SUS Accountability Plans
Brisey Lopez Bello
Bibiana Pineda-MacDonald
Sarah Thomas
Accountability plans
The Accountability Plans are completed each year in order to facilitate accountability and strategic planning by enabling comparisons between past goals and actual data to better assess performance. This helps foster greater coordination between institutional administrators, University Boards of Trustees and the Board of Governors. Once an Accountability Plan is approved by each institution’s respective Boards of Trustees, the Board of Governors will review and consider the plan for potential acceptance. Accountability Plans are part of Student Success Research & Analytics annual projects.
Link to Accountability Web Page
Data collected in the Accountability plans
The Performance Based Funding (PBF) Model includes 10 metrics that evaluate the institutions on a range of issues. The first eight metrics are the same for each institution, and the last two are institution-specific (one is chosen by the Board of Governors and one by each university Board of Trustees).
This metric is based on the percentage of a graduating class of bachelor’s degree recipients who are enrolled or employed (earning at least $25,000) somewhere in the United States. Students who do not have valid social security numbers and are not found enrolled are excluded. This data now includes : non - Florida data from 4 4 states and districts, including the Distri c t of Columbia and Puerto Rico ; and military enlistment as reported by the institutions . Sources: State University Database System (SUDS), Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) analysis of Wage Re cord Interchange System (WRIS2), and National Stu dent Clearinghouse (NSC).
This metric is based on annualized Unemployment Insurance (UI) wage data from the fourth fiscal quarter after graduation for bachelor’s recipients. This data does not include individuals who are self - employed, employed by the military, those without a valid social security nu mber, or making less than minimum wage. This data now includes non - Florida data from 4 4 states and districts, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. State University Database System (SUDS), Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) ana lysis of Wage Re cord Interchange System (WRIS2).
This metric compares the average sticker price and the average gift aid amount. The sticker price includes: (1) tuition and fees for resident undergraduate s; (2) books and supplies (we use a proxy as c alculated by the College Board); and (3) the average number of credit hours attempted by students who were admitted as an FTIC student who gradu ated with a bachelor’s degree f r om a program that requires only 120 credit hours . The gift aid amount includes: (1) financial aid (grants, scholarships, waivers and third - party payments) provided to resident undergraduate students during the most recent academic year ; (2) the to tal number of credit hours for those resident undergraduates . The average gift aid award per credit hour was multiplied by 120 and compared to the sticker price. Source: State University Database System (SUDS), the Legislature’s annual General Appropriatio ns Act, and university required fees.
This metric is based on the percentage of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students who started in the Fall (or summer continuing to Fall) term and were enrolled full-time in their first semester and had graduated from the same institution by the summer term of their fourth year. FTIC includes ‘early admit’ students who were admitted as a degree-seeking student prior to high school graduation. Students who were enrolled in advanced graduate programs during their 4th year were excluded. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the percentage of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students who started in the Fall (or summer continuing to Fall) term and were enrolled full-time in their first semester and were still enrolled in the same institution during the next Fall term with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 at the end of their first year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded within the programs designated by the Board of Governors as ‘Programs of Strategic Emphasis’. A student who has multiple majors in the subset of targeted Classification of Instruction Program codes will be counted twice (i.e., double-majors are included). Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based the number of undergraduates, enrolled during the fall term, who received a Pell-grant during the fall term. Students who were not eligible for Pell-grants (e.g., Unclassified, non-resident aliens, post-baccs) were excluded from the denominator for this metric. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the number of graduate degrees awarded within the programs designated by the Board of Governors as ‘Programs of Strategic Emphasis’. A student who has multiple majors in the subset of targeted Classification of Instruction Program codes will be counted twice (i.e., double-majors are included). Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the percentage of baccalaureate degrees awarded within 110% of the credit hours required for a degree based on the Board of Governors Academic Program Inventory. This metric excludes the following types of student credits (ie, accelerated mechanisms, remedial coursework, non-native credit hours that are not used toward the degree, non-native credit hours from failed, incomplete, withdrawn, or repeated courses, credit hours from internship programs, credit hours up to 10 foreign language credit hours, and credit hours earned in military science courses that are part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program). Starting in 2018-19, the calculation for this metric included a new type of statutory exclusion of up to 12 credit hours for students who graduated in four years or less. Source: State University Database System (SUDS). Note: This metric does not report the number of students who paid the “Excess Hour Surcharge” (1009.286, FS).
