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
Utah has had performance-based funding since 1999, but the state adopted a new outcomes-based funding model in 2013. It is allocated as base funding annually.
Performance funding has been in use at institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education for years at varying, albeit limited, levels. In 2013, it was primarily funded on a one-time basis, making it a challenge for institutions to fund ongoing initiatives that drive improved performance. In 2017, the Utah Legislature passed S.B. 117, which mandated that a portion of tax revenue be put into a restricted account and that the funds from that account would go to colleges that met certain performance metrics.
In that same year, the Utah State Board of Regents adopted a revised outcomes-focused model based on that legislation, which established the Performance Funding Restricted Account. The account is funded from 14% of the estimated revenue growth from targeted jobs in FY 2019, and 20% in FY 2020 and thereafter.
The metrics include:
- Completion (15%): degrees and certificates awarded
- Completion by underserved students (10%): degrees and certificates awarded to underserved students
- Responsiveness to workforce needs (25%): degrees and certificates awarded in high-demand fields
- Institutional efficiency (50%*): degrees and certificates awarded per full-time student
*Research institutions receive 40% for institutional efficiency and 10% for total research expenditures
The policy does not have a campus climate metric.
The policy is overseen by the Utah State Board of Regents. To learn more, visit https://ushe.edu/higher-ed-appropriations-approves-performance-funding-model/.
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 |
