The SRJC strategic planning process is driven by measurable outcomes aligned with our mission of student success, equity, and community engagement. Guided by clear indicators of effectiveness, we use data-driven insights to shape goals and actions that support sustainable growth and meaningful change.
The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) share a common purpose: promoting student success, equity, and institutional accountability across California community colleges. Each set of KPIs supports initiatives that aim to improve student outcomes, enhance educational quality, and align educational programs with workforce needs.
Common Elements Among the KPIs:
- Student Success and Completion: Each KPI set emphasizes improving rates of course completion, credential attainment, and degree or certificate completion. For example, ACCJC Institutional Set Standards and Perkins Core Indicators track completion as a measure of institutional effectiveness and CTE program quality, while Vision 2030 and Guided Pathways focus on accelerating time to completion for all students.
- Equity and Access: Ensuring equitable outcomes for historically underserved students is a central theme. The Student Equity Plan specifically targets reducing achievement gaps, while Vision 2030 and Student-Centered Funding Formula incentivize success for low-income and underrepresented students. These indicators align to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and the support needed to succeed.
- Workforce Alignment and Economic Impact: Programs such as the Strong Workforce Program and Perkins Core Indicators are designed to align with labor market demands, measuring employment rates and wage gains for CTE program completers. This focus on workforce readiness also appears in Student Centered Funding Formula and Vision 2030 goals, emphasizing living wage attainment as a benchmark for program effectiveness.
- Continuous Improvement and Accountability: These KPIs promote data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement across institutions. ACCJC Institutional Set Standards, SRJC Indicators of Effective Outcomes, and the Guided Pathways Plan use specific metrics to track progress and assess areas for improvement, fostering accountability and transparency in educational quality.
- Support for Holistic Student Development: Recognizing that student success is multifaceted, these KPIs encompass academic, career, and personal support. For example, Guided Pathways focuses on clear program pathways and integrated support services, while Student Equity Plan addresses non-academic barriers to success, such as financial and mental health resources.
- ACCJC Institutional Set Standards
ACCJC Institutional Set Standards (ISS) are performance benchmarks established by colleges accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). These standards help institutions set minimum levels of acceptable performance in key areas essential to student success and institutional effectiveness. ISS are part of a college’s ongoing accreditation and self-evaluation processes and are reviewed periodically to ensure continuous improvement.
Key Areas for Institutional Set Standards
- Student Completion: Measures the percentage of students who complete their educational goals, including degree and certificate attainment or successful transfer to a four-year institution.
- Course Success: Tracks the percentage of students successfully passing their courses (typically with a grade of C or better).
- Retention: Monitors the number of students who stay enrolled from term to term or complete their courses relative to total enrollment.
- Job Placement Rates: For career and technical education (CTE) programs, ISS may include job placement rates to assess how well programs are preparing students for the workforce.
- Licensure Exam Pass Rates: For programs that lead to licensure (e.g., nursing, allied health), this standard tracks the percentage of students who pass state or national licensing exams.
- SRJC Indicators of Effective Outcomes
Santa Rosa Junior College’s Indicators of Effective Outcomes are metrics used to measure the college’s progress toward achieving its mission of student success, equity, and community engagement.
- 3-year Completion Goals: The proportion of completers (transfer, degree, certificate or other) within 3 years after first enrollment in college
- Math & English in First Year: the proportion of new students that successfully pass both transfer-level Math and English within their first year, divided by the total number of students
- Access/Enrollment: The proportion of new SRJC applicants that successfully enroll at the college within the year applied
- Course Completion: The proportion of courses completed with grade “C” or higher dived by all course enrollments
- Persistence: The proportion of new students that retain and re-enroll for the second year
- Student Centered Funding Formula
The Student-Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) for California Community Colleges allocates funds based on several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focused on student success and equity. This formula shifts the emphasis from enrollment-based funding to a model that incentivizes student outcomes, especially for low-income and underserved populations. The SCFF is based on three primary components: Base Allocation, Supplemental Allocation, and Student Success Allocation.
Key Performance Indicators in the SCFF
Base Allocation
Enrollment: Funded based on full-time equivalent students (FTES), the traditional measure of enrollment levels in credit, non-credit, and special part-time students. This component ensures stable funding tied to the number of students served.
Supplemental Allocation
- Pell Grant Recipients: The number of students who receive federal Pell Grants, highlighting low-income students.
