2009 Performance Accountability Report Vol. 2 - Maryland Higher ...

SUGGESTED GUIDELINES - BENCHMARKING ACCOUNTABILITY INDICATORS
Maryland Higher Education Commission
The performance accountability process for Maryland public colleges and universities requires the
development of benchmarks for each indicator. These benchmarks are to be developed using a
"bottom-up" approach, with the involvement of faculty as appropriate. This means that each
institution will prepare its own set of benchmarks and submit them to its governing board for
approval. Colleges and universities are encouraged to collaborate with institutions with similar
missions in the development of the benchmarks. The Maryland Higher Education Commission (and
the Department of Budget and Management for the four-year institutions) can review benchmarks
recommended by the governing boards and make its own suggestions. For public four-year colleges
and universities, the benchmarks set for performance measures should match the numerical MFR
objectives.
This document is designed to be illustrative of the type of approaches that institutions can use in
preparing benchmarks. It is not a authoritative model that must be followed. Benchmarking
approaches may vary with each indicator.
Definition of "Benchmark"
The four- or five-year goal for each indicator that the institution sets for itself. The goal is expected
to be achievable, indicative of progress, based on the performance of similar institutions (where
feasible), and reflective of the adequacy of funding.
Use of Comparative Information
Where appropriate and available, benchmarks should be based on national data: all institutions in
either the relevant Carnegie category or a designated set of peers (either aspirational or current as
determined by the governing board). If national data are used for benchmarking, the following
should apply:
• If the institution is below the national average (mean or median) on an indicator, the
benchmark should be set at the national average or an improvement of at least 20
percent above its current level.
• If the institution is above the national average, the benchmark may be set at its
current level or any improvement deemed appropriate and feasible.
Where comparative national information is not available, Maryland data may be used. For four-year
institutions, this would involve comparisons with campuses in the same Carnegie classification or
with those with a similar mission (teaching v. research). For community colleges, this would
involve comparisons either with the statewide average for two-year institutions or with colleges of a
similar size (small, medium and large).
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