Ohio State trustees meet, approve university matters - 09/22/04
COLUMBUS – Two new Ohio Eminent Scholars were appointed to The Ohio State University College of Engineering faculty at the university’s Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday (9/22), and named endowed funds were established by the board to support the salary and programs of the two scholars.
Imrich Chlamtac has been named professor and the Ohio Eminent Scholar in Networking and Communication Research in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering/ Electrical and Computer Engineering, effective Oct. 1, 2005. He currently is president of CreateNet Research Consortium and Bruno Kessler Honorary Professor at the University of Trento in Trento, Italy. He is also Distinguished Chair in Telecommunications Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Michael E. Paulaitis has been named professor and Ohio Eminent Scholar in Nanotechnology: Molecular Self-Assembly in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, effective Jan. 1, 2005. He is currently professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md.
In other business, the board established 32 more new named endowed funds, for a total of more than $5 million in gifts to the university, and accepted 428 research grants and contracts totaling more than $49 million awarded to the university during the month of June.
The board also approved a variety of fiscal, construction and personnel matters.
Named endowed funds
· The Ohio Eminent Scholar in Computer Networking and Communication Research, $1.5 million, provided by support from the Ohio General Assembly and private gifts for salary and program support for an outstanding scholar and leader in computer networking and communication research
· The Ohio Eminent Scholar in Nanotechnology: Molecular Self-Assembly, $1.5 million, provided by support from the General Assembly of the state of Ohio and private gifts for salary and program support for an outstanding scholar and leader in nanotechnology: molecular self-assembly
· The Hite Family Endowment Fund, $351,341, provided by a gift from the charitable remainder trust of Harold and Betty Hite and in cooperation with the Hites’ daughters, Kimberly H. Mayhew (B.A., 1981; J.D., 1991) and Teresa Hite-Bryan (B.S., 1978; M.S., 1983), to support the Hite Family Endowment Fund, which provides tuition for the Hite Scholar in the Moritz College of Law
· The Teresa Hite-Bryan and the Hite Family Scholarship Fund, $251,341, provided by a gift from the charitable remainder trust of Harold and Betty Hite and in cooperation with the Hites’ daughters, Kimberly H. Mayhew and Teresa Hite-Bryan, to provide funds for tuition and fees for students enrolled in the Division of Occupational Therapy in the School of Allied Medical Professions
· The Betty W. and Harold H. Hite Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund, $250,000, provided by a gift from the charitable remainder trust of Betty and Harold Hite to supplement the grant-in-aid scholarship costs of student-athletes
· Robert S. Friedman Scholarship Fund, $100,000, provided by an estate gift from Robert S. Friedman (B.I.E., 1957), to provide scholarships for one or more students majoring in engineering who are participants in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC)
· The Genevieve Brown Gist Scholarship Fund, $351,341, provided by a gift from the estate of former history faculty member Genevieve Brown Gist (Ph.D., 1944) of Dublin, Ohio, to provide scholarship for students currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in history
· The Hite Family Symposium Endowment Fund, $100,000, provided by a gift from the charitable remainder trust of Harold and Betty Hite and in cooperation with the Hites’ daughters, Kimberly H. Mayhew and Teresa Hite-Bryan, to be used for the costs of the annual Hite Family Symposium in Occupational Therapy within the School of Allied Medicine
· The Frank A. and Carol O. Ray Endowment Fund, $100,000, provided by a gift from Frank (J.D., 1973) and Carol Ray to provide a scholarship in the Moritz College of Law
· Dr. Virginia M. Vivian Post Doc Enrichment Endowed fund for the Department of Human Nutrition, $100,000, provided by a gift from the Virginia M. Vivian Trust UAD 2/21/2003 to supplement the salary and/or support the research, travel expenses or other needs of human nutrition post-doctoral positions in the Department of Human Nutrition
· Martha O. Schoenlaub Scholarship Fund, $50,000, provided by gifts from the estate of Martha O. Schoenlaub (B.S., 1937) to support nursing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students with preference given to students planning to practice, specialize or conduct research in the area of oncology nursing
· The James K. L. Lawrence Fund in Alternative Dispute Resolution, $35,869, provided by gifts from James K. L. Lawrence (B.A., 1962; J.D., 1965) of Cincinnati for the advancement of the dispute resolution teaching and program of the Moritz College of Law
