ATHENS, Ohio -- The state budget picture dominated action taken at today's Ohio University trustees' meeting.

In a measure recognizing continued reduction of state support for higher education as well as fixed and mandated cost increases, the board authorized the university to increase instructional and general fees by up to 9.5 percent for the Athens Campus general programs, College of Osteopathic Medicine and Regional Higher Education. The increase, which will be determined by the president in consultation with the Budget, Finance, Physical Plant and Audit Committee, will be effective for summer quarter in 2003.

"It is far more than we would like to recommend, but given our commitment to maintaining quality we must respond to falling levels of state support of higher education," said President Robert Glidden. "It is a real challenge to maintain academic quality when you suffer reductions of this magnitude, but if any place can do it, Ohio University can."

In other action aimed at effectively managing long-term human resources planning, the board approved a resolution authorizing the university to offer an early retirement incentive plan. The measure, open to employees covered by the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), provides for the university to purchase service credit of up to two years for those electing to retire under the plan, which will be effective from May 1, 2003, to June 30, 2004.

Alumni Representative to the Board David Wilhelm noted existing efforts to meet budget challenges such as significant reduction of expenditures for the current fiscal year and a hiring freeze. Said Wilhelm, "The budget approach being pursued by Ohio University should hearten the taxpayer. The institution is being aggressive in reducing spending and being fiscally responsible while exploring near- and long-term strategies to meet the demands of declining levels of state support for higher education."

Trustees approved creation of the Regional Energy and Environmental Institute and Center for Air Quality, which will include the Ohio Coal Research Center. "The Institute will help foster partnerships among universities, businesses, governments and community groups, and will help meet the region's need for economic development and utilization of the region's energy resources while ensuring environmental protection and public health and safety," said Vice President for Research Jack Bantle.

An African American Studies Research and Service Institute was also approved. As part of the Department of African American Studies, the newly created institute will be part of the College of Arts and Sciences and will emphasize work on diversity issues in the region, especially in areas of public education, health and multicultural heritage.

The School of Interpersonal Communication will be renamed the School of Communication Studies. The changed name will better represent the school's three areas of emphasis -- organizational and interpersonal communication, health communication and rhetoric and public culture -- according to Kathy Krendl, dean of the College of Communication.

Other items approved by trustees include:

• Authorization to review proposals for selecting an external auditor in consultation with the Ohio Auditor of State, as required by Ohio Revised Code.
• Appointment of James A. McDonald as a member of the Coordinating Council for Ohio University-Zanesville.
• Hiring consultants to develop construction plans for a Southeast Library Warehouse and additional classroom space at the Ohio University-Southern Proctorville Center.
• Construction plans for renovations to Burson House, the Avionics Research Facility and the Putnam Hall Rehabilitation Project.
  
  The $1.5 million Burson House project is being funded by a gift of $850,000 from the Chubu University Foundation and funds from the state's capital budget. The International Studies Program will be located at Burson House. The Avionics Research Facility, estimated to cost $2.2 million, will be funded through research and private funds and will provide more than 10,000 additional square feet in research space at the Ohio University Airport. The $4.1 million renovation to Putnam Hall will provide a new home for the School of Dance and additional classroom space.
• Accepted comprehensive seven-year program reviews for the Department of Teacher Education, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Women's Studies Program.
• Awarded 34 Faculty Fellowship Awards and Emeriti status to 27 retired faculty and staff.
• Approved honorary degree awards for Martin Luther Hecht Jr., Donald E. Osterbrock, Bernard Shaw and Beth Stocker.