Wyoming

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:

  1. Enrollment metrics for students of color
  2. Success metrics for students of color
  3. Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  4. Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  5. 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

Wyoming adopted outcomes-based funding in 2011. It is allocated as base funding annually.

In accordance with Strategic Plan 2.0, the funding allocation model is gradually being enhanced by inclusion of metrics known as the ‘4Ps’:

The metrics include:

  • Participation
    • The majority of variable cost funding is allocated based on enrolled, weighted credit hours. By fiscal year 2020, the percentage of this metric will decrease to 50%.
  • Progress
    • A portion of variable cost funding is allocated based on successfully completed, weighted credit hours. By fiscal year 2020, the percentage of this metric will increase to as much as 20% but no less than 15%.
  • Performance
    • A portion of variable cost funding is allocated based on weighted degrees and certificates. By fiscal year 2020, the percentage of this metric will increase to as much as 20%, but no less than 15%.
  • Placement
    • A portion of variable cost funding is allocated based on transfer to a four-year institution or employment in the student’s field of study. By fiscal year 2020, the percentage of this metric will increase to as much as 20%, but no less than 15%.

The policy does not have a campus climate metric.

The policy is overseen by the Wyoming Community College Commission. To learn more, visit https://communitycolleges.wy.edu/initiatives/fundinginitiative/.

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 None
Measure Related to Campus Climate None
Outcomes-Based Funding Map Placeholder
Outcomes-Based Funding Map