by the department.
and graduate students at the Colorado state university veterinary medicine campus.
(16) "Resident underrepresented minority student population share" means the total resident student head count of underrepresented minority students, as defined by the department, as a percentage of the overall resident student population head count from the end-of-term fall enrollment collected by the department.
(17) "Retention rate" means, for a four-year institution, the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students starting in the fall term and returning for their second fall term at the same institution, and, for a two-year institution, the percentage of first-time, full-time associate degree-seeking or undergraduate certificate-seeking students starting in the fall term and either returning for or successfully completing their declared program by the second fall term at the same institution, as reported to the integrated postsecondary education data system maintained by the federal department of education. If the integrated postsecondary education data system does not include data for an institution or governing board for prior state fiscal years, the department shall use its available data, as reported by the governing board to the department through the student-unit record database, in place of the missing integrated postsecondary education data system data. The department shall ensure that the governing boards collect and report the data in a consistent manner. A student may be counted only once in a state fiscal year for purposes of this performance funding metric.
(18) (a) "Role and mission share" means the percentage share of funding appropriated to each governing board of the total amount appropriated in the preceding state fiscal year pursuant to sections 23-18-202 and 23-18-303.5, excluding the amount appropriated pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (3).
(b) Repealed.
(19) "State institution of higher education" or "institution" has the same meaning as defined in section 23-18-102 (10).
(20) "Total governing board appropriation":
(a) For the applicable fiscal year or applicable state fiscal year, has the same meaning as the total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year, as applied to a governing board.
(b) For the preceding fiscal year or preceding state fiscal year, has the same meaning as the total state appropriation for the preceding fiscal year, as applied to a governing board.
(21) Repealed.
(22) (a) "Total state appropriation" means, for state fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2021:
(I) For the preceding fiscal year or preceding state fiscal year, the sum of:
(A) The total amount appropriated in the annual general appropriations act for the preceding fiscal year to the governing boards of the state institutions of higher education for fee-for-service contracts determined pursuant to section 23-18-303.5, excluding amounts appropriated pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (3), and the amount of the appropriation to the college opportunity fund established in section 23-18-202 for student stipends. This amount is the amount as enacted during the legislative session in which the act was initially adopted, unless otherwise specified in a supplemental appropriations act.
(B) Appropriations pursuant to sections 23-18-202 and 23-18-303.5, excluding amounts appropriated pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (3), that were included in acts other than the annual general appropriations act for the preceding fiscal year that were enacted during the same legislative session as the annual general appropriations act, unless the act otherwise specifies.
mental appropriations act.
(B) Appropriations pursuant to sections 23-18-202 and 23-18-303.5, excluding amounts appropriated pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (3), that were included in acts other than the annual general appropriations act for the preceding fiscal year that were enacted during the same legislative session as the annual general appropriations act, unless the act otherwise specifies.
(II) For the applicable fiscal year or applicable state fiscal year, the total amount appropriated in the annual general appropriations act for the fiscal year to the governing boards of the state institutions of higher education for fee-for-service contracts determined pursuant to section 23-18-303.5, excluding amounts appropriated pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (2) and (3), and the amount of the appropriation to the college opportunity fund established in section 23-18-202 for student stipends. This amount includes only the amounts enacted in the annual general appropriations act as initially enacted, unless a supplemental appropriations act or another act otherwise specifies. The total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year excludes any out-year costs or savings from legislation adopted in previous years that the general assembly determines were not accounted for in the preceding fiscal year's appropriations.
(b) Repealed.
C.R.S. § 23-18-303 Fee-for-service contracts - authorization - performance funding - repeal
23-18-303. Fee-for-service contracts - authorization - performance funding - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 23-18-303.5 Fee-for-service contracts - authorization - performance funding - repeal
23-18-303.5. Fee-for-service contracts - authorization - performance funding - repeal. (1) (a) For the 2021-22 state fiscal year and each state fiscal year thereafter, the governing board of a state institution of higher education may annually negotiate a fee-for-service contract with the department pursuant to this section for the delivery of higher education services by the institution for the benefit of the state and its residents. Specialty education programs, area technical colleges, and local district colleges are funded pursuant to the provisions of section 23-18-304.