The First-time-in-college (FTIC) cohort is defined as undergraduates entering in fall term (or summer continuing to fall) with fewer than 12 hours earned since high school graduation. The rate is the percentage of the initial cohort that has either graduated from the same institution by the summer term of their sixth academic year. Both full-time and part-time students are used in the calculation. FTIC includes ‘early admits’ students who were admitted as a degree-seeking student prior to high school graduation. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
An average weighted grade point average of 4.0 or higher and an average SAT score of 1200 or higher for fall semester incoming freshmen, as reported annually in the admissions data that universities submit to the Board of Governors. This data includes registered FTIC (student type='B','E') with an admission action of admitted or provisionally admitted ('A','P','X'). Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
An average weighted grade point average of 4.0 or higher and an average SAT score of 1200 or higher for fall semester incoming freshmen, as reported annually in the admissions data that universities submit to the Board of Governors. This data includes registered FTIC (student type='B','E') with an admission action of admitted or provisionally admitted ('A','P','X'). Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
A top-50 ranking on at least two well-known and highly respected national public university rankings, reflecting national preeminence, using most recent rankings, includes: Princeton Review, Fiske Guide, QS World University Ranking, Times Higher Education World University Ranking, Academic Ranking of World University, US News and World Report National University, US News and World Report National Public University, US News and World Report Liberal Arts Colleges, Forbes, Kiplinger, Washington Monthly Liberal Arts Colleges, Washington Monthly National University, and Center for Measuring University Performance.
Freshman Retention Rate (Full-time, FTIC) cohorts are based on first-year undergraduate students who enter the institution in the Fall term (or Summer term and continue into the Fall term). Percent retained is based on those who are enrolled during the second fall term. Source: State University Database System (SUDS) and data submitted by the institutions to Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
This metric is based on the percentage of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students who started in the Fall (or summer continuing to Fall) term and were enrolled full-time in their first semester and had graduated from the same institution by the summer term of their fourth year. FTIC includes ‘early admit’ students who were admitted as a degree-seeking student prior to high school graduation. Students who were enrolled in advanced graduate programs during their 4th year were excluded. Source: State University Database System (SUDS)and data submitted by the institutions to Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
National Academy Memberships held by faculty as reported by the Center for Measuring University Performance in the Top American Research Universities (TARU) annual report or the official membership directories maintained by each national academy.
Research Expenditures within Science & Engineering disciplines. Source: As reported by each institution to the National Science Foundation annual survey of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) based on the NSF rules and definitions.
Research expenditures within Science & Engineering in non-medical sciences. Source: As reported by each institution to the National Science Foundation annual survey of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) based on the NSF rules and definitions.
The NSF identifies 8 broad disciplines within Science & Engineering (Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Life Science, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences). The rankings by discipline are determined by BOG staff using the NSF online database.
Total utility patents awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the most recent three calendar year period.Based on legislative staff guidance, Board staff query the USPTO database with a query that only counts utility patents:"(AN/"University Name" AND ISD/yyyymmdd->yyyymmdd AND APT/1)".
Includes Doctoral research degrees and professional doctoral degrees awarded in medical and health care disciplines. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
The number of Postdoctoral Appointees awarded annually, as reported in the TARU annual report. This data is based on National Science Foundation/National Institutes of Health annual Survey of Graduate Students and Post-doctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS).
This data comes from the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and Commonfund Institute's annual report of Market Value of Endowment Assets.
A top-50 ranking on at least two well-known and highly respected national public university rankings, reflecting national preeminence, using most recent rankings, includes: Princeton Review, Fiske Guide, QS World University Ranking, Times Higher Education World University Ranking, Academic Ranking of World University, US News and World Report National University, US News and World Report National Public University, US News and World Report Liberal Arts Colleges, Forbes, Kiplinger, Washington Monthly Liberal Arts Colleges, Washington Monthly National University, and Center for Measuring University Performance.
Percent of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year (freshman) students who had high school class rank within the top 10% of their graduating high school class. Source: As reported by the university to the Common Data Set.
