The System Council of Chief Academic Officers (SCOCAO), established in 2002, is composed of the six chief academic officers of the state universities, four chief academic officers selected by the nineteen community colleges, one chief academic officer selected by the ten technical institutions, and the chief academic officer of Washburn University.

SCOCAO formulates recommendations relating to the implementation of the Higher Education Coordination Act as they apply to academic affairs; addresses instructional, academic, or related issues that affect higher education system-wide in Kansas; receives and reviews recommendations from individual campuses or instructional groups; promotes continuous quality improvement and coordination of higher education in Kansas; and promotes higher education improvement through joint academic or professional development activities. One of its primary functions is continuous academic planning for the Regents system.

SCOCAO meets monthly.