(b) Each governing board's annual fee-for-service contract includes the amount of funding appropriated to the governing board pursuant to this section, plus any amount appropriated to the governing board pursuant to sections 23-18-304 and 23-18-308, minus the amount of funding appropriated to the governing board for college opportunity fund stipends pursuant to section 23-18-202.
(2) Ongoing additional funding. Prior to calculating performance funding recommendations pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, the commission, in conjunction with the department and in collaboration with the governing boards, may recommend an additional amount of funding pursuant to this subsection (2) for an institution, which amount is ongoing base funding for the receiving institution and is included in the calculation of funding pursuant to this part 3 in subsequent state fiscal years. The commission may recommend an additional amount of funding for the following purposes:
(a) To increase appropriations over the previous state fiscal year in order to make progress toward master plan goals, which may include addressing base funding disparities or funding priorities not addressed through the performance funding metrics. The commission shall focus its recommendations on broad institutional, systemwide, or state policy goals.
(b) (I) To recognize an institution's additional costs related to or associated with educating and providing services to resident first-generation undergraduate students.
(II) If the commission recommends additional funding for an institution or institutions pursuant to this subsection (2)(b), funding is calculated for an institution by dividing the institution's resident first-generation undergraduate student head count, based on the most recent census data collected by the department pursuant to section 23-18-302 (12)(b), by the institution's overall resident undergraduate student population head count from the fall census, and then multiplying the quotient by the institution's resident first-generation undergraduate student head count, resulting in the institution's "calibrated first-generation undergraduate student head count". An institution's percentage share of additional funding pursuant to this subsection (2)(b) is then determined by dividing the institution's calibrated first-generation undergraduate student head count by the sum of the calibrated first-generation undergraduate student head counts for all institutions that receive additional funding pursuant to this subsection (2)(b).
(3) Temporary additional funding. After calculating funding recommendations pursuant to subsections (2) and (4) of this section, the commission, in conjunction with the department and in collaboration with the governing boards, may recommend an additional amount of temporary funding pursuant to this subsection (3) for an institution for purposes of making progress toward goals identified in the systemwide master planning process set forth in section 23-1-108 or other areas as identified by the commission. Additional funding received pursuant to this subsection (3) must be allocated for a specific period of time, is not ongoing base funding, and is not included in the calculation of funding pursuant to this part 3 in subsequent state fiscal years or in the calculation of the total state appropriation made pursuant to this part 3.
th in section 23-1-108 or other areas as identified by the commission. Additional funding received pursuant to this subsection (3) must be allocated for a specific period of time, is not ongoing base funding, and is not included in the calculation of funding pursuant to this part 3 in subsequent state fiscal years or in the calculation of the total state appropriation made pursuant to this part 3.
(4) Performance funding metrics. (a) After calculating funding recommendations pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the commission, in conjunction with the department and in collaboration with the governing boards, shall calculate performance funding for each governing board based on the rate of change over time in the performance of the institutions overseen by the governing board on the performance funding metrics specified in subsection (4)(b) of this section. The recommendation for performance funding may reflect a change in the total state appropriation, less the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, from the preceding state fiscal year.
(b) The performance funding metrics include:
(I) Resident student full-time equivalent enrollment;
(II) Credential completion;
(III) Resident Pell-eligible student population share;
(IV) Resident underrepresented minority student population share;
(V) Retention rate;
(VI) One-hundred-percent-of-time graduation rate;
(VII) One-hundred-fifty-percent-of-time graduation rate; and
(VIII) Resident first-generation undergraduate student population share.
(c) (I) Beginning with the 2021-22 state fiscal year, in preparing budget recommendations, the commission, in conjunction with the department and in collaboration with the governing boards, may annually identify the portion of total performance funding that is allocated to each performance funding metric specified in subsection (4)(b) of this section.
(II) For the 2021-22 state fiscal year and each state fiscal year thereafter, the joint budget committee, after considering the commission's budget recommendations, shall determine the portion of total performance funding for the applicable state fiscal year that is allocated to each performance funding metric specified in subsection (4)(b) of this section. Each governing board's share of the funding allocated for each performance funding metric is determined using the calculation set forth in subsection (5) of this section.
