In this report, we examined five kinds of equity-focused metrics in state OBF policies to determine the extent to which states prioritize the enrollment and success of students of color and students from low-income backgrounds:
- Enrollment metrics for students of color
- Success metrics for students of color
- Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
- Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
- Metrics related to campus racial climate
While the inclusion of these metrics in policies is essential, how they are deployed is equally as important. Therefore, we also considered whether the metrics were mandatory, optional, or weighted. Weighted metrics are the most ideal. These are mandatory and are given additional value, so strong institutional performance on a weighted metric would garner greater advantage or funding.
Two- and Four-Year Institutions
Oklahoma adopted outcomes-based funding in 2012. It is allocated as base funding annually.
In spring 2011, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education asked the Council of Presidents to conduct a review of the funding formula used for institutional funding allocations for the express purpose of replacing the peer factor with a performance factor. The goals of the updated formula were (1) to recognize the higher education needs of the state, (2) to recognize the unique roles and missions of our institutions, (3) to achieve equity among the institutions, (4) to accurately represent institutional needs, (5) to reflect enrollment changes, (6) to recognize the minimum funding needed to provide quality services, (7) to include an incentive and performance component, and (8) to make the formula as transparent and simple as possible. As a result of extensive research, analysis and review, a performance funding formula was presented to the state regents in April 2012 that was approved and adopted for use in the allocation of any new state appropriations received by the state system. The performance funding formula is based upon the outcomes of our institutions in the following eight performance measures:
- Campus Completion Plan filed in conjunction with the Complete College America Goals
- Retention rates from freshman to sophomore years
- Pell Grant retention first-time freshman to sophomore years
- Course passage of 24 credit-hours during the first academic year
- Graduation rates
- Complete College America target achievement
- Number of certificates/degrees conferred
- Program accreditation
The policy does not have a metric that measures campus climate.
The policy is overseen by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. To learn more, visit https://www.okhighered.org/index.shtml.
Two-Year Institutions |
|
| Enrollment of Students of Color | None |
| Success of Students of Color | None |
| Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | None |
| Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | Mandatory |
| Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
Four-Year Institutions |
|
| Enrollment of Students of Color | None |
| Success of Students of Color | None |
| Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | None |
| Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | Mandatory |
| Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
