Fiscal Sustainability Framework and Action Plan

Guiding Principles

Our Guiding Principles
  • Strive to maintain and improve affordability, access, and equitable student success.
  • Develop the budget to strategically align with the One College model and the Strategic Plan to improve opportunity and strive toward more equitable student success.
  • Driving enrollment growth in accordance with the strategic enrollment planning.
  • Consider issues of disparate impact when making budget decisions.
  • Address shortfalls in the budget by budgeting tuition and fees similarly to the 2023-2025 Biennium where no more than 40% of PCC’s revenue comes from student tuition and fees. Any additional needs will need to be found through a reduction in college expenses.
  • Leverage, evaluate, and advocate resources; including but not limited to strategic foundation, grant, state/federal funding and partnership opportunities.
  • Continue to strive for greater operational efficiencies including but not limited to scheduling, purchasing, space planning and other business processes.
  • Maintain a General Fund unrestricted fund balance within the range of 9% to 18% of the annual operating expenditures, to ensure institutional stability and long-term fiscal integrity.
Budget Protections for Core Functions

To the extent possible, PCC aims to protect these core areas during budget reviews:

  1. Academic Programs: Essential courses, high-demand programs, full-time faculty roles, and learning technologies that support effective education.
  2. Student and Academic Support Services: Advising, counseling, library resources, facilities, and services required for accreditation and student success.
  3. Campus Operations: Environmental health, public safety, facility upkeep, and IT services necessary for a safe, reliable campus.
Keeping Our Students at the Center

Our commitment to students shapes every financial decision. A student-centered approach means directing resources to programs, services, and initiatives that enhance student experiences and success:

  • Quality Education: We seek solutions that uphold high educational standards and foster student achievement.
  • Support Services: Students have access to essential support services that address academic guidance, personal well-being, and more, creating a strong foundation for success.
  • Affordable Tuition and Fees: We strive to keep tuition and fees affordable, reducing financial barriers and ensuring access to higher education for all. No more than 40% of PCC’s revenue comes from student tuition and fees, and we are actively looking to implement initiatives that reduce financial barriers for students, such as open educational resources.
  • Student Funding: We will partner with the PCC Foundation to increase flexible scholarships and emergency funds dedicated to supporting our most vulnerable students.
Leading with Racial Equity

Applying an equity lens to every budget decision allows us to consider how financial choices impact underserved communities, particularly communities of color and low-income groups. By leading with racial equity, we aim to make budgetary choices that not only avoid harm but actively support inclusivity and fairness.

The following questions guide our equity-focused budget process:

  • Inclusivity: Is the decision-making process as inclusive as possible? Have we engaged those likely to be impacted, and is everyone informed on decision criteria?
  • Impact on Vulnerable Communities: What effect might this decision have on our most vulnerable students and employees?
  • Equity for Communities of Color: Does this decision have a disproportionate impact on communities of color?
  • Employment Alternatives: If job reductions are involved, are there ways to protect employment within our community?
  • Affordability and Accessibility: Will this decision preserve affordable and accessible education for all students?
  • Cultural Representation in Curriculum: Does the decision support curricula that reflect the diversity of our students’ cultures?
  • Diversity of Offerings: Will the diversity of course offerings, programs, or pathways be maintained?
  • Opportunities for Vulnerable Students: Does the decision protect opportunities for our most vulnerable students?