Dive Brief:
- Campus Technology reports that the University of Michigan will allocate $1.4 million to the Digital Innovation Greenhouse over the next three years.
- The initiative will explore several programs, including two that already exist but are limited in scope. They both use student data to tailor support and mentoring advice.
- Expanding these two programs and identifying others is considered a key strategy for keeping as many students as possible on track within the large university.
Dive Insight:
In Ohio, half of state funding for higher education is allocated based on an institution’s ability to graduate its students. This represents a significant change from prior years, when funding was tied directly to student enrollment. Legislators see the shift as a way to hold colleges and universities more accountable. Many institutions are using this change as an excuse to implement or expand programs focusing on student support. By harnessing student data, administrators can tailor specific interventions to the students who need them most and deliver them in ways the individual students will best respond to.
Ohio is not alone. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 30 states have a funding formula that allocates state dollars based on performance. Performance measures vary and include rates of course completion, transfers and degrees awarded. Four more states are working to develop similar accountability systems.