Dear Ohio University Faculty and Staff:

At this week's press briefing with the Athens media, I shared some of the University community's goals for the 2006-07 academic year. I also provided an update on some of the issues discussed the last time I met with the media.

GOALS FOR THE YEAR

Some of the goals that have been set for this academic year have been established in partnership with the faculty leadership and the student leadership. Goals also have emerged from the strategic planning process.

As I shared in an earlier communication with faculty, the administration and faculty leadership have agreed to work jointly on developing a plan to improve faculty compensation, assess general education, assure that faculty members have a voice in decisions about information technology, and enhance the culture of academic honesty.

In collaboration with the student leadership, we have agreed to jointly focus on doing research on what students want, developing additional programming to meet their needs and interests, working to improve the off-campus living experience, looking for additional ways to enhance our relationship with the Athens community in continuing our joint efforts to reduce high-risk drinking, and giving students a clear look at the University's budget.

The faculty, staff, and students involved in strategic planning have recommended to the administration three top priorities in which the University should invest: undergraduate education, graduate education and research, and the faculty. Provost Kathy Krendl is working with Faculty Senate and other appropriate groups to develop specific objectives to support these goals.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The University is fiscally sound. In fact, we are in better shape than we have been in many years. We achieved our freshman enrollment goals, and have $2.1 million new revenue from the state. The cost-cutting measures we took last year have eliminated our budget deficit and in addition, freed up $6.4 million to invest in the strategic priorities I just mentioned. This is great news!

ACADEMIC HONESTY

We have been working hard to address this issue. A faculty-led committee will soon begin reviewing the student plagiarism cases from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The professors involved have received sanctions, and our faculty will be looking at additional possible sanctions. In addition, we are using this as a teachable moment for the entire University. Our goal is to strengthen our culture of academic honesty and become known as an outstanding institution in this regard.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

We also have been working hard on strengthening our information technology function. We are putting our 20-point plan into action. Our top priorities right now are installing a perimeter firewall and minimizing the use of Social Security numbers. We also are moving forward with the CIO search. As Provost Krendl discussed in an earlier communication, we hope to identify finalists for this position by the end of September.

YEAR OF STUDY ABROAD

Ohio University continues to be a recognized leader in global education. We will celebrate this legacy by joining with the President of the United States to honor the Year of Study Abroad.

YEAR OF THE WOMAN

This year, we will recognize the achievements of women by celebrating those who have influenced lives by mentoring or being role models, conducting groundbreaking research on women's or gender-related issues, or emphasizing the role of women in research. The Year of the Woman's capstone event will happen in January, when the university's new Women's Center opens as part of the new Baker University Center.

As I have shared, we have a very ambitious agenda for the 2006-07 academic year and so much to celebrate. I look forward to working with all of you to accomplish these goals and celebrate our Year of Study Abroad and Year of the Woman!

Cordially,

Roderick J. McDavis
President