Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 057 - Community College Commission, Wyoming
🎓 What Is the Wyoming Community College Commission (Agency 057)?
The Wyoming Community College Commission (WCCC) is the state-level agency that oversees Wyoming’s seven public community colleges. It plays a central role in planning, coordinating, funding, and monitoring the community college system.
Imagine it as the “hub” that ensures all the colleges across the state work together, follow shared rules, and use funding fairly.
🏫 What Are Wyoming’s Community Colleges?
Examples include:
Laramie County Community College
Casper College
Northwest College
Others (7 total)
Each has its own local governance, but Agency 057 keeps all of them aligned with state goals, policies, and funding structures.
🔧 What Does the Commission Actually Do?
1. Allocates State Funding
The Commission:
Decides how much state money each college gets
Uses formulas based on enrollment, performance, and programs offered
Helps colleges manage budgets and avoid duplication
Think of it as managing a pie — the WCCC figures out how to slice it up fairly.
2. Approves New Programs & Degrees
Colleges can’t just start new degree programs without approval. The Commission:
Reviews proposed programs (like nursing, welding, or cybersecurity)
Ensures they meet student demand and workforce needs
Avoids having multiple colleges compete unnecessarily in the same area
3. Coordinates Statewide Goals
The WCCC sets broad goals like:
Increasing access to higher education
Supporting adult learners or dual-enrolled high school students
Promoting job training and technical education
It keeps all colleges focused on shared priorities.
4. Data & Accountability
The Commission tracks data on:
Enrollment
Graduation rates
Job placement
Student performance
This helps Wyoming measure how well its colleges are serving students — and helps the state decide where to invest more.
5. Sets Rules & Policies
WCCC sets administrative rules for things like:
Tuition and fee structures
Credit transfer between colleges
Statewide articulation agreements (how credits move between schools)
Residency requirements for in-state tuition
6. Audits & Compliance
The agency ensures colleges follow state laws and financial rules. It can:
Review financial records
Enforce compliance with policies
Work with other state agencies if issues arise
🧠Who Runs the Commission?
The Commission itself is usually made up of:
Appointed members from across the state
A full-time executive director
Staff who support research, finance, academic affairs, and policy
They meet regularly to vote on proposals, funding, and rule changes.
🗂️ Types of Rules You Might See in Agency 057
| Category | Example Rule Area |
|---|---|
| Finance | Allocation formula, audits, budget planning |
| Academic | New program approval, degree standards, dual enrollment |
| Residency | Who qualifies for in-state tuition |
| Transfers | Credit transfer rules between colleges |
| Data Reporting | What data each college must submit |
đź“ť Summary
Agency 057 – Wyoming Community College Commission is the coordinating and funding agency for the state’s community colleges. It helps:
Distribute funding
Approve academic programs
Set shared policies
Track student success
Keep colleges aligned with Wyoming’s workforce and education goals
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