Gov. James Gilmore, III's (R) Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education is recommending that all state public institutions of higher learning should receive funding based on how well the colleges and universities meet performance standards. So far, some University officials support the recommendation, which potentially could increase state funding and aid budget planning.
The Commission's recommendation is comprised of three main categories by which schools would be judged: affordability, quality and accountability. Schools that meet these qualifications will receive increased state funding or funding bonuses. Failure to reach the qualifications would result in minimal state support.
"The University of Virginia has absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of funding" because the University already has very high standards, said Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor and member of the Blue Ribbon Commission.
"A lot of the proposals set forth by the commission are not new here. Many of the measures that were in the recommendation are already in place throughout the school," said Colette Sheehy, vice president for management and budget.
In addition to setting guidelines for higher learning institutions, the recommendation also contains a plan to fund schools in six-year blocks, instead of yearly. The University could benefit from such a plan, officials said.
"Right now, the University is in favor of a reliable funding model," Budget Director Melody Bianchetto said. "It would definitely help us to plan better."
Although Sabato said most people inside the University voiced support for the recommendation, he said some expressed concern for other schools.
"If this proposal is passed, other colleges in Virginia may have to worry about meeting the requirements," he said.
"Not all schools are the same, so flexibility is key in this proposal," said Paul Nardo, director of communications for the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia. "Right now, the proposal has it so that U.Va. will have guidelines for U.Va., and [Old Dominion University] will have guidelines for ODU. That's the way it needs to be."
The proposal still has to earn the approval of the General Assembly and the Governor. The Blue Ribbon Commission is scheduled to present the proposal to Gilmore Jan. 7.
"I am keeping a very open mind over this proposal," state Sen. Emily Couric (D-Charlottesville) said. "I know a little about the concept, and I'm very eager to hear it all when it's officially presented."
But Del. Mitch Van Yahres (D-57th) said he doubts the proposal has much of a chance of passing.
"Everyone knows we have a very good system here, and fooling around with a system that's doing a good job may not be the best procedure," Van Yahres said. Funding methods should not be changed "unless they can show us that we have a problem -- and I don't think they have shown us that yet"
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