· Dr. Jessie Craig Obert Dean’s Excellence Fund, $35,692, provided by a gift from the estate of Dr. Jessie Craig Obert (Ph.D., 1951), a former home economics instructor in Ohio State’s School of Home Economics from 1947 to 1951, for the enrichment of the College of Human Ecology
· The Thomas Michael Fernow Endowment Fund for Cancer Research, $34,986, provided by gifts from family and friends of the late Thomas Michael Fernow of Lancaster to support neuro-oncology research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center – The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
· Ellen E. and Victor J. Cohn Study Abroad Scholarship Fund, $33, 450, provided by gifts from Victor and Ellen Cohn of Moreland Hills, Ohio, to support students studying abroad at Israel’s Hebrew University
· David J. Neustadt Scholarship Fund in Greek and Latin, $31,725, provided by a gift from Tim Neustadt (B.A., 1967; M.A., 1969) of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., for scholarship support of an undergraduate majoring in Greek and Latin
· The Kenneth E. Dountz Agricultural Vice President’s Fund, $29,244, provided by gifts from Kenneth E. Dountz (B.S., 1964) of Copley, Ohio, to support programs identified by the vice president for agricultural administration as current and critical priorities in The College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
· The Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch Endowed Scholarship Fund in Jewish Studies, $28,800, provided by gifts from the Gretel B. Bloch Charitable Trust, Sanford M. Shore (B.S. Bus.Adm., 1953) trustee, to provide scholarships for students of Jewish studies
· The Barbara Van Brimmer Endowment Fund, $28,730, provided by gifts from family, friends and colleagues of the late Barbara Van Brimmer of Columbus, former curator of the Medical Heritage Center in the Prior Health Sciences Library, to support the Prior Health Sciences Library
· Hutchins Endowment Fund in Social Work Benefiting Veterinary Medicine, $28,500, provided by gifts from Mary Jane Hutchins (B.S.Soc.Work, 1961) of Columbus to support a student during her or his professional fieldwork while enrolled in a degree program in the College of Social Work whose field placement is in the Human Animal Bond-Centered Program of the Veterinary Hospital
· Mary A. Daniels Scholarship Fund, $26,330, provided by gifts from Mary A. Daniels (M.A., 1971; Ph.D., 1977) and others to provide scholarships to graduate, professional or undergraduate students based on academic accomplishment and a commitment to campus leadership
· Wesley E. Budke Student Teaching Endowment Fund in Human and Community Resource Development, $25,950, provided by a gift from Dr. Wesley E. Budke (Ph.D., 1970) to support undergraduate students in the Department of Human and Community Resource Development
· James Thomas Rector ’66 Scholarship Fund, $25,645, provided by gifts from John F. Corkill (B.Arch., 1967) to provide a scholarship for an architecture student with financial need
· Richard and Karol Wells Study Abroad Scholarship Fund, $25,480, provided by gifts from Richard (B.S.Phar., 1956) and Karol (B.S.Ed., 1958) Wells of Los Angeles, Calif. For study abroad scholarship support for College of Humanities students
· The Donald G. Wing Endowed Fund for the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, $25,122, provided by a gift from Robert F. Wing, professor emeritus in the Department of Astronomy in honor of the 100th birthday of Donald G. Wing, a Yale University librarian. The fund will be used for the acquisition, preservation or display of rare books and materials, especially those dating from the 17th century.
· Su Au Arnold Preservation and Maintenance Fund for the Wexner Center and Mershon Auditorium, $25,000, provided by gifts from Su Au Arnold (B.A., 1969) to be used exclusively for the preservation and maintenance of the Wexner Center for the Arts and/or Mershon Auditorium
· The Kevin and Stacey Blair Family Athletic Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by a gift from Kevin Blair of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, to supplement the student grant-in-aid scholarship costs of an undergraduate student-athlete who is a member of a varsity team
· The Kathryn R. Kourie Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from Kathryn R. (B.S., 1977) and Michael (B.A., 1974) Kourie to support a student enrolled in the College of Pharmacy who plans on pursuing a career in the Community Pharmacy Practice
· Lucius N. Littauer Judaica Book Fund, $25,000, provided by a gift from the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation for acquisitions to the Jewish Studies Library
· Gary M. Rectenwald Scholarship Fund of San Diego, California, $25,000, provided by gifts from the OSU Alumni Club of San Diego to provide scholarships for students from San Diego County, Calif.
· The Robert F. Schroeder and Margaret Ann Schroeder Medical Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from James C. Schroeder, Ph.D., of Worthington, Ohio, and David P. Schroeder (M.D., 1973) of Asheville, N.C., in memory of their parents to provide scholarships to medical students enrolled in the College of Medicine and Public Health
Internally designated endowed funds
· Long Term Component Endowment Fund, $25,000, provided by a transfer from university operating funds
· Maintenance and Renewal Endowment Fund, $25,000, provided by internal funds
· President’s Strategic Investment Endowment Fund, $25,000, provided by distribution and realized/unrealized appreciation from the Long
Term Component Endowment Fund
Change from named endowed chair to named endowed fund
· Willard M. Kiplinger Chair in Public Affairs Reporting is now the W. M. Kiplinger ’12 Program in Public Affairs Journalism Fund
Change in description of named endowed chair
· The George R. and Genevieve B. Gist Endowed Chair in Ohio State University Extension
Change in description of named endowed fund
· The Henry and Blanche Abell Endowment Fund
Change in name and description of named endowed funds
· The Daniel G. Amstutz International Trade Scholarship Fund is now The Daniel G. Amstutz International Studies Scholarship Fund
· The Dr. Herbert L. Fenburr Fund for Human Cancer Genetics Research is now the Herbert Fenburr, Dorothy Fenburr and Margaret Davenport Endowment Fund for Human Cancer Genetics Research
· James R. and Vylee Calvert Garstick Permanent Endowed Scholarship Fund in the College of Optometry is now the Garstick Scholarship Fund
· The Health Services Management and Policy Professorship Fund is now The Stephen F. Loebs Professorship Fund in Health Services Management and Policy
Personnel Appointments
· Eileen A. Bertolini has been named associate vice president for administration in the Office of University Development, effective Oct. 1, 2004. She is presently director of Development Information Services.
· Imrich Chlamtac has been named professor and the Ohio Eminent Scholar in Networking and Communication Research in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering/ Electrical and Computer Engineering, effective Oct. 1, 2005.
· Christopher M. Culley has been named interim general counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs, effective Oct. 1, 2004. He is currently deputy general counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs.
· Emily E. Foster has been named associate vice president in the Office of University Relations, effective Sept. 13, 2004. Prior to joining the university staff, she was vice president of Steiner/Lesic Communications in Columbus.
· Michael E. Paulaitis has been named professor and Ohio Eminent Scholar in Nanotechnology: Molecular Self-Assembly in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, effective Jan. 1, 2005.
· Greg M. Allenby has been reappointed as professor and holder of The Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Marketing in the Fisher College of Business, effective Oct. 1, 2004, through Sept. 30, 2009.
Regional Campus board appointment
· Keith H. Deters has been appointed to the Lima Regional Campus board, effective July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2006.
Appointment of chairpersons and directors
· Jerry M. Bingham has been named interim director of the School of Natural Resources, effective Aug. 1, 2004, through Sept. 30, 2005.
· Richard K. Herrmann has been named director of the Mershon Center, effective July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
· Thomas F. Mauger has been named chairperson of the Department of Ophthalmology, effective Oct. 1, 2004, through Sept. 30, 2008.
· Fusun Ozguner has been named interim chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, effective Oct. 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005.
· Richard M. Bednarski has been reappointed director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, effective July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005.
· Mark J. Failla has been reappointed chairperson of the Department of Human Nutrition, effective July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005.
· Carolyn J. Merry has been reappointed interim director of the Center for Mapping, effective July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005.
· David E. Schuller has been reappointed director of The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007.
Amended board committee appointments
Academic & Student Affairs Committee:*
Douglas G. Borror, chair
Daniel M. Slane, vice chair
Robert M. Duncan
Emily M. Quick
Chad A. Endsley
Fiscal Affairs Committee:*
Jo Ann Davidson, chair
Karen L. Hendricks, vice chair
Dimon R. McFerson
Walden W. O’Dell
Brian K. Hicks
Facilities Planning (ad hoc)*
(Subcommittee of Fiscal Affairs)
Robert M. Duncan, chair
Douglas G. Borror
Walden W. O’Dell
Chad A. Endsley
Investments Committee:*
Dimon R. McFerson, chair
Jo Ann Davidson, vice chair
Daniel M. Slane
Walden W. O’Dell
Ex Officio:
John Gerlach, Jr. (Foundation Board)
Audit Committee:*
Karen L. Hendricks, chair
Dimon R. McFerson, vice chair
Daniel M. Slane
Brian K. Hicks
Agricultural Affairs Committee:*
Daniel M. Slane, Chair
Fred L. Dailey, vice chair, ex officio
Walden W. O’Dell
Brian K. Hicks
Emily M. Quick
Chad A. Endsley
Governance Committee:
Tami Longaberger, Chair
Daniel M. Slane, Vice Chair
Robert M. Duncan
Government Relations Advisory Council:*
Daniel M. Slane, chair
Jo Ann Davidson, vice chair
Douglas G. Borror
Brian K. Hicks
Emily M. Quick
David L. Brennan
Thomas Hoaglin
Rich Hillis
Stephen C. Landerman
The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital
& Richard J. Solove Research Institute Board:
Robert M. Duncan, chair
Jo Ann Davidson
University Hospitals Board:
Robert M. Duncan
Jo Ann Davidson
Campus Partners Board:
Douglas G. Borror
Research Foundation Board of Directors:
Karen L. Hendricks
University Foundation Board ex officio:
Class of Directors:
Dimon R. McFerson (2005)
Douglas G. Borror (2006)
Karen L. Hendricks (2007)
Wexner Center Foundation Board:
Leslie H. Wexner (6/30/2005)
Brian K. Hicks+
Ohio State University Affiliates, Inc.:
Affiliated Entities Committee:
Tami Longaberger
Daniel M. Slane
Robert M. Duncan
Science and Technology Campus Board:
Walden W. O’Dell
Regional Campus Trustee Liaisons:
Jo Ann Davidson
University Managed Health Care System,
Board of Directors
Karen L Hendricks
Self-Insurance Trust Board:
Dimon R. McFerson
Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital:
Dimon R. McFerson
Daniel M. Slane
*Board Chair, ex officio member of all committees
+President’s appointee
Emeritus titles
· Norman K. Booth, professor emeritus in the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture, effective Sept. 1, 2004
· Donald F. Bowers, professor emeritus in the College of Dentistry, effective Sept. 1, 2004
· Samuel Cataland, professor emeritus in the Department of Internal Medicine, effective Jan. 1, 2005
· Frederick H. Davidorf, professor emeritus in the Department of Ophthalmology, effective Sept. 1, 2004
· David E. Hahn, professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Developmental Economics, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Don W. Miller, professor emeritus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, effective Sept. 1, 2004
· Gerald H. Newsom, professor emeritus in the Department of Astronomy, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Richard M. Reidel, professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· John G. Streeter, professor emeritus in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Lawrence W. Walquist, Jr., professor emeritus in the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Bruce S. Zwilling, professor emeritus in the Department of Microbiology, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Roger L. Amos, associate professor emeritus with Ohio State University Extension, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Stephen R. Baertsche, associate professor emeritus with Ohio State University Extension, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Robert E. Samuelson, associate professor emeritus in the Austin E. Knowlton, effective Sept. 1, 2004
· Susan K. Sears, associate professor emeritus in the School of Physical Activity and Educational services, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Ann W. Clutter, assistant professor with Ohio State University Extension, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· John A. Ulmer, assistant professor emeritus with Ohio State University Extension, effective Oct. 1, 2004
· Ray A. Wells, assistant professor emeritus with Ohio State University Extension, effective Oct. 1, 2004
Resolutions in memoriam
· Jack M. Balcer, professor emeritus in the Department of History, who died on July 11, 2004
· Bryan E. Beggin, D.O., clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, who died July 2, 2004
· Carl V. Clausen, associate professor emeritus in the former Department of Photography and Cinema in the College of the Arts, who died June 8, 2004
· Desmond L. Cook, professor emeritus in the College of Education, who died on July 23, 2004
·Clifford V. Heer, professor emeritus in the Department of Physics, who died on July 8, 2004
· John D. Kraus, professor emeritus in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who died on July 18, 2004
· Franklin J. Pegues, professor emeritus in the Department of History, who died on July 3, 2004
· Martha O. Schoenlaub, assistant professor emeritus in the School of Nursing (now the College of Nursing), who died on Nov. 27, 2003
· Wendell P. Scott, M.D., clinical associate professor emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who died on Aug. 7, 2004
· Robert G. Turnbull, professor emeritus in the Department of Philosophy, who died on June 1, 2004
Construction projects
The board authorized the university to enter into design contracts for the following projects:
· Upgrade of the elevator equipment in Dodd Hall to meet current codes and extension of one elevator car to the tunnel level. Preliminary project cost is approximately $1.16 million with funding provided by University Hospital
· Renovation of Ovalwood Hall on the Mansfield Campus to provide additional classroom and faculty office space. Preliminary project cost is approximately $7 million with design costs to be paid with Mansfield Campus funds. The project will not proceed to construction until the 2007 Capital Process is complete, university bonds have been approved and trustees have authorized construction.
· Construction of the John L. and Christine Warner Student Center and Library on the Newark Campus. Preliminary project cost is approximately $17.5 million with design costs to be paid with Newark Campus funds. Proposed funding for construction costs will be provided by Newark general funds, Newark development funds, future state capital appropriations, Central Ohio Technical College state appropriation and university bond proceeds with debt service to be paid by the Newark Campus. The project will not proceed to construction until the 2007 Capital Process is complete, university bonds have been approved and trustees have authorized construction.
· Renovation of the existing 2nd floor of North Doan Hall and the “infill” area of Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, to provide procedure rooms, additional beds and patient care areas for the Digestive Disease Center. Preliminary construction cost is approximately $8.2 million with design costs to be paid with University Hospital funds. The project will not proceed to construction until the business plan has been finalized and approved and the board of trustees has authorized construction.
· Replacement of the existing two-story North Doan Hall with a five-story non-clinical building to accommodate Digestive Disease Center faculty offices and other non-clinical programs. Preliminary project cost is approximately $11.3 million with design costs to be paid with University Hospital funds. The project will not proceed to construction until the business plan has been finalized and approved and the board of trustees has authorized construction.
· Improvements to the parking lots north of St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Drive, and on the east and west sides of Converse Hall, 2121 Tuttle Park Place. Preliminary project cost estimate is approximately $1.6 to $2 million with funding to be provided by Transportation and Parking, Student Affairs, Athletics, Campus Beautification funds and Central funds. The project will not proceed to construction until the business plan has been finalized and approved and the board of trustees has authorized construction.
The board authorized the university to enter into construction contracts for the following projects:
· Modernization and upgrade of three elevators in the Baker Systems Engineering Building, 1971 Neil Avenue, to meet current codes and standards. Construction document project cost is approximately $410,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Renovation of a section of the Radiology Files Room 236 in Doan Hall to install a PET/CT imaging unit. Construction document project cost has increased due to additional infrastructure improvements required to meet current codes. Revised project cost is approximately $800,000 with funding to be provided by The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and RIchard J. Solove Research Institute.
· Replacement of the elevator and modification of the machine room, including electrical service and air-conditioning system, in Hopkins Hall, 128 North Oval Mall. Construction document project cost is approximately $200,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Replacement of the 26-year old chiller in Parks Hall, 500 West 12th Avenue, to improve cooling and air circulation. Construction document project cost is approximately $700,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Replacement of the main fire alarm panel and devices in Postle Hall, 305 West 12th Avenue, to meet current codes and provide total building fire and smoke coverage. Construction document project cost is approximately $530,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Upgrade of the West Campus chilled water system and replacement of the chilled water system in Scott Hall, 1090 Carmack Road. Construction document project cost is approximately $1 million with funding provided by House Bill 675.
Interim authorization granted for four construction projects
The chair of the board’s Fiscal Affairs Committee in consultation with the committee and the board’s chair authorized the university to enter into the following contracts while the board was not in session. Interim approval is necessary in order to deliver key systems and/or service in a timely manner.
· Construction contracts for repair and redesign of major components of the McCracken Power Plant Coal Boiler, Phase I. Estimated project cost for Phase I only is $790,000 with funding to be provided by future university bond proceeds with debt service to be paid by an increase in the central utility assessment.
· Design contract for renovation of an existing area in Tuttle Park Garage, previously occupied by UniComp, to create a new security sub-station for the Department of Public Safety. The location will also service as the new location for Student Security Services staff. Preliminary project cost estimate is $351,000 with funding provided by Public Safety General Funds.
· Construction contracts for installation of new gas-fired boilers to provide heating for the entire Converse Hall, 2121 Tuttle Park Place. Estimated project cost for Phase I is $175,000 with funding to be provided by future university bond proceeds with debt service to be paid by an increase by an increase in the central utility assessment.
· Construction contracts for renovation of existing fourth floor space in Talbot Hall for the Sleep Disorder Center relocating from Rhodes Hall. The space will include 10 sleep rooms and associated support and staff spaces. Estimated project cost has increased from $1.15 million to $1.8 million due to scope change with the increase to be paid by University Hospital funds.
Issues regarding long-term leases explored
The Fiscal Affairs Committee was briefed on strategic issues regarding property acquisitions, including long-term leases. The university has developed a set of criteria for reviewing any potential property acquisition or lease in relation to the university’s master plan and Academic Plan. Currently four properties are under consideration for lease and/or purchase to accommodate university-related facilities: Palmer Donavin building, 1200 Steelwood Avenue; Columbus Coated Fabrics, 1280 North Grant; a lease of property at 1480 Lane Avenue; and a lease of property at 211 East 7th Avenue. No vote was required by the board at this time.
Lease with purchase option authorized
The board authorized the senior vice president for business and finance in consultation with the chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee to enter into a lease, with option to purchase, property at 2001 Polaris Blvd. in Columbus to accommodate University Medical Center recruitments upon satisfactory completion of due diligence by the Medical Center.
Quarterly construction project status reported
The Fiscal Affairs Committee heard a quarterly report on six construction projects completed in the last 30 days or due to be completed in the next 30 days. The following projects are considered to be on time and on budget:
University Hospital garage, Knowlton School of Architecture, Ross Heart Hospital, Neil Avenue Garage, Larkins Hall replacement and the Psychology Building.
Bylaws amended
The board approved amendments to the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees and Rules of the University Faculty that reflect the expanded responsibilities of the newly appointed senior vice president for external relations.
Trustees also approved amendments to the Medical Staff Bylaws that correct internal inconsistencies regarding the right to a hearing and appeal in the case of termination of medical staff membership for non-peer review actions.
Department division approved
Trustees approved the division of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Aviation into two independent departments – the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Aviation – to reflect their distinct and separate academic programs.
Wetland Complex named
Trustees approved naming the Wetland Complex at 352 West Dodridge Street for Wilma H. Schiermeier, a 1955 graduate of The Ohio State University. As an Ohio farmer and member of the Ohio Farm Board, Schiermeier sought to preserve the land for natural and agribusiness uses. The complex encompasses the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, the Heffner Wetland Research and Education Building, the Sandefur Wetland Pavilion and other research areas and a gift from Schiermeier completes a campaign to raise money for the research park.
Easement granted
The board authorized the university to grant Columbus Southern Power Company an easement to extend an electric power line and provide electric utility service to University Hospitals East.