This metric is the number of years between the start date (using the student entry date) and the end date (using the last month in the term degree was granted) for a graduating class of first-time, single-major baccalaureates in 120 credit hour programs within a (Summer, Fall, Spring) year. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the percentage of baccalaureate degrees awarded within 110% of the credit hours requir ed for a degree based on the Board of Governors Academic Program Inventory. This metric excludes the following types of student credits: accelerated mechanisms, remedial coursework, non-native credit hours that are not used toward the degree, non-native credit hours from failed, incomplete, withdrawn, or repeated courses, credit hours from internship programs, credit hours up to 10 foreign language credit hours, and credit hours earned in military science courses that are part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Starting in 2018-19, the calculation for this metric included a new type of statutory exclusion of up to 12 credit hours for students who graduated in four years or less. This metric does not report the number of students who paid the “Excess Hour Surcharge” (Section 1009.286, Florida Statutes). Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
The First-time-in-college (FTIC) cohort is defined as undergraduates entering in fall term (or summer continuing to fall) with fewer than 12 hours earned since high school graduation. The rate is the percentage of the initial cohort that has either graduated from the same institution by the summer term of their sixth academic year. Both full-time and part-time students are used in the calculation. FTIC includes ‘early admits’ students who were admitted as a degree-seeking student prior to high school graduation. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This transfer cohort is defined as undergraduates entering in fall term (or summer continuing to fall)from the Florida College System with anAssociate in Arts (AA)degree. The rate is the percentage of the initial cohort that has either graduated from the same institution by the summer term of their third academic year. Both full-time and part-time students are used in the calculation. Students who were flagged as enrolled in advanced graduate programs that would not earn a bachelor’s degree were not excluded. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the percentage of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students who started in the Fall (or summer continuing to Fall) term and were enrolled full-time in their first semester and who received a Pell grant during their first year and who graduated from the same institution by the summer term of their fourth year. FTIC includes ‘early admit’ students who were admitted as a degree-seeking student prior to high school graduation. Students who were flagged as enrolled in advanced graduate programs that would not earn a bachelor’s degree were excluded. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This is a count of first-major baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded. First Majors include the most common scenario of one student earning one degree in one Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. In those cases where a student earns a baccalaureate degree under two different degree CIPs, a distinction is made between “dual degrees” and “dual majors.” Also included in first majors are “dual degrees” which are counted as separate degrees (e.g., counted twice). In these cases, both degree CIPs receive a “degree fraction” of 1.0. The calculation of degree fractions is made according to each institution’s criteria. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This is a count of first-major baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded. First Majors include the most common scenario of one student earning one degree in one Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. In those cases where a student earns a baccalaureate degree under two different degree CIPs, a distinction is made between “dual degrees” and “dual majors.” Also included in first majors are “dual degrees” which are counted as separate degrees (e.g., counted twice). In these cases, both degree CIPs receive a “degree fraction” of 1.0. The calculation of degree fractions is made according to each institution’s criteria. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
Race/Ethnicity data is self-reported by students. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic do not include students classified as Non-Resident Alien or students with a missing race code. Degree data is based on first-major counts only – second majors are not included. Percentage of Degrees is based on the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded to non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic students divided by the total degrees awarded - excluding those awarded to non-resident aliens and unreported. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
This metric is based on the age of the student at the time of their Fall term enrollment - not their age upon entry. As a proxy, age is based on birth year not birth date. Note: Unclassified students with a HS diploma (or GED) and above are included in this calculation. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
The percentage of baccalaureate degrees that are classified as STEM or Health disciplines by the Board of Governors in the Academic Program Inventory. These counts include second majors. Second Majors include all dual/second majors (e.g., degree CIP receive a degree fraction that is less than 1). The calculation of degree fractions is made according to each institution’s criteria. The calculation for the number of second majors rounds each degree CIP’s fraction of a degree up to 1 and then sums the total. Second Majors are typically used when providing degree information by discipline/CIP, to better conveys the number of graduates who have specific skill sets associated with each discipline. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
The percentage of baccalaureate degrees that are classified as STEM or Health disciplines by the Board of Governors in the Academic Program Inventory. These counts include second majors. Second Majors include all dual/second majors (e.g., degree CIP receive a degree fraction that is less than 1). The calculation of degree fractions is made according to each institution’s criteria. The calculation for the number of second majors rounds each degree CIP’s fraction of a degree up to 1 and then sums the total. Second Majors are typically used when providing degree information by discipline/CIP, to better conveys the number of graduates who have specific skill sets associated with each discipline. Source: State University Database System (SUDS).
The average pass rates as a percentage of all first-time examinees for Nursing, Law, Medicine (3 subtests), Veterinary, Pharmacy, Dental (2 subtests), Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, when applicable. The average pass rate for the nation or state is also provided as a contextual benchmark. The Board’s 2025 System Strategic Plan calls for all institutions to be above or tied the exam’s respective benchmark. Note about Benchmarks: The State benchmark for the Florida Bar Exam excludes non-Florida institutions. The national benchmark for the USMLE exams are based on rates for MD degrees from US institutions.
National Academy Memberships held by faculty as reported by the Center for Measuring University Performance in the Top American Research Universities (TARU) annual report or the official membership directories maintained by each national academy.
Awards include: American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellows, Beckman Young Investigators, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Awards, Cottrell Scholars, Fulbright American Scholars, Getty Scholars in Residence, Guggenheim Fellows, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, Lasker Medical Research Awards, MacArthur Foundation Fellows, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Distinguished Achievement Awards, National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellows, National Humanities Center Fellows, National Institutes of Health (NIH) MERIT, National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology, NSF CAREER awards (excluding those who are also PECASE winners), Newberry Library Long-term Fellows, Pew Scholars in Biomedicine, Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), Robert Wood Johnson Policy Fellows, Searle Scholars, Sloan Research Fellows, Woodrow Wilson Fellows.
