OSU trustees accept funds, approve academic, fiscal matters
COLUMBUS -- Four new endowed faculty chairs and a named endowed professorship were established Friday (7/11) by The Ohio State University Board of Trustees with gifts to the university from alumni and friends. Trustees also established 22 additional named endowed funds with gifts given to the university during May 2003 and accepted 250 research grants and contracts totaling $23.6 million from governmental, industrial and other agencies awarded in May to Ohio State.
In other business, trustees approved a variety of personnel, fiscal and construction matters.
Named endowed chairs
• The Endowed Chair for Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band, $1,532,163, provided by gifts from the estate of Dayton Eldridge (B.S.Bus.Adm., 1936; OSU Marching Band member, 1932-35) and friends of the Marching Band to support a chair position in the School of Music for the Marching Band director
• The Ford Motor Company Chair in Global Business Management, $1,581,281, provided by gifts from the Ford Motor Company Fund of Dearborn, Michigan, to promote and support the teaching, research and service activities of the chairholder in the Fisher College of Business
• The Dr. Edward E. and Sylvia Hagenlocker Chair in Physics, $1,578,460, provided by gifts from Dr. Edward E. Hagenlocker (B.S. Physics, 1962; M.S., 1962; Ph.D., 1964) and Sylvia Hagenlocker, both of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., to support the work of a senior physics faculty member focusing on atomic, molecular and optical physics.
• The Alice Louise Ridenour Wood Chair in Mathematics, $846,415, provided by gifts from numerous donors to support the work of a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Mathematics.
Named endowed professorship
• The University Pathology Services Anatomic Pathology Professorship, $750,000, provided by gifts from University Pathology Services of Columbus and other friends of the Department of Pathology in support of the advancement of medical knowledge in the field of pathology research in the College of Medicine and Public Health
Named endowed funds
• The Leo Yassenoff Foundation Endowment Fund, $635,649, provided by gifts from the Leo Yassenoff Foundation to use for university projects
• The Longaberger Student Diversity Leadership Fund, $500,000, provided by a gift from The Longaberger Foundation to support the vice president for student affairs’ diversity retreats
• The Major General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Scholarship Fund, $150,000, provided by a gift from Raymond E. Mason Jr. (B.S.Bus.Adm., 1941) of Columbus to provide scholarship support for three “John Glenn Fellows” participating in the Washington Academic Internship Program
• The Schooley Architecture Library Fund, $101,124, provided by a gift from the Schooley family in honor of John P. Schooley Sr. (B.Arch.E., 1923), John P. Schooley Jr.(B. Arch., 1951) and Palmer B. Schooley (B.S.Arch., 1982) to support the collection, staff and technology needs of the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture Library
• The Angela Marie and Mary Francis Valentino Physics Academic Achievement Scholarship Fund, $100,000, provided by a gift from Michael L. Valentino (B.E.Physics, 1934) of Lakeland, Fla., in memory of his mother and wife, to provide scholarship support for undergraduate physics majors
• The Herschel T. Meredith Athletic Scholarship Fund, $84,268, provided by gifts from Herschel Meredith of Los Altos, Calif., to support scholarships for student-athlete members of the varsity football team
• The Suzanne G. Meredith Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund, $84,268, provided by gifts from Herschel T. Meredith of Los Altos, Calif., to provide scholarship support for student-athlete members of the varsity women’s tennis team
• Dr. Elizabeth Wagner Scholarship Fund, $79,000, provided by gifts from her family in the name of Elizabeth Wagner (B.A., 1933; M.A., 1934; Ph.D., 1936) to fund scholarships in the Department of Plant Biology in the College of Biological Sciences with preference given to women undergraduate students
• The Marjorie Weaver Heart Research Fund, $52,315, provided by gifts from the estate of Mrs. Marjorie Weaver of Columbus to support the cardiovascular research activities in The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute at The Ohio State University
• The Stephen J. Kovacik Jr. and Mary B. Kovacik Endowed Scholarship Fund, $40,000, provided by gifts from family and friends in memory of Stephen Kovacik and his mother, Mary, to provide scholarship support for one “John Glenn Fellow” participating in the Washington Academic Internship Program of the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy
• The Nelson E. Lyttle Scholarship Fund, $36,000, provided by gifts from the estate of Nelson E. Lyttle (B.S.Ed., 1939; M.S., 1941) of Columbus for scholarship support
• The Jack and Carol Evans Scholarship Fund in Music, $31,225, provided by gifts from Carol Evans and friends in memory of Jack O. Evans, former director of the OSU Marching Band and professor emeritus in the School of Music, for scholarship support of music majors
• The Eric Kohring – PFLAG Scholarship Fund, $30,446, provided by gifts from members and friends of The Ohio State University Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Society –Columbus Chapter and the estate of Eric Kohring for the marketing and awarding of scholarships for gay, lesbian and bisexual students
• The Robert M. Hoge Scholars Fund, $28,565, provided by gifts from the Nanette N. and Robert M. Hoge Fund at the Columbus Foundation for scholarship support of academically talented students
• The William Copeland Jr., M.D., Endowment Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research, $25,382, provided by a gift from family and friends to support pancreatic cancer research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center – The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
• The Laurence and Molly Ruben Endowment Fund for Cancer Genetics Research, $25,230, provided by a gift from Laurence Ruben of Plaza Properties Inc. in Columbus to support cancer genetics research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center – The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
• The Susan Salopek Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program, $25,179, provided by gifts from Steven Salopek (B.A., 1986; M.B.A., 1988) of Columbus to support nursing scholarships for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in the College of Nursing
• The Ardith K. Nolte Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Scholarship Fund, $25,080, provided by gifts in honor of Ardith Nolte (B.S.Nurs., 1971; M.A., 1981) from Byron H. Nolte (Ph.D., 1971) of Columbus to support scholarships for incoming freshmen
• The Professor Milton Ain Fund for Practicum Support, $25,000, provided by gifts from Shirley Ain of Columbus in memory of her husband, Milton (M.S.W., 1967), to provide competitive stipend awards to graduate students in the College of Social Work pursuing field practica
• Rebecca Lucile Cornetet Endowed Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by a gift from the estate of Rebecca Lucile Cornetet (B.S.Ed., 1929; B.A., 1929; M.A., 1932) of Columbus to support undergraduate merit-based scholarships for the study of Greek and Latin
• The Darrell K. Root Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from Darrell Root (M.Ed., 1957; Ph.D., 1971) to fund scholarships in the College of Education
• Jack Root and Helen Root Entomology Travel Endowment Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from Jack Dallas Root (B.S., 1965) and Helen Root of Aztec, N.M., to provide travel grants for entomology students
Change in name and description of named endowed funds
• The Anna Sborowitz Scholarship Fund is now The Jan and Anna Sborowitz Endowment Fund
• The Thomas A. Spieth Endowment Fund for Lymphoma Research is now The Thomas A. Spieth Endowment Fund for Hematology Oncology Research
Deletion of named endowed fund
• The Eleanor L. Craig Scholarship Fund (erroneously established for the second time on Dec. 6, 2002)
Personnel appointments
• Stanley C. Ahalt of WORTHINGTON has been named executive director of the Ohio Supercomputer Center, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2008. He will hold a concurrent position as a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering.
• Anil Arya has been named professor and holder of The John J. Gerlach Chair in the Max M. Fisher College of Business, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2008.
• Janet Box-Steffensmeier has been named associate professor and holder of the Vernal G. Riffe Professorship in Government and Politics in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2008.
• Robert A. Bornstein of WORTHINGTON has been named associate vice president for health sciences in the College of Medicine and Public Health, effective July 1, 2003. He previously served as the college’s associate dean for academic affairs.
• Michael A. Caligiuri of UPPER ARLINGTON has been named director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective July 1, 2003. He will hold a concurrent position as director and professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology.
