ATHENS, Ohio -- Taking advantage of an opportunity to learn more about the state budget picture and how Ohio University continues to respond to dwindling support for higher education, classified, bargaining unit, faculty, administrative employees and academic deans met with President Robert Glidden during special budget forums April 14 and 15.

The sessions were designed for the president to share an update of Ohio's fiscal situation, the University's short-term approach to balancing its budget for FY03 and listening to feedback and suggestions for how to best manage the challenges ahead for FY04. Among the topics discussed were University measures to avoid widespread layoffs such as the trustees' approval of a retirement incentive plan for eligible Ohio Public Employees Retirement System employees and how the measure will assist the institution in gaining flexibility in its long-term human resource planning.