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Recipients: The number of students receiving fee waivers through the California College Promise Grant, supporting students from low-income backgrounds.
- AB 540 Students: The count of AB 540 students, who are undocumented or non-resident students eligible for in-state tuition, emphasizing access and support for these students.
Student Success Allocation
- Degree and Certificate Completion: Total number of degrees and certificates awarded, incentivizing institutions to support students in achieving their academic goals.
- Associate degrees for Transfer (ADT): Recognizes the number of students completing associate degrees for Transfer, which streamlines transfers to the California State University (CSU) system.
- Transfer to Four-Year Institutions: Tracks the number of students who successfully transfer to a four-year institution, highlighting a key student success pathway.
- Completion of Transfer-Level Math and English: Measures the number of first-time students who complete both transfer-level Math and English courses within their first year, critical for academic progression.
- Career Technical Education (CTE) Unit Completion: Rewards students completing 9+ units in CTE programs, which are vital for workforce readiness.
- Living Wage Achievement: Tracks students who secure employment that pays at least a living wage within a year of completing their programs, focusing on economic impact and workforce alignment.
Emphasis on Equity
In the SCFF, performance incentives increase for each KPI when achieved by students who receive Pell Grants, CCPG recipients, or AB 540 students. This approach directs funding to colleges that support the success of traditionally underserved groups, promoting equitable outcomes in California’s community colleges
- Vision 2030
The Vision for Success 2030 for California Community Colleges outlines a strategic roadmap focused on improving educational outcomes, equity, and workforce readiness for California’s students. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Vision for Success 2030 set ambitious statewide goals to drive progress, align educational efforts with state workforce needs, and ensure equity in educational opportunities and outcomes.
Key Performance Indicators in Vision for Success 2030
- Increase in Credential Completion:
Goal: Increase the number of students earning associate degrees, certificates, or specific credentials by at least 20% by 2030.
Purpose: This KPI emphasizes degree and certificate attainment as essential metrics for educational success and workforce readiness. - Transfer to Four-Year Universities:
Goal: Increase the number of students transferring to the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) systems by 35%.
Purpose: This target supports smoother, more accessible pathways for community college students to continue their education and achieve higher degrees. - Completion of Transfer-Level Math and English:
Goal: Ensure 75% of students complete transfer-level Math and English within their first year.
Purpose: Early completion of these courses is crucial for academic momentum, helping students Reduction of Regional Achievement Gaps: - Reduction Achievement Gaps
Goal: Decrease disparities in completion rates across different regions and campuses, with a focus on closing gaps by 40% by 2030.
Purpose: This KPI aligns with equity goals to ensure that educational opportunities and outcomes are accessible to students across all regions. - Equity in Completion Rates:
Goal: Close racial and ethnic equity gaps in degree and certificate completion, as well as transfer rates, by 40% by 2030.
Purpose: This KPI underscores the need for equity-focused interventions, ensuring that students from historically underrepresented groups have equal access to successful outcomes. - Employment in Field of Study:
Goal: Increase the percentage of students who secure employment in their field of study to 76%.
Purpose: Ensuring students find jobs in their field supports alignment between educational programs and labor market demands, helping to meet California’s economic and workforce needs. - Attainment of a Living Wage:
Goal: Increase the percentage of graduates who earn a living wage after completing their programs.
Purpose: This KPI focuses on economic outcomes, aiming to ensure that community college education leads to gainful employment and financial stability for students.
Emphasis on Equity and Accountability
The Vision for Success 2030 incorporates these KPIs as part of an accountability framework that requires colleges to develop and implement plans to meet these benchmarks, particularly focusing on underserved and underrepresented student populations.
These KPIs help guide California’s community colleges toward achieving statewide goals that align with student success, equity, and economic development, supporting the Vision for Success 2030’s mission to create an accessible and inclusive educational system that meets the needs of all Californians.
- Increase in Credential Completion:
- Perkins Core Indicators
The Perkins Core Indicators are performance measures established under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to assess the effectiveness of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in secondary and postsecondary institutions. These indicators track student outcomes, program quality, and alignment with workforce needs, emphasizing accountability, continuous improvement, and equitable access to quality CTE education.
Perkins Core Indicators
1P1: Postsecondary Retention and Placement
Goal: Measure the percentage of CTE students who remain enrolled, transfer to another institution, or are employed within a specified time frame after program completion.
