Examining the funding request process between public higher education and the state legislature

This research examined the funding request process whereby higher education institutions seek financial support from state government. The study tested whether a model based on state goals and priorities for higher education could distinguish a funded request from an unfunded request. The research was qualitative and followed a comparative case design examining two instances where Michigan State University submitted a funding request for a project through the state of Michigan's capital outlay process. One of the requests received funding while the other funding request did not. Information on each case was collected through interviews with people involved in the design and implementation of each funding request, and through an analysis of relevant documentation on each request. A conceptual framework based on perceived state goals and priorities for higher education and lobbying methods was used to analyze the cases.;The research findings revealed that the case that received funding aligned more closely with the components of the study's conceptual framework than did the case that did not receive funding. However, the interview process revealed that closely aligning with the conceptual framework was not the primary reason for the final outcome of each case. Factors outside the control of the institutions, specifically the economic conditions in Michigan, contributed to whether funding for both cases was granted. Although the model tested was beneficial in distinguishing the unfunded from the funded case, the findings indicated that the model itself needed to be modified to account for variables outside the control of the institution in all stages of development of the funding requests. The environment that influences state higher education funding is very dynamic, and institutions need to adjust each funding request accordingly throughout the design and implementation process.