Performance Agreements Maastricht University 2013-2016
In 2011 the State Secretary of Education, Culture and Science (OC&W) announced in his 'Strategic Agenda for Higher Education' that he would make 'performance agreements' with all Dutch universities and colleges. The parameters for these agreements were defined in a broad agreement with the Association of Cooperating Dutch Universities (VSNU). Consequently all higher education institutions were invited to submit proposals for performance targets in quality of education and excellence, programme completion, standards for teachers and education. In addition, institutions were asked to name their plans regarding overhead and valorisation. Maastricht University's proposals for performance agreements were outlined in the document 'Performance Proposal 2013-2016'. After the document was submitted to the State Secretary, it was discussed within a review committee that evaluates proposals on the Secretary's behalf. Following this discussion, UM further explained its position in a letter to the committee.
If institutions do not meet performance targets by 2015, the OC&W will cut back on their funding. Five percent of state funding (for UM over €6 million) depends on meeting these performance agreements. In addition, two percent of funding (a total of €38 million for scientific education) will be selectively distributed by the state based on plans to realise performance agreements.