• Ching-Shih Chen has been named professor and holder of the Charles H. Kimberly Professorship in Pharmacy in the College of Pharmacy, effective Oct. 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2006.
• Elizabeth A. Conlisk of COLUMBUS (43206) has been named acting vice president for university relations, effective July 31, 2003, through Sept. 7, 2003. Conlisk is currently director of media relations in the Office of University Relations.
• Linda L. Harlow of UPPER ARLINGTON has been named associate provost for honors and scholars, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007. She previously held the position as an interim appointee.
• Jacqueline J. Royster has been named interim dean of the College of Humanities, effective July 1, 2003. She has been serving as associate dean of the college.
• Barbara Z. Kiefer has been named professor and holder of the Charlotte S. Huck Professorship in Children’s Literature, effective Oct. 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2008. Kiefer currently is associate professor and holder of the Robinson Professorship of Children’s Literature at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
• Robert E. Michler has been named professor and holder of The John G. and Jeanne Bonnet McCoy Chair in The Ohio State University Heart Center in the College of Medicine and Public Health, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007. He holds a concurrent position as director of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery.
• William M. Murphy has been named vice president for university relations, effective Sept. 8, 2003. He currently serves as associate chancellor for public affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• Michael F. Para of COLUMBUS (43201) has been named professor and holder of the Frank E. and Mary W. Pomerene Professorship in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases in the College of Medicine and Public Health, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007.
• David E. Schuller of UPPER ARLINGTON has been named associate vice president for health sciences, effective July 1, 2003. He holds a concurrent position as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology and director of The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
• Barbara R. Snyder has been named interim executive vice president and provost in the Office of Academic Affairs, effective July 31, 2003. She is currently interim vice president for university relations.
Reappointments
• Susan W. Fisher, professor of entomology and veterinary biosciences, has been reappointed secretary of the University Senate in the Office of Academic Affairs, effective Oct. 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2006.
• Dev S. Pathak has been reappointed interim dean for public health in the College of Medicine and Public Health/School of Public Health, effective June 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2003.
Appointment of chairpersons
• L. Scott Marsh has been appointed chair of the Department of Dance in the College of the Arts, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007.
• Richard Davis has been appointed chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures in the College of Humanities, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007.
Reappointment of chairpersons and directors
• Mary Jo Welker of NEW ALBANY has been reappointed chair of the Department of Family Medicine in the College of Medicine and Public Health, effective July 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2003.
• David E. Schuller of UPPER ARLINGTON has been reappointed director of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, effective July 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2003.
• Steven Reiss has been reappointed director of the Nisonger Center, effective July 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2003.
• Thomas N. Hansen of NEW ALBANY has been reappointed chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine and Public Health, effective July 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2003.
Reappointment of Men’s Head Football Coach
• James P. Tressel has been signed to a new six-year contract, effective Feb. 1, 2003, through Jan. 31, 2009, with a possible three-year extension.
University Hospitals Board East appointments
Trustees approved the appointment of Pamela Farber and George Skestos as citizen members of the University Hospitals Board East for terms July 1, 2003, through May 30, 2006. Skestos will serve as chairperson of the University Hospitals Board East and as vice chairperson of The Ohio State University Hospitals Board.
Kravinsky Foundation directors named
Trustees authorized the appointment of Fred Sanfilippo, senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health; Caroline Whitacre, associate vice president for research in the Office of Health Sciences and vice dean for research in the College of Medicine and Public Health; and Joseph Bull, director of planned giving in the Office of University Development to the board of directors of the Adria Kravinsky Foundation. The foundation was founded in March 2003 by Drs. Zell and Emily Kravinsky of Philadelphia, Pa., to support The Ohio State University and the School of Public Health through charitable and educational activities.
Regional Campus board appointments
The board approved the appointment of Robert C. Young to a three-year term and reappointed Dow Wagner to a third three-year term on The Ohio State University Lima Campus Board.
Emeritus titles
• Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost and professor emeritus, Office of Academic Affairs and the Department of Economics, effective Aug. 1, 2003.
• Kenneth J. Breeding, professor emeritus, Department of Electrical Engineering, effective July 1, 2003
• David M. Butler, professor emeritus, School of Music, effective July 1, 2003
• James L. Ginter, professor emeritus, Department of Marketing and Logistics, effective July 1, 2003
• Louis A. Jacobs, professor emeritus, College of Law, effective July 1, 2003
• Daniel L. Jensen, professor emeritus, Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems, effective July 1, 2003
• James S. King, professor emeritus, Department of Neuroscience, effective July 1, 2003
• Pappachan E. Kolattukudy, professor emeritus, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, effective July 1, 2003
• Joel L. Morrison, professor emeritus, Department of Geography, effective July 1, 2003
• William R. Fenner, associate professor emeritus, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences effective July 1, 2003
• Ruth A. Foote, associate professor emeritus, Ohio State University Extension, effective July 1, 2003
• Angelika R. Gerbes, associate professor emeritus, Department of Dance, effective July 1, 2003
• Sharon K. Houseknecht, associate professor emeritus, Department of Sociology, effective July 1, 2003
• Dennis A. Parker, associate professor emeritus, Department of Theatre, effective July 1, 2003
• John O. Riedl, associate professor emeritus, Department of Mathematics (Mansfield Campus), effective July 1, 2003
• William J. Sullivan, associate professor emeritus, Department of English (Lima Campus), effective Oct. 1, 2003
• Norman L. Moll, assistant professor emeritus, Ohio State University Extension, July 1, 2003
Resolutions in memoriam
• Robert E. Campbell, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology, who died May 12, 2003
• Gwendolyn B. Carson, clinical associate professor emeritus in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, who died April 11, 2003
• Eldred B. Heisel, professor emeritus in the Department of Internal Medicine, who died April 27, 2003
• G. Deming Seymour, assistant professor emeritus in the Ohio State University Extension, who dies June 3, 2003
• Robert E. Taylor, executive director emeritus in the Center on Education and Training for Employment and professor emeritus in the Department of Human and Community Resource Development, who died May 28, 2003
• Harold E. Voss, assistant professor emeritus in the College of Dentistry, who died May 2, 2003
Construction projects approved
The board authorized the university to enter into design contracts for:
• Renovation of cold rooms in Scott Hall to house the ice cores for the Byrd Polar Research Center. Project estimate is $203,742 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
The board authorized the university to enter into construction contracts for:
• Construction of graduate and student housing on Neil Avenue between 9th and 10th Avenues. Since the board approved the project in March 2002, the cost has increased by $3.1 million to $32,300,490 due to schedule acceleration and site delays. The project cost increase will be funded by future university bond proceeds with debt service paid by Student Affairs.
• Construction of retail space on the first floor of the Graduate and Professional Student Housing facility. Construction document project cost is $2.5 million to be funded by future university bond proceeds with debt service paid by Student Affairs.
• Construction of a modular storage facility to house animals at the Laboratory Animal Facility on Godown Road. The expected total project cost has increased from $500,000 to $883,000 due to changes in project HVAC specifications necessary to meet environmental conditions. Additional funding will be provided by the Office of Research, Academic Affairs, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Business and Finance.
• Construction of a student services facility and parking lot relocation on the Marion Campus. The construction document project cost is $6,107,756 with funding provided by House Bill 640, Marion general funds and a loan from the treasurer’s debt service pool, with debt service to be paid from Marion Campus funds.
• Renovation of the first floor lobby area of Meiling Hall, 370 West 9th Avenue, to include the installation of fire sprinklers and additional work in the basement and second floor. Construction document project cost is $910,125, with funding to be provided by the College of Medicine and Public Health.
Faculty rules amended
Trustees approved several amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty, including the establishment of a Recreational Sports Committee that will initiate recommendations and review proposals affecting the university’s recreational sports facilities and programs. The committee will report annually to the council on student affairs.
Medical staff rules amended
Trustees approved a number of amendments to the University Hospitals East Medical Staff Rules and Regulations primarily regarding procedural matters. The amendments were approved by the University Hospitals Board in May.
Regional campus amendments approved
Trustees approved a number of amendments to the Bylaws of the Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark Regional Campus Boards.
Board committee appointments amended
The board approved the following amended appointments to committees and boards:
Academic and Student Affairs Committee:
Tami Longaberger, chair; Daniel M. Slane, vice chair; Douglas G. Borror; Walden W. O’Dell; Paula A. Habib
Fiscal Affairs Committee:
Robert M. Duncan, Chair; Jo Ann Davidson, Vice Chair; Dimon R. McFerson; Karen L. Hendricks; Emily M. Quick
Facility Planning (ad hoc)
(Subcommittee of Fiscal Affairs)
Robert M. Duncan, chair; Daniel M. Slane; Karen L. Hendricks; Douglas G. Borror
Investments Committee:
Zuheir Sofia, chair; Karen L. Hendricks, vice chair; Jo Ann Davidson, Walden O’Dell; John Gerlach, Jr. (Foundation Board) ex officio; William Ingram III (Foundation Board) ex officio
Audit Committee:
Dimon R. McFerson, chair; Tami Longaberger, vice chair; Jo Ann Davidson; Karen L. Hendricks
Agricultural Affairs Committee:
Daniel M. Slane, chair; Fred L. Dailey, vice chair, ex officio; Robert M. Duncan; Karen L. Hendricks; Walden O’Dell; Emily M. Quick
Governance Committee:
Zuheir Sofia, chair; Tami Longaberger vice chair; Daniel M. Slane
Government Relations Advisory Council:
Jo Ann Davidson, Chair; Douglas G. Borror, Vice Chair; Daniel M. Slane, Dimon R. McFerson, Paula A. Habib, Walden O’Dell, David L. Brennan, Michael F. Colley, William Blair, Stan Aronoff, Thomas Hoaglin
The Arthur G, James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute Board:
Robert M. Duncan (3 years), chair; Jo Ann Davidson (3 years)
University Hospitals Board:
Robert M. Duncan (3 years), Jo Ann Davidson (3 years)
Campus Partners Board:
Douglas G. Borror (3 years)
Research Foundation Board of Directors:
Karen L. Hendricks (2 years)
University Foundation Board ex officio: Class of Directors:
Tami Longaberger (1 year), Dimon R. McFerson (2 years), Douglas G. Borror (3 years)
Wexner Center Foundation Board
Leslie H. Wexner (2005), Jo Ann Davidson
Ohio State University Affiliates, Inc.: Affiliated Entities Committee:
Zuheir Sofia (1 year), Tami Longaberger (2 years), Daniel M. Slane (3 years)
Science and Technology Campus Board of Directors:
Walden O’Dell
Regional Campus Trustee Liaisons:
Jo Ann Davidson, Mansfield; Tami Longaberger, Newark; Robert M. Duncan, Marion; Walden O’Dell, Lima
Self-Insurance Trust Board:
Dimon R. McFerson (3 years)
Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital:
Dimon R. McFerson
The chair of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees is an ex officio member of the following committees: Academic and Student Affairs, Fiscal Affairs, Facility Planning, Audit, Agricultural Affairs and Government Relations.
Department renamed
The board approved changing the names of the Department of Human Nutrition and Food Management and the undergraduate program of Human Nutrition and Food Management to the Department of Human Nutrition and the undergraduate program in Human Nutrition. In 2001, the department faculty specializing in hospitality management were transferred to the Department of Consumer and Textile Sciences. The remaining faculty specialize in human nutrition. The name change reflects the departmental plans to enhance the quality of its academic programs and scholarly activities in nutrition sciences.