Purpose: This indicator evaluates the retention of students in CTE pathways and their successful transition to further education or the workforce.2P1: Credential, Certificate, or Degree Attainment
Goal: Track the percentage of CTE concentrators who complete their programs and earn a recognized postsecondary credential, certificate, or degree.
Purpose: This measure highlights program success in helping students achieve credentials that enhance their employability and advancement potential.3P1: Nontraditional Program Enrollment
Goal: Measure the percentage of CTE students enrolled in programs that are nontraditional for their gender (e.g., males in nursing or females in engineering).
Purpose: This indicator promotes gender equity by encouraging enrollment in nontraditional fields, supporting greater diversity in the workforce.4P1: Employment Placement Rate
Goal: Track the percentage of CTE concentrators who secure employment in their field of study shortly after program completion.
Purpose: This measure aligns CTE programs with labor market needs, ensuring that education leads to relevant, gainful employment.Purpose and Importance of Perkins Core Indicators
The Perkins Core Indicators are essential for:- Accountability: Providing measurable outcomes that assess the success of CTE programs in meeting state and federal performance standards.
- Program Improvement: Helping institutions identify areas for enhancement to ensure that CTE programs are effective and responsive to workforce needs.
- Equity: Promoting access and success for all students, especially underrepresented and nontraditional groups, in high-quality CTE programs.
These indicators are reviewed annually to help CTE programs meet federal and state expectations, improve educational quality, and ensure students are well-prepared for employment in their chosen fields.
- Strong Workforce
The Strong Workforce Program (SWP), an initiative of California Community Colleges, aims to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE) outcomes by expanding access, increasing the quality of CTE programs, and aligning them with workforce demands. To track progress and effectiveness, the program uses indicators of effective outcomes that measure both student success and economic impact.
Strong Workforce Program Indicators of Effective Outcomes
- Student Enrollment in CTE Programs
Purpose: Tracks the number of students participating in CTE programs to monitor program accessibility and growth in response to workforce needs. - Course Completion Rate
Purpose: Measures the percentage of CTE students who successfully complete courses, assessing program quality and student achievement. - Persistence Rate
Purpose: Monitors the rate at which students remain enrolled in their CTE programs from one term to the next, reflecting student engagement and support effectiveness. - Attainment of Industry-Recognized Credentials, Certificates, or Degrees
Purpose: Tracks the number of students earning CTE credentials, certificates, or degrees that align with industry standards, demonstrating student readiness for the workforce. - Transfer Rate to Four-Year Institutions
Purpose: Measures the rate of students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions in relevant fields, supporting pathways for advanced education. - Employment Rate in Field of Study
Purpose: Tracks the percentage of CTE students employed in jobs related to their field of study shortly after program completion, ensuring programs meet industry demands. - Wage Gains for CTE Graduates
Purpose: Measures wage increases for students who have completed CTE programs, indicating the economic benefit of education and its alignment with higher-paying jobs. - Attainment of a Living Wage
Purpose: Tracks the percentage of CTE graduates who earn at least a living wage after completing their programs, assessing the financial impact on students' livelihoods. - Equity in Program Outcomes
Purpose: Evaluates success rates across different demographic groups, such as low-income and underrepresented students, to ensure equitable access and outcomes in CTE programs.
Importance of SWP Indicators
These indicators provide accountability and help colleges:
- Enhance Program Quality: By tracking these metrics, colleges can identify areas for improvement, align CTE offerings with market needs, and ensure high-quality education.
- Ensure Economic Relevance: Indicators like employment rates and wage gains ensure that CTE programs meet labor market demands and equip students for success in their fields.
- Promote Equity: The focus on equitable outcomes ensures that all students, regardless of background, can benefit from career and technical education opportunities.
The Strong Workforce Program’s indicators enable California Community Colleges to refine their CTE programs and contribute to the state’s economic development by producing a skilled, workforce-ready population.
- Student Enrollment in CTE Programs
- Student Equity Plan
Santa Rosa Junior College’s Student Equity Plan is designed to address and close equity gaps among student populations by implementing strategies that support access, success, and completion for all students, particularly those from historically underserved groups. This plan aligns with the broader goals of California Community Colleges to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Key Performance Indicators in SRJC’s Student Equity Plan
- Access and Enrollment:
Indicator: Enrollment rates of targeted student groups (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, low-income students, first-generation students).
