Equity and the “B” Word: Budgeting and Professional Capacity in Student Affairs

Abstract

The dual pressures of the national college completion agenda and diminished public investment in higher education have led to a growing reliance on performance-based policies. Using a policy implementation framework, this qualitative study examines the implementation of a performance-based budgeting model at a broad-access urban research university and its implications for student affairs practice. The findings revealed a need for increased capacity within student affairs to better align resources with student success and equity objectives.