Numerator includes graduating seniors who completed an honors thesis, worked on their own research and/or creative activity topic with the guidance of a faculty member (individually or jointly), submitted an article or research for publication or exhibited research at a professional/academic conference (individually or jointly). The denominator includes graduating seniors who complete the survey. Source: Student survey data reported to the Florida Board of Governors.
Total expenditures(in millions of dollars)for all research activities (including non-science and engineering activities). Source:As reported by each institution to the National Science Foundation annual survey of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) based on the NSF rules and definitions.
This metric reports the amount of research expenditures that was funded from federal, private industry and other (non-state and non-institutional) sources. Source: National Science Foundation annual survey of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD).
The number of utility patents awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by Calendar year – does not include design, plant or other types.
Licenses/options executed in the fiscal year for all technologies – as reported by universities on the Association of University Technology Managers Annual (AUTM) annual Licensing Survey.
The number of start-up companies that were dependent upon the licensing of University technology for initiation –as reported by universities on the Association of University Technology Managers Annual (AUTM) annual Licensing Survey.
Institution Specific Goals are designated every year based on the institution strategic plan.
Maintain the Normalized Citation Impact above 1.5
The Category Normalized Citation Impact allows one to SAFELY make comparisons between two things that are actually different. For instance, comparing a review article on Alzheimer's disease with a primary article on free speech would be inappropriate. These articles are from different research fields and represent different types (review vs. article) of scholarship. If we want to fairly compare the impact of these two documents, we need to "normalize" them. The CNCI metric executes normalization for you, so you can compare different things on level playing field. The CNCI answers this question: what was the impact (i.e., citation #) of this specific article in relation to all the other articles published in the same time frame (1-year), in the same research area, and of the same document type? The CNCI number will always be be greater than 0. If a CNCI of 1 is reported, it means that an article has performed "on par" with the other articles in its peer group. If the article has a CNCI <1, it has under-performed. And if the CNCI is >1, it has outperformed its peer group. Source: Clarivate Analytics - InCites (InCites)
The percentage of undergraduate classes, excluding class subsections, with fewer than 20 students enrolled during the fall term as reported in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Source: U.S. News & World Report (USNWR)
This table reports the number of students enrolled by student type categories. These headcounts only include those students who were seeking a degree –unclassified students (eg, dual enrolled) are not included. The student type for undergraduates is based on the ‘Type of Student at Most Recent Admission’. The First Time in College (FTIC) student was admitted in the same fall term or in the preceding summer term –this includes those who were re-admitted as FTICs.
This table reports the number of students enrolled by student type categories. These headcounts only include those students who were seeking a degree –unclassified students (eg, dual enrolled) are not included. The student type for undergraduates is based on the ‘Type of Student at Most Recent Admission’. The First Time in College (FTIC) student was admitted in the same fall term or in the preceding summer term –this includes those who were re-admitted as FTICs.
This table reports the percent of baccalaureate-seeking resident undergraduates who earned fifteen or more credit hours during the fall term as reported on the Term Credit Hours Earned element (#01089). This includes the pass/fail courses in which the student earned a passing grade and excludes audited courses.
This table reportsFull-time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment which is a measure of all instructional activity (regardless of fundability) that is based on the number of credit hours that students enroll.This FTE calculation is based on the standard national definition, which divides undergraduate credit hours by 30 and graduate credit hours by 24. Pursuant to section 1013.31, Florida Statutes, Board facilities staff use this data as a key factor in the calculation of facility space needs for institution educational plant surveys.
This table reports the percentages of FTE enrollment that is classified as Distance Learning for all students at all campuses regardless of funding source. Distance Learning is a course in which at least 80 percent of the direct instruction of the course is delivered using some form of technology when the student and instructor are separated by time or space, or both (per 1009.24(17), F.S.).
The SUSCouncil of Academic Vice PresidentsAcademic Program Coordination Work Group will review these programs as part of their on-going coordination efforts.
The programs listed below are based on the 2020Accountability Plan list for programs under consideration for 2021-22.
UNDERGRADUATE: None
MASTER’S, SPECIALIST AND OTHER ADVANCED MASTER’S PROGRAMS: None
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS: None
These programs will be used in the 2022Accountability Plan list for programs under consideration for 2022-23.
UNDERGRADUATE: Design (CIP 50.0499), Management Science (CIP 52.1301)
MASTER’S, SPECIALIST AND OTHER ADVANCED MASTER’S PROGRAMS: Personal Financial Planning (CIP 52.0804)
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS: Pharmacy (Ph.D.) (CIP 51.2099)