(5) Performance funding calculation. (a) The amount of performance funding that a governing board receives for each performance funding metric specified in subsection (4)(b) of this section is based on the rate of change over time in the performance of the institutions overseen by the governing board on the performance funding metric. The rate of change for each performance funding metric is calculated annually for a governing board by dividing the average of the four most recent years of actual data reported by the governing board for the metric by the average of the three oldest of the four years of actual data reported by the governing board for the metric. The rate of change for the performance funding metric is then multiplied by each governing board's role and mission share, resulting in the "governing board role and mission adjusted share" for the performance funding metric. The total of the governing board role and mission adjusted shares for all governing boards is the "total role and mission adjusted share" for the performance funding metric. Each governing board's allocation for the performance funding metric is then determined by dividing the governing board's role and mission adjusted share for the performance funding metric by the total role and mission adjusted share for the performance funding metric, ensuring that the total amount of funding distributed through the performance funding metric does not exceed the amount of funding allocated for the performance funding metric.
ormance funding metric is then determined by dividing the governing board's role and mission adjusted share for the performance funding metric by the total role and mission adjusted share for the performance funding metric, ensuring that the total amount of funding distributed through the performance funding metric does not exceed the amount of funding allocated for the performance funding metric.
(b) (I) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (5)(a) of this section to the contrary, for purposes of appropriations for the 2021-22 through 2024-25 state fiscal years, an institution's rate of change in performance for purposes of the performance funding metric specified in subsection (4)(b)(VIII) of this section is based on the percentage change in the first-generation student head count from one year to the next using the institution's definition of a first-generation student, so long as the definition is consistent for both state fiscal years used in the calculation. The department shall calculate each institution's rate of change in performance for the performance funding metric specified in subsection (4)(b)(VIII) of this section using:
(A) The most recent two years of available, actual end-of-fall-term enrollment data reported by the governing board to the department; and
(B) The lesser of the actual year-to-year percentage change in the first-generation student head count or two and one-half percent.
(II) For each of the state fiscal years 2021-22 through 2024-25, the commission may recommend, and the joint budget committee may adopt, a change to the two and one-half percent limitation on the rate of change specified in subsection (5)(b)(I)(B) of this section.
(III) This subsection (5)(b) is repealed, effective July 1, 2025.
(6) The amount of any change in funding appropriated to a governing board for the state fiscal year pursuant to subsection (2) or (3) of this section is not included in calculating the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable state fiscal year for purposes of section 23-18-304.
(7) When requesting or determining a change in performance funding pursuant to subsection (4) of this section and tuition spending authority for governing boards, the department and the joint budget committee shall consider, at a minimum, cost increases to base funding at all institutions, including those related to common policies annually submitted in the governor's November 1 budget request and adopted by the joint budget committee, and the commission's master plan goals.
(8) The board of trustees of the Colorado school of mines may study and recommend to the general assembly a different funding structure, including but not limited to a special purpose authority as defined in section 24-77-102 (15), that strengthens the institution and its specialized educational programs while ensuring academic quality and continued opportunities for resident students who meet the admissions criteria of the institution.
(9) Nothing in this part 3 precludes a governing board, local district college, or area technical college from making a funding request to the commission.
C.R.S. § 23-18-304 Funding for specialty education programs - area technical colleges - local district colleges - repeal
23-18-304. Funding for specialty education programs - area technical colleges - local district colleges - repeal. (1) (a) (I) For the 2015-16 state fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the board of regents of the university of Colorado may annually negotiate a fee-for-service contract with the department for the delivery of specialty education services provided by the health sciences center campus of the university of Colorado, established pursuant to section 23-20-101. For the 2015-16 state fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the board of governors of the Colorado state university system may annually negotiate fee-for-service contracts with the department for the delivery of specialty education services pursuant to part 3 and parts 5 to 8 of article 31 of this title 23, for the delivery of health sciences programs with the board of regents of the university of Colorado, and for the veterinary medicine program at Colorado state university, established pursuant to section 23-31-101. The amount of each fee-for-service contract negotiated pursuant to this section must be equal to the amount of the fee-for-service contract for the campus, service, or program for the preceding state fiscal year, increased or decreased by a percentage equal to the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable state fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year.
(II) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a) to the contrary, the fee-for-service contract for the health sciences center campus of the university of Colorado and the veterinary medicine program at Colorado state university may increase by a percentage that is greater than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year and may decrease by a percentage that is less than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year. In determining the amount of the fee-for-service contracts, the department shall take into account the fact that the health sciences center campus at the university of Colorado and the veterinary medicine program at Colorado state university are high-cost, low-enrollment programs.