Property purchases authorized
Trustees authorized the university to purchase improved property at 237 East 17th Avenue from David W. Pettit for $360,000. Acquisition of the property was deemed critical for the preservation of the traditional Greek community east of High Street. Funding will be provided by Student Affairs.
The board also approved the purchase of 2.43 acres of improved property at 960 Kinnear Road from G.O.A.T. Real Estate LLC for $1,975,000. The property is located within the West Campus acquisition area. Funding for the acquisition and operating costs will be provided by building occupants.
Campus Partners to receive continued funding
The board authorized continued funding and support for Campus Partners’ initiatives through the opening year of the Gateway Center, set for completion in Summer 2005. Up to $650,000 per year for 2003-04 and 2005-06 can be released from current operating funds set aside for this purpose to support Campus Partners projects.
Investment managers appointed
The board approved the appointment and reappointment of a number of external investment managers who assist the university in the management of its endowment fund. The Investments Committee of the Board of Trustees periodically reviews the results obtained by the investment managers and the amount of funds assigned to them and makes adjustments as economic conditions and performances change.
Investment Policies revised
The board adopted amendments to the Investments Policies for The Ohio State University regarding the Endowment Fund Investments Policy and the Non-Endowment Fund Investments Policy to provide for the overall management of the university’s investment portfolios.
University bonds authorized
Trustees authorized the issuance and sale of General Receipts Bonds, Series 2003 B, in the principal amount not to exceed $175 million and Variable Rate Demand General Receipts Bonds, Series 2003 C, in the principal amount not to exceed $130 million.
Monthly endowment report presented
University Treasurer Jim Nichols reported that Ohio State’s endowment stands at $956 million as of June 30, 2003.
New arts and sciences federation highlighted
Michael J. Hogan, executive dean of the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences, reported to the board on the ongoing progress of the federation of the university’s five colleges of arts and sciences, approved by trustees in June. The federation aims to reduce redundancies and costs by consolidating a number of their operations. The colleges already share a central development effort and have agreed to a shared communications operation.
Plans call for a consolidation of human resources, fiscal and technology support operations in the near future. A strategic plan is being drafted that will identify new directions and additional areas of interdisciplinary collaboration for the federation.
Student receives board recognition
Matt Miesner, who is pursuing a master’s degree in veterinary medicine at Ohio State, is the recipient of the trustees’ Student Recognition Award. Miesner earned his B.S. from New Mexico State University and his D.V.M. from Washington State University. After receiving his doctorate degree, Miesner entered a private animal practice in south-central Washington State. There, he obtained a resident position in the College of Veterinary and Clinical Sciences in the Department of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery. At Ohio State, Miesner has spent three years performing clinical and teaching duties while working toward a master’s degree and board certification in large animal internal medicine. Recently, Miesner was honored for his work at Ohio State by receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award for Resident/Graduate Teaching Associates from the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Outreach and Engagement progress reviewed
Trustees heard an update on the Office of Outreach and Engagement, which was formed in 2000. A Program Review Committee, formed in April, is currently identifying ways to better publicize outreach and engagement activities across campus, and is addressing the infrastructure needed to support and further the reach of Ohio State’s academic resources.
Student Affairs internship program highlighted
Trustees heard a presentation on an Office of Student Affairs Summer Internship Program that employs Columbus high school juniors and seniors as temporary summer workers for a ten-week period. Currently, 75 students are working as housekeepers and food service workers, supporting the university’s summer conference housing operations. Along with a paycheck, the students gain work skills, mentoring and academic enrichment, as well as internship credit for their high school transcripts. Students take part in weekly hour-long seminars about issues affecting students who are planning to pursue a college education. They are also given the opportunity to take either a preparatory course for the American College Test (ACT) or the Ohio 9th Grade Proficiency Test Prep Course as well as to take a university-level credit course or to learn about the university’s Early Acceptance Program. The program, a joint project of the Columbus Public Schools and Ohio State’s Office of Student Affairs, began in 2001 with 41 students.
