The Performance Measures and Indicators Initiative is a statewide effort launched by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in January 1997. The goal of the effort is to refine priorities, strengthen quality, and improve the productivity of the Oregon University System (OUS).

Four goals were identified for transforming public higher education in the State of Oregon:

• Improve access for qualified Oregonians to degree programs
• Strengthen existing quality of academic programs
• Ensure cost-effective operations on each campus
• Meet Oregon's workforce needs for capable graduates.

While all institutions share a common set of goals, their differing missions and circumstances are reflected in campus-specific measures that accompany the common set.

PSU sets key indicators as an urban institution

For Portland State University, performance indicators serve as a way for the institution to benchmark its performance in relation to urban peers. PSU also uses these indicators to reflect on its progress in key areas related to its mission and goals, such as community-based learning and sponsored research expenditures.

Through its development of a program review process for the campus, PSU is defining a set of internal performance measures that are relevant to both institutional and departmental goals and objectives. These measures are related to the University's strategic budgeting priorities and the planning activities underway through the "Great City, Great University" initiative.

Biennial Performance Reports

Biennial performance reports reflect progress made by the seven OUS institutions in meeting the four overarching goals set out by the initiative.