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The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), a four-year program in the School of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences, will replace the current master's degree in audiology. The clinical doctorate degree is designed to provide audiologists with the training to assess both hearing and balance functions and manage the non-medical aspects of hearing and balance disorders. Ohio University's audiology program will be one of only 11 nationwide to offer the doctoral degree. U.S. News & World Report lists Ohio University's current audiology program among the top 50 in the nation.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy, a three-year program offered through the School of Physical Therapy, replaces the current master's degree in physical therapy and will be implemented in the summer of 2003. The move is partially driven by the university's location in a rural setting. Because rural therapists' practices are often removed from larger medical centers and specialists, a greater burden is placed upon the therapists to keep abreast of current treatments. It also is driven by recognition that clinical preparation at the master's level is not sufficient given the scope and practice in physical therapy. It will be the first doctoral program in physical therapy in Ohio.

"The proposed doctoral programs will help us remain on the cutting edge in preparing clinical professionals," said Gary Neiman, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. "We're taking a lead among educational institutions in re-examining clinical requirements that will keep our graduates at the forefront of the current trends and future requirements in their professions."

Today's meeting was the first under the leadership of M. Lee Ong of Hudson, Ohio, who was elected chair of the board at the June meeting.

In other matters, the board:

• Heard a report on the proposed new university center that was presented by representatives of student organizations. The proposed 180,000-square-foot center would better facilitate the needs of student organizations on campus and would include an attached parking garage. Vice President for Finance Richard Siemer outlined a funding plan that includes raising $34 million through the issuance of bonds to be funded by student fees and $15 million in requests for state capital appropriations.
• Approved the appointment of George A. Carroll Jr. of St. Clairsville, Ohio, to the Coordinating Council at Ohio University-Eastern. The nine-year term begins July 1. Carroll, president and CEO of Jarvis, Downing & Emch Inc. in Wheeling, W.Va., earned his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Ohio University.
• Heard an overview of enrollment and financial aid, including such information as the number of first-year students, demographics of the student body, retention rates and scholarship programs;
• Approved construction plans and the advertisement for bids for the $1.1 million project to rehabilitate Brasee Hall at Ohio University-Lancaster;
• Heard a report regarding the regular review of university centers and institutes;
• Received seven-year self-evaluations and accepted reviews of several academic programs;
• Designated university officials who have access to classified information necessary for research;
• Approved a capital improvements plan for the Athens and regional campuses for fiscal years 2003 through 2008 for submission to the Ohio Board of Regents;
• Formally adopted a resolution that the gallery space in the renovated Grover Center be named the Marion Parson Alden Gallery in memory of the late wife of President Emeritus Vernon Alden;
• Approved the conversion of $31 million in bonds from variable to fixed rates to take advantage of the current low interest rates;
• Authorized the hiring of a consultant to prepare plans for a possible campus access road from Stimson Avenue to East Green;
• Received the Internal Audit Proceedings Report, which outlined the status of ongoing and completed audits. The process is in the second year of the initial three-year start-up phase. Planned internal audit engagements for fiscal year 2002 were discussed.