University of Texas at Austin
Compact Definition

Initiated during the 1994-95 academic year, the Compact process is an integrated management, planning, and budgeting activity involving the individual colleges and schools and the Provost's Office. Each Dean is provided an array of college specific statistical data and management information by the Office of Institutional Studies and the Provost's Budget Officer and this information serves as the initial basis for discussion. Initially annually, and now on a two-year cycle, the Provost, the Dean, and their respective staffs, meet in the Spring to conduct an exhaustive review and assessment of the college. This process results in a written agreement between the Provost's Office and the individual colleges and schools (Compact) that defines the issues, goals and objectives, plans and strategies, resources available, and specific activities to be undertaken for the coming year.

The Compacts are tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of the colleges and schools and recognize both the differences and similarities among the colleges and schools. One key element of all the Compacts is the preparation and submission of study reports on specific topics during the academic year. Taken together, the Compacts represent a comprehensive plan for the University characterized by greater departmental and college autonomy, annual accountability, 12-month budgets, and detailed management, statistical, and financial data. The current Compact and reports submitted serve both as the basis for a performance assessment of past performance and as a beginning point for development of the new Compact.

Typical components of a compact include:

• Faculty quality and performance measures
• Faculty salaries/faculty recruitment goals
• PBIS information and new curriculum initiatives
• Retention and student success
• Facility
• Information technology and other equipment
• Enrollment management
• Outreach, including executive and continuing education
• Development
• Budget commitments