Board of Trustees agenda for Oct. 19-20 meetings released, University highlights key topics for discussion, consideration
The Ohio University Board of Trustees will convene Oct. 19-20 for meetings on the Athens Campus. The meetings begin the day after the investiture of OHIO’s 21st President, Dr. M. Duane Nellis, in a ceremony to be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18.
Key agenda items, efforts, and initiatives that OHIO’s Board and senior leadership will discuss include:
Capital Improvements
When: Resources, Facilities and Affordability Committee, Oct. 19
The Board of Trustees will consider a resolution to proceed with construction on James Hall for masonry repairs and on Shively Hall for a dining facility refresh.
The projects would cost $1 million for James Hall and $1,835,100 for Shively Hall. James Hall was stabilized for masonry failures in 2004 as an interim measure until the wall could be rebuilt. This project will remove all unstable material and re-lay masonry to prevent future failures.
Shively Hall’s dining area, last renovated in 2009, would receive an upgrade to the aesthetics and functionality of the space, with residential dining spaces influenced by restaurant, fast-casual, quick-service production and fresh market trends. Some kitchen equipment would also be upgraded.
For both projects, the design work would begin in FY18, with construction scheduled for the end of FY18 and beginning of FY19, or the summer of 2018.
Informational updates on the Richland Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Project and the Clippinger Laboratories Phase I programming and design direction will be presented.
The administration will also present an update on facilities projects that are currently in various stages of completion. The Trustees will also consider a pair of easements for American Electric Power. The first, on the Chillicothe Campus, is needed for the Bennett Hall electrical upgrade project and will also include new underground service to Stevenson Hall. The second will allow installation of electric service to a new retail building near University-owned land near 859 E. State St., Athens, which is intended to include Qdoba Mexican Grill and Kay Jewelers.
IT Strategic Update
When: Joint Academics and Resources Committee, Oct. 19
University officials will provide an overview of the University’s Information Technology strategic update. This will include an overview of key strategy concepts, operations, and the budget.
The Office of Information Technology has progressed approximately halfway through its long-term plan, and has made extensive improvements to core services like networking and IT security. This has included significant operational improvements, including cost reductions, and led to important improvements in management and leadership.
The next stage includes building a core of critical IT services to expand capability to differentiate and partner for competitive advantage.
Campus Design Review Advisory Council
When: Resources, Facilities and Affordability Committee, Oct. 19
University officials will present a proposal to create a Campus Design Review Advisory Council. The Council’s purpose would be to provide consistency, leadership, and direction for individual projects and for the campus as a whole. With several major planning initiatives completed that provide a vision and framework for campus development, administrators want to ensure that design decisions are made holistically, within the context of a vision for the campus identity.
The Council would advise the University president on projects that impact the physical environment of the campus. One of the first tasks for the Council would be the development of Campus Design Guidelines, with a focus on architectural design, landscaping, and historic character. This would serve to preserve desired elements, encourage new development that contributes to the campus, provide consistency for each green, and provide the framework for the Council to recommend decisions.
Trustee/President Service Project
When: Following the Trustees’ meeting and luncheon, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 20
On Friday, Oct. 20, Ohio University will hold a Day of Service as part of a week-long celebration of Dr. Nellis’ investiture. Dr. Nellis and the Trustees will contribute with their own service project following the Board meeting. More information on the week’s activities surrounding the investiture can be found here: https://www.ohio.edu/inauguration/.
Additional information, including the full October 2017 OHIO Board of Trustees meeting agenda, is available online at www.ohio.edu/trustees.