Attachment II
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM
State Performance Budgeting Measures
The State of Maine has established a performance budgeting format to be utilized in the biennium budget. The University of Maine System has participated in this process since 1996. The key elements in the State’s performance budgeting initiative are:
1. The identification of a goal, objective and strategy which form the basis for the University’s strategic direction; and
2. The selection of performance measures for assessing its progress towards achieving its objective.
The following goal, objective, and strategy forms the basis for the University’s Strategic Directions:
Goal: Provide high quality education that is accessible to and valued by a broad range of Maine citizens.
Objective: By Fall 2004, enroll 34,600 students in the University of Maine System, from a base year of Fall 1997 (30,018 students).
Strategy: Make the University of Maine System more attractive to prospective and continuing students.
The University of Maine System has four Performance Measures that are used to evaluate its progress towards achieving the Goal and Objective:
Performance Measure A – Increase Fall Student Headcount Enrollment
This is a direct measurement of whether or not the University is reaching its objective of enrolling 34,600 students by Fall 2004. It is also an indicator of whether or not the University is becoming more attractive to prospective and continuing students.
Performance Measure B – Increase Financial Aid to Students
One way to make higher education more accessible and attractive is to make it more affordable. Increasing financial aid to students accomplishes the task of making higher education more affordable by reducing the effective cost to the student.
Performance Measure C – Increase Annual Gifts/Donations
Gifts/donations provide much needed operating support, thus, contributing to enhancing the quality of education and the attractiveness of the University. The majority of gifts and endowment income is dedicated to student financial aid that helps make higher education more affordable.
Performance Measure D – Increase R&D Operating Expenditures
Increased research & development activity improves the quality of the University of Maine System, and therefore makes the University more attractive to prospective and continuing students. It also helps Maine businesses to become more innovative and competitive, helping Maine’s economy.