As an extension of strategic planning, the College developed the Institutional Factors of Success. Each of the factors was drawn directly from the College mission statement and measures specific criteria reflected in both mission and strategic planning efforts.

The College currently has outcomes areas that it monitors on a regular basis, including academic satisfaction measures from students. Graduation and retention rates, licensure pass rates in several programs, and the areas are highlighted below in bold:

Institutional Effectiveness Success Factors
FY 1998 - 2002

Success Factor 1: High-Quality Educational Programs

Related Mission Statement: Georgia Perimeter College, a nonresidential institution, serves diverse populations of traditional and nontraditional students in Greater Metropolitan Atlanta. Placing learning first, we provide accessible and affordable high quality undergraduate credit and noncredit programs for students seeking to complete an associate degree, transfer to a senior college or university, prepare for immediate entry into a career, pursue personal goals or enhance current workplace skills. Our curriculum specializes in liberal arts and professional preparation and promotes international and intercultural understanding.

Standards:

• Seventy percent of the College's students will report that they are satisfied with their general academic experience at GPC.
• Faculty salaries will be at or above regional averages for two-year institutions in the Southeast; the target part-time faculty percentage is 40%.
• Students in career programs will pass licensure or certification examinations at or above national and state levels.
• Students should transfer at a rate at or above the national and University System averages for two-year colleges; students should do as well as native students at the transfer institution.
• Retention of students through the associate degree should be at or above University System averages.
• The College's tuition rate will remain competitive; the percentage of students qualifying for financial aid will increase.

Indicators:
1.1 Regents and ACT Student Satisfaction Surveys
1.2 Student Financial Aid Awards
1.3 Tuition Comparisons
1.4 University System Retention Reports
1.5 University System Graduation Reports
1.6 State Examination Pass Rates for Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Interpreter Training
1.7 Faculty Salary Comparisons
1.8 Faculty Section Report
1.9 CPE Exam Results
1.10 University System Retention and Graduation Reports

Success Factor 2: National Recognition and Pre-Eminence

Related Mission Statement: A community committed to learning and to becoming a pre-eminent two-year, associate degree-granting institution, the faculty, staff, administrators, and students of Georgia Perimeter College share the following aspirations: To gain national recognition as a community of learners; to attain a national leadership role in developing creative, technologically advanced academic and student services programs; and to serve as a model for other institutions in developing collaborative partnerships to deliver public services, performing arts activities, technical assistance, lifelong learning, and economic development training.

Standard:

• Each academic program of the College will receive at least one national recognition each year, and each non-academic area of the College will receive at least one national, regional, state, or Regents recognition each year.

Indicators:
2.1 Faculty/staff leadership roles in national, regional, University System organizations and activities
2.2 Faculty/staff presentations and participation in national, regional, and University System forums
2.3 Student leadership roles and awards in national, regional, and University System organizations and activities

Success Factor 3: College Values-Diversity, Improvement, Stewardship

Related Mission Statement: A regional, multi-campus unit of the University System of Georgia, Georgia Perimeter College strives to meet the changing expectations of our diverse collegiate and community constituencies by providing effective, innovative, lifelong educational opportunities. We are committed to diversity, continuous improvement, high academic standards, and the efficient use of resources. In decision-making at all levels, the enhancement of our students' lives is our first priority.

Standards:

• The College's workforce should reflect the diversity of its community.
• The College's budget allocation among functions (instruction, academic support, student services, institutional support, and plant operations) should fall within regional norms.
• The College should invest between 1.5% and 3% each year in improving its current facilities.
• The enrollment of students with disabilities and international students should strive to reflect the external community.
• Enrollment in the College's continuing education program will increase by 10% each year.

Indicators:
3.1 EEO Reports
3.2 College and Campus Enrollment Reports
3.3 Budget Comparisons to SREB and Regents Institutions
3.4 List of Regents Major Capital Outlay Projects, Regents Minor Capital Outlay Projects, and Renovation Projects
3.5 Continuing Education Enrollment Report
3.6 Enrollment Report of Disabled Students
3.7 Enrollment Report of International Students

Success Factor 4: Student and Academic Support Services

Related Mission Statement: Our academic programs and student support services focus on careful assessment of our learners' abilities, achievements, and needs, accommodation of their special requirements and resources, and guidance and assistance in the development and realization of each student's expectations and goals. We thus offer specialized sequences of courses and support programs that promote academic and personal success for students of varying levels of academic preparation. We encourage excellence in teaching, provide a technologically advanced learning environment, and support innovative strategies for meeting the learning styles of all students, and promote learning by engaging students actively and collaboratively.

Standards:

• The College's investment in academic support (LRC's, instructional technology, ISS, etc.) will be above the averages of the University System and comparator institutions.
• Staff salaries will be at or above regional averages for two-year institutions in the Southeast.
• Staff development and training will increase each year by 10% and aid in quality staff retention.

Indicators:
4.1 ISS Report
4.2 LRC Attendance and Circulation
4.3 Investment in Technology
4.4 Staff Salary Comparisons
4.5 Staff Retention and Continuity report
4.6 Staff Development and Training Programs Offered