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-Year Institutions
Virginia adopted outcomes-based funding for community colleges in 2016. It is allocated as bonus funding annually. The metrics include:
- Completion
- Math
- English
- Retention
- Progression
- Awards
- Transfer
- Additional weights for students in Career/Technical degree, diploma, and certificate programs
- Additional weights for awards to members of underserved populations, including first-generation students, minority students, and Pell-eligible students
The policy does not have a metric that measures campus climate. The policy is overseen by the Virginia Community College System. To learn more, visit https://www.ccleague.org/sites/default/files/images/overview_vccs_outcomes_based_funding_model.pdf.
Two-Year Institutions |
|
Enrollment of Students of Color | None |
Success of Students of Color | Weight |
Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | None |
Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | Weight |
Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
Four-Year: Degree Targets
Virginia has two outcomes-based funding initiatives that are tied to degree production at four-year institutions. The Degree Targets initiative allocates bonus funding annually to institutions that meet certain agreed-upon targets in key areas that will help the state meet its workforce needs. These initiatives operate like “agreements” on specific performance measures. The metrics include degree completion in the following programs:
- Data Science and Engineering
- Science and Engineering
- Healthcare
- Education
- Computer Science
The Degree Targets initiative does not have a campus climate metric. The initiative is overseen by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. To learn more, visit: https://ihodvirginiageneralassembly.s3.amazonaws.com/agenda_block_docs/attaches/000/000/331/original/III_b_-_Update_on_Degree_Funding_ver_2.pdf?1542131508
Four-Year: Degree Targets |
|
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 | None |
Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
Four-Year: Tech Talent Investment Program
Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program was launched in 2017 and allocates bonus funding annually. It is designed to produce at least 25,000 new bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and related fields over the next 20 years. The Tech Talent Investment Program does not include a campus climate metric.
To learn more, visit https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title23.1/chapter12.1/section23.1-1240/ and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam – November.
Four-Year: Tech Talent Investment Program |
|
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 | None |
Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |