Ohio University Board of Trustees to review vision for sweeping improvements to facilities across the College of Fine Arts, receive a preview of expected enrollment increases during April meetings

Ohio University’s Board of Trustees will learn more about the College of Fine Arts’ facilities renewal planning, which is a key priority in the University’s overall six-year Capital Improvement Plan effort, during meetings April 6-7 on the Athens Campus.

The University will also share a preview of spring and fall enrollment expectations as well as details regarding the development and functionality of “Go OHIO,” a new, official Ohio University app that will connect students to personalized information and support resources.

The Board will meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, and from 9 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 7, in Walter Hall 104 on the Athens Campus. 

Highlighted items on the Board agenda, listed in the anticipated order of occurrence, include:

"GO OHIO" Web and Mobile App Update

Academics and Student Success Committee, 10:40 a.m. Thursday, April 6, Walter Hall 104

Chief Information Officer Chris Ament will share an update on the app development and overall vision for “GO OHIO,” an official, University-led mobile and web app that will aim help to improve student connections to key academic and campus support services, increase engagement with their courses and faculty advisors and provide personal real-time information and updates.

The mobile app, which is currently in the beta phase and anticipated to launch later this year, is built for students and is being guided and developed through student feedback.

Enrollment update

Academics and Student Success Committee, 10:40 a.m. Thursday, April 6, Walter Hall 104

The Board will hear from Vice President of Enrollment Management Candace Boeninger with an enrollment update ahead of Decision Day and wrapping up the 2022-2023 academic year.

Boeninger will share Spring 2023 preliminary census enrollment data, noting that Ohio University landed at 26,190 students across all careers, colleges, and campuses. She also will highlight that the total Athens undergraduate enrollment increased 3.3% over Spring 2022; the fall-to-spring return rate increased by 2%; and the University saw year-over-year growth of new online undergraduate students in both the RN to BSN program and non-nursing programs.

OHIO Online Strategy

Academics and Student Success Committee, 10:40 a.m. Thursday, April 6, Walter Hall 104

Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs and Vice Provost for OHIO Online Kari Lehman will provide the Board with an in-depth look into the market for online programs and share updates on the OHIO Online strategy. Ohio University has made a strategic commitment to optimize its portfolio and infrastructure to enhance the University’s high-quality online education opportunities.

During the presentation, the Board will learn more about the significant proportion of OHIO students who are enrolled in fully online programs and how this strategy aims to ensure that OHIO is the top choice for students across the state of Ohio who are seeking a quality online education and attract students beyond Ohio.

The Board will also hear a proposed infrastructure development timeline that includes the addition of career workshops, graduate pre-enrollment and admission support, individual career coaching and mental health support for all online students.

Capital budget

Resources, Facilities, and Affordability Committee, 9 a.m. Friday, April 7, Walter Hall 104

The Board will consider several new capital projects, including:

• Bird Arena Ice Rink Floor System Replacement: The Board will consider approval to replace all components for making and maintaining ice in Bird Arena, including chiller equipment, pumps, condenser and associated piping. This $1.9 million project is funded by department reserves.
• Aquatic Center Mechanical and Chemical Systems Replacement: The Board will consider approval to replace all mechanical and chemical systems in the Aquatic Center that maintain and operate the pool. This $1.3 million project is funded by department reserves.
• Convocation Center West Pedestrian Bridge Repairs: The Board will consider this $735,000 project that will repair the west pedestrian ramp into the Convocation Center. The ramp is critical to maintaining safe egress and entrance to the Convocation Center for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This project will include repairs to the concrete structure and re-support of the utilities while maintaining the functionality of the space. This project is funded by century bond and central university funding.

Designation of the Proctorville Center as surplus property

Resources, Facilities, and Affordability Committee, 9 a.m. Friday, April 7, Walter Hall 104

The Board will review a resolution seeking approval to designate the Proctorville Center in Proctorville, Ohio as surplus property. If approved, the location’s surplus designation would allow the University to explore the sale of the property.

The Proctorville facility was established through donations to the Ohio University Foundation, and the University is continuing to discuss options with the donors to ensure their generosity will continue to support members of the Proctorville community. 

OHIO has stated that any potential sale of the Proctorville facility would include multiple deed restrictions on the building that would require it to be sold to other educational entities for educational purposes and ensure that the naming rights of the original donors would be preserved, should the donors wish.

Six-year Capital Improvement Planning

Resources, Facilities, and Affordability Committee, 9 a.m. Friday, April 7, Walter Hall 104

Representatives from Ohio University Planning and Design and Construction will share an update with the Board on the progress of OHIO’s six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update and provide an overview of the Campus Space Optimization Initiative, which is studying how space across all OHIO campuses can be used to provide the best possible learning experiences.

The presentation will also feature an overview of the College of Fine Arts’ (CoFA) ongoing space renewal planning efforts and learn how the College is working to develop and embrace new concepts that can help lead to improved space utilization and provide opportunities for increased interdisciplinary engagement across the University.  

On Thursday afternoon, the Board will have an on-site, guided tour of CoFA’s facilities to learn more about their existing condition and future vision for their core academic spaces. The Board will also meet with select CoFA staff and students during their visit.

The full Board of Trustees agenda is available here. The April 6 committee meetings will be streamed at this link. The April 7 meetings will be streamed at this link.