What is a Regional Compact?
Regional Compacts Map
The four regional education compacts (MHEC, NEBHE, SREB, WICHE) are nonpartisan, non-profit organizations that represent 47 states and territories and six state affiliate partners. As entities created by their states, regional compacts have deep knowledge and extensive experience in states and their education systems and institutions. The regional compacts are well-positioned to leverage long-standing relationships with state higher education executive officers, chief state school officers, legislators, and governors. Together, they have successfully collaborated on major national initiatives, such as the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) and regional cost-savings programs for procuring educational technology, cyber insurance, master property insurance, and student health insurance.
In 2020, the four regional compacts formed a nationwide network of OER support known as the National Consortium for Open Educational Resources (NCOER). In 2020, each regional compact received support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to increase OER capacity and implementation in its member states, share best practices, scale successful efforts, and leverage collective resources to enhance OER implementation across the county.
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Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC)
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact brings together midwestern states to develop and support best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. Through these efforts it works to ensure strong, equitable postsecondary educational opportunities and outcomes for all. Member states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
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New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE)
The New England Board of Higher Education works across New England to help leaders assess, develop and implement sound education practices and policies of regional significance; to promote regional cooperation and programs that encourage the efficient use and sharing of educational resources; and to strengthen the relationship between higher education and the economic well-being and quality of life in New England. Member states are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
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Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
The Southern Regional Education Board works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. An interstate compact and a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislatures to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region. SREB states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
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Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)
Since 1953, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has been strengthening higher education, workforce development, and behavioral health throughout the region. From promoting high-quality, affordable postsecondary education to helping states get the most from their technology investments and addressing behavioral health challenges, WICHE improves lives across the West through innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy. WICHE members include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.