LEGAL AUTHORITY

Reorganization Plan No. 1 of July 26, 2010, known as the Puerto Rico Education Council Reorganization Plan, repealed Law No. 17 of June 16, 1993, as amended, known as the Puerto Rico Higher Education Council Law and consolidated the Higher Education Council and the Puerto Rico General Education Council into the Puerto Rico Education Council.

MISSION

To establish public policy regarding the quality of higher education, through strengthening academic programs in institutions. Provide education of the highest quality and excellence that allows for the development of qualified human resources that contribute to Puerto Rico's social, economic and cultural well being as well as increases its international competitiveness.

VISION

Contribute to maintaining higher education of maximum quality and excellence for the benefit of our students and our socioeconomic and cultural system.

CUSTOMERS

Higher education institutions, college and non-college students enrolled in post-secondary institutions, graduates of higher education institutions, higher education researchers, public school teachers who are studying pedagogy and higher education institution graduates with current licenses from the Puerto Rico Council on Higher Education.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Council on Higher Education is comprised of the Secretary of Education, as an ex-officio member, and eight additional members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Puerto Rico Senate. The Council is comprised of the following organizational units:

• Higher Education Support Programs Administration Division
• Higher Education Research and Documentation Division
• Licensing and Accreditation Division
• Administration and Finances Office
• Communications Office
• Human Resources and Labor Relations
• Office of the Executive Director

The Council on Higher Education is located at Num. 268 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Hato Rey Center Building, Suite 1500, Floor 15 in San Juan.

PROGRAMMATIC STRUCTURE

• Economic Assistance Programs Administration
• General Management and Administration
• Research, studies and statistical data on higher education
• Licensing and Certification of Higher Education Institutions

POSITIONS FILLED

Authorized and Proposed Positions	2010	2011	2012	2013
Total amount of positions	0	0	0	0

The data come from the Agency's Authorized Positions Statistical Reports and certified by it. Starting in Fiscal Year 2012-2013, the position is reflected in the Puerto Rico Council of Education as provided in the July 26, 2010 Reorganization Plan No. 1, known as the Puerto Rico Education Council Reorganization Plan.

PROGRAMS

Financial Aid Programs Administration

Program Description

This program administers state funded financial aid programs for college and non-college post-secondary public and private students. In addition, it administers a federally funded competitive program under the No Child Left Behind Act that grants funds for professional development projects for school teachers and principals.

General Management and Administration

Program Description

To provide administrative support to the Council's programmatic divisions. Responsible for human resources; finances and accounting, disbursements, collections, purchasing administration and budget control, documents administration, activities, legal assessment, information systems and messaging.

Research, studies and statistical data on higher education

Program Description

To compile and disseminate statistical data on higher education in Puerto Rico and maintain a data base of this information. In addition, conduct research on higher education topics.

Licensing and Certification of Higher Education Institutions

Program Description

Responsible for issuing authorization licenses to operate public and private higher education institutions in Puerto Rico. Grant accreditations to these institutions.