Answering the challenge of the state’s higher education plan, Closing the Gaps by 2015, has many aspects, one of which is to collect and analyze data, to undertake studies, and to publish and report on a wide variety of higher education issues, programs, and monitor progress toward goals.

An important part of educating and informing constituencies of higher education is the publication of a series of overviews, or short descriptions and reviews of relevant subject areas that present general information and the main points in a brief, concise format. The main purpose of an overview is to highlight major points and familiarize the reader with the entire subject matter in a short period of time. Subject-matter examples of overviews include formula funding, the accountability system, and financial aid.