Ohio University Main Campus

The board meeting included the appointment of a new community board member and the approval of 2015-2016 standing committee appointments. The President provided reports on university events, alumni recognition, the State of the University address, and institutional initiatives related to affordability and efficiency in higher education. The CSU Foundation provided a fundraising update, highlighting record success. Committee reports were presented regarding academic affairs, specifically internship programs, financial affairs, and student affairs, with various contract and policy approvals granted, including the Fraternal Order of Police collective bargaining agreement, campus-wide fire alarm renovations, and parking lot leases. Additionally, the board held an executive session to discuss a student readmission petition and legal matters, ultimately denying the readmission request. Finally, the board authorized collaborative agreements with the Cavaliers Operating Company for booking and marketing services at the Wolstein Center and CSU basketball programs.

The Board of Trustees discussed ethics training requirements and conflict of interest policies. The Board formally recognized a departing Faculty Representative for his service. The President provided an update on his initial month in office, leadership appointments, and strategic initiatives. The CSU Foundation reported on fundraising success, exceeding the fiscal year goal. The Financial Affairs Committee presented the external audit planning and the proposed university operating and auxiliary budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, which were subsequently approved. Several consent agenda items were passed, covering construction and renovation projects, purchasing policy revisions, a health and safety policy, and advertising media service agreements. In new business, the Board directed the implementation of a successor collective bargaining agreement and accepted the first-year goals for the President.

The Board discussed the land exchange agreement involving WEWS-TV and a university-owned parking lot. The President highlighted university rankings in graduate programs and discussed the capital budget request and efforts to improve student retention. The Foundation Chair reported on fundraising success and upcoming donor-focused events. An executive session was held to discuss collective bargaining and litigation. Academic and financial affairs committees provided updates on remediation standards, research, and budget reports. The Board approved resolutions concerning faculty tenure, promotional leaves, residential meal plan rates, parking fees, capital projects for the Science Building, and various policy statements. Furthermore, the Board appointed members to the Nominating Committee, issued a memorial tribute to the late Chief of Police Lester Mitchell, and accepted a major gift commitment that resulted in naming the Student Center Ballroom in honor of the Glasscock family.

The Board discussed the Fiscal Year 2018 University budget, including enrollment trends, state budget impacts, and the implementation of a new career services fee. Additional discussions covered the authorization to lease parking spaces at two separate locations to address campus parking shortages. The Board also reviewed the selection process for an executive search firm for the upcoming presidential search and authorized a contract with Wheless Partners. Finally, the Board held an executive session to discuss employment matters.

The meeting featured reports on university highlights, including fundraising for strategic themes, new campus facility ribbon-cutting events, and recruitment initiatives. A presentation on the College of Sciences and Health Professions showcased research successes and community partnerships. The board reviewed fundraising reports from the CSU Foundation and discussed academic affairs, including student success programs, textbook affordability, and accreditation processes. Additionally, the board accepted the external audit report for the previous fiscal year, reviewed efficiency and affordability reports, and authorized the university's holiday closure. Several honorary degrees were approved, including one to be awarded posthumously.