Performance results in extra $223,800 for operations support, most among Michigan’s 28 community colleges
For the third year in a row, Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will receive the highest percentage increase in state funding among all 28 community colleges in Michigan in the 2015-16 State of Michigan budget, which begins October 1. The 1.71 percent increase means the college will see a $223,800 increase in operations support.
The college’s increase is based on criteria designed by the State of Michigan, which measure community college performance in several areas and ties that to a portion of its state allocated dollars. An important criterion are “weighted” completions, which is a tally of the number of students who have completed degrees or certificates or have successfully transferred to a four-year college or university. Weighted completions are an important metric because a community college’s role is two-fold: to produce job-ready workers and to prepare students academically for further study at four-year institutions.
The state also considers enrollment, administrative costs in relation to operating costs and what it calls “local strategic value,” which is a measure of the college’s impact on the local community. According to data for Fiscal Year 2013-14 by Economic Modeling Specialists International, WCC’s economic impact on Washtenaw County amounted to $373.4 million.
“It is because of the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, and students that we continue to meet these very important measures of performance,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “This funding will allow the college to continue to provide our students with quality education that is affordable and accessible. Additionally, it will help assure WCC remains a resource that provides significant value for residents of Washtenaw County and our region.”