Trustees Approve Budget; Increase Tuition Eight Percent

Contact: Jack Jeffery, (740) 593-1043 or jefferyj@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (June 29, 2001) -- Citing "great reluctance and concern, but out of necessity," Ohio University President Robert Glidden today asked trustees to approve an 8 percent increase in tuition and fees for most undergraduate students at the Athens campus.

The recommendation, which will increase tuition by $408 a year, was unanimously approved by members of the board of trustees, who also expressed concern and "unhappiness about the position in which we find ourselves," according to chairwoman Pat Ackerman.

A year's tuition for a full-time undergraduate student at Ohio University's Athens campus will be $5,493.

Glidden also recommended a 1 percent across-the-board cut in the university's operating budget to offset a decrease in state support, unexpected double-digit hikes in utility and health benefit costs, and increased funding of scholarships for academic excellence and minority students.

The university's 2001-2002 annual budget, also unanimously approved by trustees, is $462,756,000.

Public and some private universities share a grim budget outlook, Glidden said, as public support dwindles during a faltering economy, leaving students, parents, and private donors to pick up the slack. "Public higher education especially faces the challenge of how to strike a balance between access and quality," Glidden said. Scholarship support is key, he added, pointing out that this year about $3.5 million will be added to the university's scholarships. Total university student aid funds will be nearly $11.6 million this year, up from $6.7 million in 1997.

Glidden said that a $1.3 million scholarship program launched last year to recruit high-achieving students has been extremely successful, netting more than 300 new academically talented students. "We'll be welcoming about 211 high school valedictorians in this year's freshman class," Glidden said.

Trustees also approved Glidden's salary at $263,000, a 3 percent raise. Glidden, 64, has been president of Ohio University since July 1, 1994.

Ackerman credited Glidden's results in delivering more scholarship funds and better academic performance. "Under Bob Glidden's leadership, private funds for scholarships, research, and other support for students and faculty have increased dramatically," she said. "The university's public and private commitment to student excellence has never been stronger or more visible. This is a vibrant, high-energy time for the university and we are pleased that we have a president who knows how to manage both the moment and the momentum."

Glidden's raise mirrors the recommended raise pool for most university employees, which will be 3 percent.

In other business, the board:

• Authorized the university to receive construction bids for the project to extend the Snyder Field Runway at Ohio University Gordon K. Bush Regional Airport from 4,200 feet to 5,600 feet. Both the runway and parallel taxiway will be extended, allowing larger aircraft, such as corporate jets and commuter planes, to use the airport. The anticipated completion date of the project is September 2002.
• Approved a resolution to advertise for bids to renovate the Athena Theater, which the university purchased in January. The Uptown Athens landmark will be refurbished to its original luster. Among renovations will be a new marquee; upgraded sound and projection systems; renovations of the three theater areas, lobby and restrooms; installation of an elevator, and extensive mechanical and electrical work. The target date for the reopening of the theater, which has been closed for the repairs since June 8, is Oct. 6.
• Accepted the three-year contract recently negotiated between the university and the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents Ohio University Police Department police officers. The contract gives officers a 3 percent raise and is effective July 1.
• Authorized the establishment of the Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute at Ohio University. The institute, one of the first of its kind in the state, will focus on the interdisciplinary study of nanoscience, or the study of small things, which is used in such industries as the development of computer chips. The institute will combine the growing number of nanoscience research efforts ongoing at the university and provide both a focus for the activities and support for grant applications in this innovative field.
• Gave its OK to a new compensation plan for classified and Information Technology employees. The plan updates pay scales to bring them in line with the market place and allows for more growth with broader pay ranges.