Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (RIOPC) serves as the definitive resource for information on and the interpretation of Council on Postsecondary Education policy for public higher education. RIOPC looks for shared opportunities to advance the objectives of postsecondary education with the public and independent institutions.The Commissioner of Postsecondary Education is the state's higher education executive officer. In fulfilling this role, the Commissioner works closely with the presidents of the state higher education institutions to determine the benefits or disadvantages of proposed new programs, departments, division, courses of study within the scope and role adopted by the Council on Postsecondary Education and in developing tables of organization. RIOPC relies on the collegial relations and civil discussions among the members of the postsecondary community and with important stakeholders from business, government, and PK-12 education.