Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts

The Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making higher education more equitable and accessible for all Massachusetts residents. Founded in 2007, PHENOM unites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members from community colleges, state universities, and the UMass campuses to advocate for a well-funded, affordable, and quality public higher education system.

Mission

PHENOM's mission is centered on several key objectives:

• Equitable and Accessible Education: PHENOM campaigns for reforms that make all public institutions, from colleges to trade schools, tuition-free and ensure sufficient state funding.
• Infrastructure and Resource Development: The organization supports investment in infrastructure construction and maintenance, as well as expanding resources and outreach for non-traditional students.
• Faculty and Staff Well-being: PHENOM advocates for improved wages and working conditions for staff and faculty, including equitable treatment for part-time and non-tenure-track faculty.
• Governance and Democracy: It emphasizes the importance of strengthening campus governance bodies, such as student governments, to increase democracy within public higher education.

Campaigns

PHENOM is actively involved in several campaigns aimed at transforming Massachusetts' higher education landscape:

• Tuition-Free Public Education: PHENOM seeks to ensure that all Massachusetts residents can access public colleges without tuition fees, guaranteeing a debt-free degree.
• Private College Endowment Tax: The organization supports a tax on private college endowments to fund free public education.
• Financial Aid Reform: PHENOM works towards comprehensive financial aid reform, including streamlined application processes and informative campaigns to help students maximize aid opportunities.
• Adjunct Faculty Rights: PHENOM advocates for better working conditions and dignity for adjunct faculty, who are often the backbone of university teaching staff.

Impact

By mobilizing a large grassroots network, PHENOM aims to empower the 500,000-strong public higher education community in Massachusetts to demand better resources for creating a quality public education system. Its efforts have contributed to discussions around policy reforms and financial aid accessibility, positioning it as a significant voice in Massachusetts' educational policy debates.