Competitive bidding requirements waived
The board accepted the quarterly report on waivers of competitive bidding requirement. During the period of April to June 2004, the senior vice president for business and finance granted 96 waivers of competitive bidding requirements for annual purchases totaling approximately $31,780,600. During the same period, the interim vice president for health services granted 39 waivers of competitive bidding requirements for annual purchases totaling approximately $19,252,000.
Waivers can be granted when a sufficient economic reason exists or when the goods or services can be purchased from only a single source, with a report on such waivers made quarterly to the board.
Committee hears endowment update
University Treasurer Jim Nichols updated the Investments Committee on the status of the university’s endowment, which stood at $1.541 billion at the end of June 2004. As of June, Nichols said, the number of individual funds in the endowment had reached 3,481, an increase of approximately 1,250 in the past 10 years. Nichols also said the university’s return on investment for the 2003-2004 fiscal year stands at 18.3 percent.
Student receives board recognition
Adrienne Smith of Columbus, a senior majoring in geological sciences in the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, received the board’s Student Recognition Award. Smith’s undergraduate research project focused on a research expedition to Antarctica. Her poster presentation on Mapping Sea Floor Geology, Ross Sea, Antarctica, was honored in the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum and received the highest award for the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Her studies will contribute to the understanding of forces causing distortion on the Antarctic continent. Her academic achievements and musical performances have received several awards from the School of Music, the Office of Minority Affairs and the Department of Geological Sciences.
Selective investment programs updated
Executive Vice President and Provost Barbara Snyder updated the board on the impact of Selective Investment and Academic Enrichment funding initiatives. From 1998 to 2001, 13 of the university’s strongest departments and programs were chosen to receive Selective Investment funding to enable them to move to top ranking in their fields. The additional funding has resulted in increased graduate student applications, higher GRE scores of admitted students, prestigious faculty hires and higher national rankings.
A number of promising new programs and centers throughout the university were funded under the Academic Enrichment Initiative. As a result, many of these programs have taken major steps toward becoming centers of excellence that advance the broader goals of the university.
Teacher preparation highlighted
The Academic and Student Affairs Committee was briefed by Donna Evans, dean of the College of Education, and Randy Smith, vice provost for academic affairs, on teacher preparation as a university-wide responsibility. The University Teacher Education Council (UTEC) was created in 2001 to provide opportunities for collaboration across university units and to improve the delivery of teacher education programs.
Fair Labor Standards Act, Drug-Free Workplace discussed
Larry Lewellen, assistant vice president for the Office of Human Resources, discussed federal changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act with the Fiscal Affairs Committee. He said the university is reviewing positions in departments to determine how many staff will be affected. The affected staff members will be notified in November of any changes in job status, and changes will go into effect in January 2005.
Lewellen also updated trustees on changes to the Drug Free Workplace policy. The new policy requires departments to report employees consuming illegal drugs or alcohol, and any employee convicted is required to report to University Police within five days.
Facilities Planning Committee meeting summarized
Judge Robert Duncan, chair of the Facilities Planning Committee, summarized the sub-committee’s Sept. 10 meeting regarding the College of Engineering’s presentation on the proposed 2004 master plan for the Ohio State University Airport at Don Scott Field. During the meeting, William Shkurti, senior vice president for business and finance, discussed the proposed plan’s financial aspects and William Baeslack, dean of the College of Engineering, described the airport’s importance to the university’s Academic Plan and the college’s goals.
University Staff Advisory Committee highlighted
Trustees heard a presentation on the University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC) and its annual Staff Compensation and Benefits Report. USAC chair Connie Goodman described USAC’s mission to maintain an active and participatory line of communication with the university community and to provide a forum through which university staff can raise, discuss and make recommendations on non-academic issues.
Welcome back activities outlined
Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Hall told the Academic and Student Affairs Committee that Welcome Week activities were well attended and successful. A variety of activities, programs and facilities are designed to get students involved in campus life and assist them in succeeding academically. Programs include move-in, the President’s Picnic, Student Involvement Fair, Community Commitment Day, Scarlet Fever pep rally and some 130 other activities. Hall said that student safety is the top priority and the Office of Student Affairs continues to work on crime prevention and student awareness. Student government leaders outlined their priorities for the coming academic year.
