House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chair Hudson opened a public hearing March 11 on House Bill 2421, which would permit private nonprofit postsecondary institutions to join, by consent, Oregonthe direct admissions program established by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HEC).

Proponents told the committee the bill would broaden college choices and reduce application barriers for many high school students. Morgan Shaw, an intern for Cindy Robert, testified on behalf of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities, saying, "Direct admissions tells high school students that there are colleges and universities that are eager to admit them based on their academic records and their projected graduation date." Shaw said the approach has the largest impact on first-generation and traditionally underrepresented students and can reduce out‑migration of students who leave Oregon to enroll elsewhere.

Mynea Zhong Chan, vice president for enrollment management and marketing and web services at the University of Portland, told members HB 2421 would "increase the diversity of higher education choices available to students in Oregon" and that private nonprofit institutions should be able to decide whether to participate. She said private colleges offer "unique experiences and value to students" and argued participation would help the state build a more diverse pipeline of graduates.

William Mullen, vice president for enrollment management at Willamette University, also supported the bill and described direct admissions in other states as increasing FAFSA filing and college enrollment rates and helping students make timely decisions. Several members asked whether the HECdirect admissions program is already in place at public institutions; witnesses said the program is still being developed for public universities and that private institutions want the option to participate when the program is implemented.

The bill as discussed would add private nonprofit institutions to the list of entities that may take part in the HEC direct admissions program; the dash-3 amendment in the staff summary specifies participation by private nonprofit institutions and that institutions must elect to participate. The committee did not take a vote during the public hearing.