The Panther Model was implemented in the Fall of 1997 by the Provost and academic Deans with the endorsement of the President as a basis of annual budget allocations for FIU’s 10 schools/colleges on the two campuses. The model was adopted by combining attributes of the University of Central Florida’s budget allocation model (Pegasus Model) and the University of Florida’s "Bank" which measures university productivity.

The Panther Model was developed as a method of addressing three simultaneous needs that were occurring at the University and SUS level. First, the University needed to develop an equitable system that allocated positions and budget in a fair and equitable method, could be validated with supporting data and resulted in less competition and greater cooperation among academic units. Secondly, the State of Florida and the Board of Regents are moving towards greater accountability. This model was developed to address the current issues of the Academic Division and assist to provide greater accountability for Budget Office decisions. Lastly, the Panther Model addresses the current issues of performance based budgeting. The formulas in the Panther Model link unit productivity factors (for enrollment and research) to the allocation of positions and operating budget. Furthermore, the Panther Model is a "work in progress". It is never considered complete, as we are always seeking input from the Provost, President, and Deans to address, improve and emphasize the current events in the University’s development.

The Panther Model utilizes formula funding for the allocation of faculty positions, support positions and operating funds. Provost "Specials" are noted in the model but not considered in the formulas. Each year the dollars available for distribution using the model are those remaining after all non-formula items including reserves are deducted from the total academic budget. Input for the formulas include data such as: Student FTE, enrollment targets, number of majors, number of faculty and support positions, current and historical budget allocation, OCO allocation, and grant proposals applied for, and awarded.

Furthermore, the Panther Model works from certain assumptions. These being:

1. Some programs are inherently more expensive than others and will require
more investment resources than they can be expected to generate.
 
 
2. Investor schools/colleges will contribute up to fifty percent of their "resources"
the "FIU Bank" annually.
 
 
3. Investment schools/colleges will be carefully analyzed each year to assess
the return on investment" to the "FIU Bank".
 
 
4. The opportunities for income from sponsored research and/or private giving
vary among schools/colleges.
 
 
5. OCO dollars will be formula-generated and available each year using the
the cash from incremental faculty positions.
 
 
6. The Panther Model will evolve over time as benchmarking data are identified as quality indicators for schools/colleges.

We are confident that the model has established an allocation method, which is equitable, based on agreed upon and known parameters. Furthermore, it is supportive of the College’s and University’s Mission and priorities.
 

Contact:  Matilde Gramling
 

This page updated May 13, 2004