Purpose: Measures the college’s effectiveness in providing accessible education to all demographics, ensuring inclusive representation in enrollment. - Course Completion:
Indicator: Percentage of students from underserved groups successfully completing courses with a passing grade.
Purpose: Assesses SRJC’s success in supporting students through academic challenges, directly impacting retention and progression. - Retention and Persistence Rates:
Indicator: Rate of students returning from term to term and year to year, particularly among historically underserved groups.
Purpose: Reflects the college’s ability to create a supportive environment that keeps students engaged and enrolled. - Transfer Rates:
Indicator: Number and percentage of students transferring to four-year institutions, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Purpose: Supports SRJC’s commitment to advancing students toward higher education, helping them achieve their long-term academic goals. - Degree and Certificate Completion:
Indicator: Rates of degree or certificate attainment among students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Purpose: Measures program effectiveness in guiding students to successful completion of their educational goals. - Equity in Academic Achievement:
Indicator: Achievement gaps in GPA, course pass rates, and academic honors across different demographic groups.
Purpose: Ensures that the academic support services effectively promote success across all student populations. - Employment Outcomes and Living Wage Attainment:
Indicator: Employment rates and living wage attainment among students after completing their programs.
Purpose: Tracks how well SRJC’s programs prepare students for successful careers, aligning education with economic mobility for disadvantaged groups. - Engagement in Support Programs:
Indicator: Participation rates in tutoring, mentoring, advising, and other support services by students from target groups.
Purpose: Evaluates the reach and impact of support services designed to help students overcome challenges.
- Access and Enrollment:
- Guided Pathways Plan
The Guided Pathways Plan for California Community Colleges is designed to improve student outcomes by providing clear, structured educational pathways that support completion, transfer, and workforce alignment. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Guided Pathways Plan help assess how effectively colleges implement these pathways and whether they improve student progression, completion, and equity.
Key Performance Indicators in the Guided Pathways Plan
- Access to Pathways:
Indicator: Percentage of students enrolled in clearly defined pathways aligned with academic and career goals.
Purpose: Measures the accessibility of structured pathways and ensures that students are guided from entry through completion or transfer. - Onboarding and Early Momentum:
Indicator: Percentage of first-time students completing onboarding steps (e.g., orientation, academic planning) within their first semester.
Purpose: Ensures students are introduced effectively to their educational journey, reducing confusion and increasing retention in the first year. - Completion of Transfer-Level Math and English:
Indicator: Percentage of students completing transfer-level math and English within their first year.
Purpose: Promotes early academic momentum, which is critical for staying on track in a chosen pathway and for transfer eligibility. - Retention and Persistence:
Indicator: Term-to-term and year-to-year retention rates for students, especially those following guided pathways.
Purpose: Tracks student progress, ensuring that structured support services and pathways are improving retention. - Course and Program Completion Rates:
Indicator: Rates of degree, certificate, and program completion among students in guided pathways.
Purpose: Measures how effectively guided pathways are helping students reach their educational goals. - Transfer Rates to Four-Year Institutions:
Indicator: Percentage of students transferring to four-year institutions, particularly within designated transfer pathways (e.g., Associate Degree for Transfer).
Purpose: Supports the goal of providing a streamlined transfer process, particularly for students in transfer-oriented pathways. - Time to Completion:
Indicator: Average time (in years) to degree or certificate completion for students in guided pathways.
Purpose: Reflects the efficiency of pathways in helping students complete their programs faster, reducing costs and increasing workforce entry speed. - Equity in Access and Outcomes:
Indicator: Comparison of access, retention, and completion rates among different demographic groups.
Purpose: Ensures that pathways are accessible and effective for all students, closing equity gaps in achievement and access to support services. - Employment and Economic Mobility:
Indicator: Employment rates and living wage attainment among graduates in workforce-aligned pathways.
Purpose: Tracks alignment of educational pathways with job market needs, ensuring that students attain economic benefits from their studies. - Student Engagement and Satisfaction:
Indicator: Feedback from students regarding their understanding of and satisfaction with their chosen pathways.
Purpose: Provides insights into the clarity and supportiveness of pathways from the student perspective, guiding continuous improvement.
- Access to Pathways: