A Critical Analysis of Intermediary Public Policy Organizations: Influencing the U.S. Higher Education Policy Agenda

• In Event: 81.018 - Who Sets the Agenda? Exploring the Role of the Courts, Intermediary Organizations, and State Regulators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to learn about the agenda-setting activities of intermediary public policy organizations (IPPOs) engaged with higher education policy. Our orienting research question asks, “How do IPPOs influence the public policy agenda for higher education?”. In this paper, we report findings from investigating this question that map onto two primary objectives: 1) to critically examine how IPPO’s construction of higher education’s purpose shapes efforts to influence policy, and 2) to critically analyze the construction of equity in public policy problems and priorities for US higher education, as developed and advanced by IPPOs. Cumulatively, we hope to contribute to a growing research base about IPPOs role and responsibilities in the broader field of higher education policy.

Authors

• Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, University of Denver

• Cecilia M. Orphan, University of Denver

• Sophia A Laderman, State Higher Education Executive Officers