The objective of this report was to examine the employment of performance criteria in the management of the institutions of higher learning. An overview of the universities-including an examination of statutory authority, budget and allocation procedures, scope of academic programs, employment of faculty, student enrollment, and facilities’ use-was presented.
The board should formulate statewide objectives for supportive and instructional programs to serve as standards of performance and to aid in policy making. The board should insure that resources are allocated efficiently at each institution and that each has a balanced program. For supporting service activities, investment and performance criteria should be set where possible. A more active role should be taken by the Board of Trustees in the review of facilities’ construction requests. In addition, a more refined and accurate allocation procedure should be implemented, facilitated by a computerized reporting and information network to compile and analyze comprehensive data.
Other PEER recommendations were to review the universities’ catalogs; to standardize course numbers, titles, and descriptions; and to develop a uniform system to designate the lowest level of graduate credit and highest level of undergraduate credit. The board also should request a comprehensive campus development plan from each institution as well as enrollment targets.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.