(b) If, upon the recommendation of the commission and the department, the joint budget committee determines that an educational program that is not included in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) should receive funding as a specialty education program pursuant to this section, the joint budget committee may introduce legislation that designates the program as a specialty education program funded pursuant to this section.
dation of the commission and the department, the joint budget committee determines that an educational program that is not included in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) should receive funding as a specialty education program pursuant to this section, the joint budget committee may introduce legislation that designates the program as a specialty education program funded pursuant to this section.
(c) (I) Specialty education services provided by the health sciences center campus at the university of Colorado as authorized by subsection (1)(a) of this section include care provided by the faculty of the health sciences center campus at the university of Colorado that are eligible for payment pursuant to section 25.5-4-401.
(II) (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1)(a)(I) of this section for the 2019-20, 2020-21, and any subsequent state fiscal years, as long as the increased reimbursements and payments pursuant to the federal "Families First Coronavirus Response Act", Pub.L. 116-127, are still available, the appropriations to the university of Colorado for fee-for-service contracts for the services provided pursuant to subsection (1)(c)(I) of this section are reduced by the amount of the federal participation received that exceeds fifty percent pursuant to the federal"Families First Coronavirus Response Act", Pub.L. 116-127, or any amendment thereto.
(B) This subsection (1)(c)(II) is repealed, effective July 1, 2026.
(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b) of this section, for the 2015-16 state fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the direct grants made to eligible area technical colleges pursuant to part 3 of article 71 of this title 23 for a state fiscal year must be equal to the amount of the grants made in the preceding state fiscal year, increased or decreased by a percentage equal to the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable state fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year.
(b) The commission may recommend as part of its budget request that:
(I) Direct grants to area technical colleges increase by a percentage that is greater than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year or decrease by a percentage that is less than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year; and
(II) In addition to the amount received pursuant to subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b)(I) of this section, one or more area technical colleges receive additional money for grants pursuant to section 23-71-304.
(3) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (3), for the 2015-16 state fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount of the direct grant made to Colorado mountain college and the amount of the direct grant made to Aims community college, as provided in part 3 of article 71 of this title, for a state fiscal year must be equal to the amount of the direct grant made to each institution in the preceding state fiscal year, increased or decreased by a percentage equal to the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable state fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year.
(b) The commission may recommend as part of its budget request for Colorado mountain college and Aims community college that the direct grant to either or both institutions increase by a percentage that is greater than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year or decrease by a percentage that is less than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year.
ollege that the direct grant to either or both institutions increase by a percentage that is greater than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year or decrease by a percentage that is less than the percentage change in the total state appropriation for the applicable fiscal year from the total state appropriation for the preceding state fiscal year.
(c) Colorado mountain college may elect to participate in the funding provisions specified in section 23-18-303.5 in lieu of the funding provisions specified in subsections (3)(a) and (3)(b) of this section. Colorado mountain college must notify the commission by August 1 of its intention to participate in the funding provisions specified in section 23-18-303.5 for the following state fiscal year. If Colorado mountain college elects to participate in the funding provisions of section 23-18-303.5, the department shall apply the funding provisions of section 23-18-303.5 to Colorado mountain college in the same manner as they are applied to all other institutions, and Colorado mountain college must receive levels of funding that are comparable to the funding received by the governing boards in accordance with the provisions of section 23-18-303.5.
(4) The governing boards of institutions with specialty education programs, the area technical colleges, the local district colleges, and the commission are encouraged to develop funding models that include specific performance metrics to ensure that these programs and institutions are meeting the policy goals established by the general assembly and adopted by the commission in its master plan.
C.R.S. § 23-18-305 Total appropriations - adjustments - fiscal emergency - resolution - financial hardship - repeal
23-18-305. Total appropriations - adjustments - fiscal emergency - resolution - financial hardship - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 23-18-306 Duties and powers of the commission - budget provisions - periodic review of funding formula - report
23-18-306. Duties and powers of the commission - budget provisions - periodic review of funding formula - report. (1) (a) For the 2021-22 state fiscal year and each state fiscal year thereafter, the department and commission shall submit a budget request by November 1 of each year that includes:
(I) A detailed description of requests for additional ongoing and temporary funding pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (2) and (3) and recommendations for additional funding, if any; and
(II) Recommendations for:
(A) Changes in the amount of performance funding pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (4), if any;
(B) The percentage allocation of performance funding among the performance funding metrics specified in section 23-18-303.5 (4)(b);
(C) Additional funding for fee-for-service contracts pursuant to section 23-18-304, if any; and
(D) Tuition spending authority for the state institutions of higher education.
