This webpage outlines the guiding principles that shape strategic funding requests. These principles ensure that funding decisions align with the strategy, maximize organizational and campus impact, promote responsible stewardship of resources and support long-term sustainability.
Guiding Principles
Strategic Alignment
All requested funds must directly support the campus and institution’s strategic priorities and long-term financial sustainability. Investments should clearly demonstrate how they advance key organizational goals.
Organizational & Campus Impact
Funding requests should prioritize projects and initiatives that create measurable and lasting value. Preference will be given to requests that improve outcomes, strengthen capabilities, expand capacity or address critical organizational needs.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Funding should be supported by data, stakeholder input, operational analysis and demonstrated need. Decisions should be informed by objective evidence wherever possible.
Financial Stewardship
Resources should be managed responsibly and transparently. Funding requests should demonstrate prudent budgeting, efficient use of funds and accountability for achieving intended results.
Sustainability
Proposed investments should consider long-term operational and financial implications. Whenever feasible, projects and initiatives should include plans for sustainability beyond the period of OAA investment.
Measurable Outcomes
Each funding request should define clear objectives, performance indicators, milestones and methods for evaluating success. Progress should be monitored and reported throughout implementation. Please be prepared to report this information to OAA.
Potential Uses of Funds
- Start-up for development of a new Regional: Columbus pathway or pipeline
- Programs that will support or improve the student campus change experience
- Operating expenses, term/temporary hires
- Matching funds where the campus is also contributing
Prohibited Uses of Funds
- Funding to cover existing operational and financial charges assessed to the regional campuses (ex. MITS, HRSD, RCSC, OAABS&F, etc.)
- New or expanded financial aid programs
- Development of new 4-year degrees (not in scope at this time)
- Projects and initiatives that do not support the campus or institution’s academic strategy (i.e. “nice to have” vs. critical need)
- Long-term projects or initiatives that cannot be financially sustained by the regional after the OAA funding period