I recently learned about state legislation proposing a new funding formula for Illinois’ public universities. If implemented, this funding model could have long-term, negative consequences for the University of Illinois System, especially UIUC. This is very concerning, given the critical role the university plays in our regional economy and well-being of our communities.

On its face, the proposed funding formula calls for increased higher ed funding, with an emphasis on making college more accessible and affordable for low-income and minority student populations. This is an excellent goal.

However, after digging deeper, it is clear that the formula will significantly change the way state funding for higher education is distributed across Illinois’ 12 public institutions. Furthermore, the University of Illinois would gain the least, and could very well lose the most, for a very long time. This approach could destabilize and damage the UI System and in turn, destabilize and damage our communities.

— The UI System (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, Springfield) ultimately would receive the lowest per-student investment among all the state’s public universities. It would receive just 28 percent of any incremental state higher education funding and would absorb 74 percent of funding cuts.

This makes no sense, considering that the UI System educates nearly 98,000 students, which represents about half of all students in Illinois’ public universities. The UI System also awards the majority of under-represented student degrees in the state.

— The new funding formula is tied to student enrollment only. This also makes no sense. There are no metrics for graduation rates, student retention, student achievement, employment outcomes or resources available to students.

It’s not enough to get students in the door; the funding formula should reflect student outcomes as well. The UI System has a graduation rate of 76.3 percent and an 89 percent retention rate for first-year students.

— Inexplicably, the funding formula treats all universities the same, failing to recognize universities with research missions, graduate programs, statewide economic development roles and higher-cost programs such as health care.

For example, there is no funding consideration for the UI’s statewide initiatives such as Illinois Extension programs, Illinois Quantum Park, Illinois Innovation Network, Illinois Broadband Lab, Quad Cities Manufacturing Lab or UIC Specialized Care for Children.

Bottom line, the proposed higher ed funding formula creates uncertainty and instability. As drafted, it disproportionately harms the UI System. For transparency, we need to understand the overall impact of this proposal on the UI System and the statewide initiatives it supports, families, our local communities and our regional economy.

The funding formula must reflect student outcomes, hold public institutions accountable for results, recognize the distinct missions of our state universities, and result in an equitable distribution of resources.

This proposal should go back to the drawing board for further work before it is considered by the Illinois General Assembly.

Diane Wolfe Marlin was Urbana’s two-term mayor.