Recruitment and retention of underrepresented students requires leadership by institution presidents, vice presidents, and deans. Efforts must be proactive and sustained over a long period to build critical masses of students and faculty from underrepresented groups.

In Dec. 2009, Gov. Bill Ritter appointed a 12 member bipartisan Higher Education Strategic Planning (HESP) Steering Committee. This report presents the recommendations of the committee to the governor, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE), the Colorado legislature, and the public.