(b) The department's and commission's budget must include:
(I) A detailed calculation of the funding recommended for each governing board, local district college, and area technical college pursuant to sections 23-18-303.5, 23-18-304, and 23-18-308, as applicable; and
(II) A document, developed in collaboration with the governing boards, local district colleges, and area technical colleges, that identifies the annual change in funding received by all institutions pursuant to section 23-18-303.5 (2) and clearly and separately identifies the annual change in funding allocated to each governing board, local district college, and area technical college pursuant to section 23-18-304.
(c) The department and commission shall comply with the requirements of this part 3 in submitting their budget request pursuant to the budget procedures specified in part 3 of article 37 of title 24.
(2) (a) Commencing in 2026 and every five years thereafter, the commission shall review the funding formula established pursuant to this part 3 and by November 1, 2026, and by November 1 every five years thereafter, submit a report to the governor, the joint budget committee of the general assembly, and the education committees of the senate and the house of representatives, or any successor committees, containing proposed changes to the funding formula and any recommendations for legislative changes.
(b) In conducting the review required by subsection (2)(a) of this section, the commission and the department may:
(I) Convene one or more meetings with interested parties to discuss the existing funding model and to learn of issues raised by the interested parties;
(II) Conduct an analysis of the issues identified by interested parties and possible solutions;
(III) Engage directly with the institutions to strive for consensus among the institutions on any proposed changes; and
(IV) If applicable, develop a set of changes to recommend to the governor and committees of the general assembly as described in subsection (2)(a) of this section.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the reporting requirement required in this subsection (2) continues indefinitely.
(3) The commission shall adopt any policies or procedures necessary for the uniform application and implementation of this part 3.
(4) The commission, in conjunction with the department and in collaboration with the governing boards, shall identify and make recommendations concerning ways to better measure the success of students who are pursuing a credential or degree and who are not included in the first-time, full-time student cohort. On or before July 1, 2022, the commission shall submit its recommendations to the joint budget committee, which may include a recommendation for a statutory change to the calculation of one of the graduation rate performance funding metrics specified in section 23-18-303.5 (4)(b).
C.R.S. § 23-18-307 Budget provisions - reporting - repeal
23-18-307. Budget provisions - reporting - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 23-18-308 Fee-for-service contracts - grants to local district colleges - limited purpose - repeal
23-18-308. Fee-for-service contracts - grants to local district colleges - limited purpose - repeal. (1) Subject to available appropriations, the department shall enter into fee-for-service contracts for the following purposes:
(a) The creation of career pathways for students pursuant to sections 23-60-109 and 24-46.3-104;
(b) Repealed.
(c) Cybersecurity and distributed ledger technologies, such as blockchains, as set forth in sections 24-33.5-1904 and 24-33.5-1905;
(d) Repealed.
(e) The food systems advisory council pursuant to part 11 of article 31 of this title 23;
(f) Providing services to maximize concurrent enrollment across the community college system as provided in section 23-60-202.7;
(g) and (h) Repealed.
(i) (I) The educator well-being and mental health program pursuant to section 23-20-142.
(II) This subsection (1)(i) is repealed, effective July 1, 2026.
(j) The Colorado rural health-care workforce initiative established in article 76.5 of this title 23, including for health-care professionals rural tracks at institutions of higher education and administrative costs and educational support provided by the university of Colorado's school of medicine's rural program;
(k) The recruitment of wildland fire prevention and mitigation educators program administered pursuant to section 23-81-102;
(l) The Colorado multidisciplinary health-care provider access training program created in section 23-21-1103;
(m) The creation of education programs pursuant to section 8-15.7-201;
(n) The recovery-friendly workplace program created in part 3 of article 20 of this title 23. This subsection (1)(n) is repealed, effective September 1, 2028.
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this part 3 to the contrary, the amount of a fee-for-service contract or grant pursuant to this section is not included in the calculation of "total state appropriation" or "total governing board appropriation" made pursuant to this part 3.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-23.docxFetched: 10/6/2026