Chillicothe campus hosts OHIO Board of Trustees Meeting June 21-22
Photographer: Neeley AllenOhio University Board of Trustees members convene for their meeting on June 22, 2018
The Ohio University Board of Trustees convened for a meeting at the Chillicothe campus June 21-22, 2018 in Bennett Hall 110. Topics discussed during the two-day assembly consisted of enrollment, academics, student success, the 2018-19 university budget, capital improvements and projects, shared governance and audit reports.
On June 21, a particular presentation regarding student success revolved around research conducted by Michael Lafreniere, Ohio University Chillicothe’s Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering Technology and Mathematics. Lafreniere’s scholarship presentation focused on the benefits of employing digital ink and video engagement in student learning and achieving successful learning outcomes of students using such pedagogical tools.
As a lecturer in STEM related subjects, Lafreniere’s motivation behind this research was to improve STEM proficiency as it relies on high student engagement. Therefore, using computer-mediated communication such as digital inking and video engagement, students are better able to communicate their conceptual understanding of STEM tasks.
Lafreniere is confident that his research and innovative approach to lecturing will improve student learning in both traditional and online classrooms.
As part of the President’s Report during the Board Meeting on June 22, Ohio University Chillicothe Dean, Dr. Martin Tuck, and Associate Professor of Technical and Applied Studies, Dr. Donna Burgraff, shared highlights regarding the campus’s partnership with Adena Health System to offer the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS) completion program in a co-hort format to Adena employees. The program focuses on the development of leadership and management skills in the health care industry.
Tuck remarked, “The partnership was formed after discussions with Adena leadership. During our meeting it was apparent that there was a need that our University could fulfill so I charged three of our faculty to put a program in place. OUC faculty were instrumental and innovative in the creation of the program. This kind of partnership is in line with President Nellis’ strategic goal of strengthening community relationships.”
The faculty responsible for the development of the program include Donna Burgraff, previously mentioned, Tanya Hire, Associate Lecturer of Applied Management, and Vicky Parker, Associate Professor Emeritus of Health Services Administration.
“When organizing the layout of the program, it came down to tailoring it to what the students wanted and they wanted it to be face-to-face,” shared Burgraff. “With that said, we decided to offer a cohort that focused on a 6-on-6 method. The method requires students to attend six Saturday classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the end of the semester they would earn six credit hours. In order to accommodate this schedule, we had to spread out the program over the course of three years, but the students were receptive because of how convenient the program became.”
Several students currently enrolled in the cohort shared their experiences during the session at the meeting. Most are hoping to advance in the Adena system and build upon their skill set.
Burgraff hopes to begin a new cohort January 2019 assuming that negotiations follow through with Adena. All classes are held at Adena’s PACCAR Medical Education Center. For questions regarding the program, please contact Burgraff at burgrafd@ohio.edu.
OHIO President Duane Nellis remarked, “We want to be a true partner with all communities in Ohio where we have a physical presence; this partnership with Adena is a perfect example of how such a partnership can be mutually beneficial. We will continue to find more ways in which we can work together with our community partners across the Ohio University system to advance our public service and engagement mission to the region and the state.”
More details regarding the Board of Trustees Meeting can be found here.
Photographer: Neeley AllenOHIO Board of Trustees socialize with Chillicothe campus students during lunch on June 21, 2018
Photographer: Neeley AllenOHIO Board of Trustees socialize with Chillicothe campus students during lunch on June 21, 2018
Photographer: Neeley AllenDave Scholl, Board of Trustees Chair, discusses college life with Chillicothe campus student, Tessa Byers, during a tour of the campus on June 22, 2018
Photographer: Neeley AllenBoard of Trustees members talk about student life with Chillicothe campus tour guide, Olivia Rose, on June 22, 2018