Functional Statements > Office of Postsecondary Education

Sections

1. Mission and Responsibilities
2. Organization
3. Order of Succession
4. Functions and Responsibilities of OPE Components
1. Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary
2. Higher Education Programs
3. Policy, Planning, and Innovation
5. Primary Delegations of Authority

I. Mission and Responsibilities

The Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education serves as the principal adviser to the Secretary on Departmental matters related to postsecondary education. The Office directs, coordinates, and recommends policies for programs that are designed to:

• Provide financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions.
• Improve postsecondary educational facilities and programs through the provision of financial support to eligible institutions.
• Recruit and prepare disadvantaged students for the successful completion of postsecondary educational programs.
• Promote the domestic study of foreign languages and international affairs and support international educational research and exchange activities.

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II. Organization

The Office of Postsecondary Education is under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education who reports to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. The Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education provides overall direction, coordination, and leadership to the following major elements:

Higher Education Programs; and
Policy, Planning, and Innovation.

In addition, two staff components report to the Assistant Secretary. These are: the Executive Staff; and the Accreditation and State Liaison Staff.

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III. Order of Succession

In the event that the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education dies, resigns or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office, and the office is thereby deemed to be vacant, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary shall temporarily perform the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity.

In instances where the office is not vacant, but the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education is absent, the following officials, in the order shown, shall perform the functions and duties of the office:

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary;
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Programs;
Chief of Staff.

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