(a) Credentials.

1. (1)

   1. (A) The primary measure of effectiveness emphasizes students completing credentials that meet their educational goals and meet workforce needs of the state.
   2. (B) The importance of credentials at each educational level are recognized.
   3. (C) In addition, the unique characteristics of students are measured to recognize the additional resource needs of institutions which serve students’ needs.
   4. (D) Characteristics include:

(i) Underserved race and ethnicity;

1. (ii) Underserved income;

   1. (iii) Age; and

      1. (iv) Underserved academic.

2. (2)

   1. (A) The credentials metric is weighted at forty percent (40%) of the formula.
   2. (B) This metric includes the average of the number of credentials awarded over the most recent three (3) academic years, with consideration given to credentials earned by students who contribute to closing the attainment gap of underserved populations in Arkansas, as well as credentials that will help meet state workforce needs.

3. (3) The credentials metric includes the number of credentials earned in all degree levels:

   1. (A) Certificate of proficiency;
   2. (B) Technical certificate;
   3. (C) Associate degree;
   4. (D) Advanced certificate;
   5. (E) Bachelor’s degree;
   6. (F) Postbaccalaureate certificate;
   7. (G) Master’s degree;
   8. (H) Postmaster’s certificate;
   9. (I) Specialist; and
   10. (J) Doctoral degree.

4. (4)

   1. (A) Designated weights are applied to each level of credential.
   2. (B) All credentials earned in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and high-demand fields receive additional weights.
   3. (C) Credentials earned by students who are underserved in the areas of race/ethnicity, income, academic preparedness, and age will receive additional weight.
   4. (D) Degrees and certificates above the bachelor’s level will only receive additional weight for underserved race/ethnicity. Weighting specifications – Degree level.

      Certificate of Proficiency	0.5
      Technical Certificate	1.0
      Advanced Certificate, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Post- Master’s Certificate, Specialist, or Post-First Professional Certificate or Degree	1.0
      Associate Degree	2.0
      Bachelor Degree	4.0
      Master Degree	5.0
      Doctoral Degree	6.0

      Weighting specifications – Degree type.

      STEM Credentials	3.0
      High Demand Credentials	1.5
      All Other Credentials	1.0

      Weighting specifications – Student characteristics.

      	Undergrad Level	Graduate Level
      All Students	1.00	1.00
      Underserved Race/Ethnicity	0.29	0.29
      Underserved Income	0.29	N/A
      Underserved Academic	0.29	N/A
      Adult (25 to 54)	0.29	N/A

(b) Progression.

1. (1)

   1. (A) For programs requiring more than one (1) semester to complete, progression toward a credential must be measured.
   2. (B) A student’s progression towards a degree will be recognized.
   3. (C) In addition, the unique characteristics of students should be measured to recognize the additional resource needs of institutions which serve students’ needs.

   4. (D) Characteristics include:

      1. (i) Underserved race and ethnicity;
      2. (ii) Underserved income;
      3. (iii) Age; and
      4. (iv) Underserved academic.

2. (2)

   1. (A) The progression metric is weighted at thirty percent (30%) of the formula.
   2. (B) The metric includes the average number of progression goals met by concurrent and undergraduate students at the accumulation of fifteen (15) hours, thirty (30) hours, forty-five (45) hours, sixty (60) hours, and ninety (90) hours over the most recent three (3) academic years.
   3. (C) Consideration is given to progression goals met by students who contribute to closing the attainment gap of underserved populations in Arkansas. Weighting specifications – Student characteristics.

      All Students	1.00
      Underserved Race	0.29
      Underserved Income	0.29
      Underserved Academic	0.29
      Adult (25 to 54)	0.29