TRUSTEES

The Ohio State Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting Feb. 7 in the Davis Heart and Lung Institute. Ohio State is governed by a board of 11 trustees (including two nonvoting student members) who are responsible for oversight of academic programs, budgets and general administration, and employment of faculty and staff. The governor annually appoints one voting member to a nine-year term and one nonvoting student member to a two-year term.

Budget status reported

William J. Shkurti, senior vice president for business and finance, updated the board on how original budget projections for FY 2001-02 compared with audited financial statements for the year. Shkurti said that general fund revenues exceeded expectations by 1.7 percent, while spending was 4.65 percent below budget, thanks to the University's diligence in curbing spending to absorb state budget cuts.

Trustees also received an annual mid-year budget update from Shkurti, who said that total enrollment figures for the year are up slightly over projections, although nonresident enrollment has dipped by 2.2 percent. The resulting impact on the University's bottom line, however, is negligible, Shkurti said. He also said that the impact of pending state budget cuts is not yet clear, but a recent executive order by Gov. Bob Taft to cut University line-item budgets by 2.5 percent would equal a loss of approximately $2.8 million across all campuses.

Shkurti also reported a turnaround of financial results for the Ohio State University Health System, with a $2.1 million gain during the first half of this fiscal year.

Committee approved

Trustees approved the addition of a new rule to the "Rules of the University Faculty" following approval on Jan. 16 by the University Senate. The new rule creates an eight-member committee charged with the evaluation of central administrators. The committee will consist of six tenured faculty members appointed by the University president from a slate nominated by the Faculty Council's executive committee and two administrators appointed by the president. 

Clinical caps eliminatedThe board approved the elimination of the clinical faculty hiring cap -- currently set at 40 percent of total regular faculty -- in a number of clinical departments in the College of Medicine and Public Health. The departments affected are anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, pathology, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, radiology and surgery. Elimination of the cap is designed to help the college address patient care and education missions, open up faculty positions, and improve recruitment of students, residents and clinical and research faculty.

Bonds sale authorized

Trustees authorized the issuance of Ohio State General Receipts Refunding Bonds, Series 2003 A, in the principal amount not to exceed $53 million. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used to refund the outstanding principal of the University's Series 1992 A Bonds, thereby saving the University approximately $165,000 per month in interest charges. The new bonds will mature no later than Sept. 15, 2003.

Programs highlighted

Trustees heard an update on the University's interdisciplinary initiatives from W. Randy Smith, vice provost for academic affairs. At the graduate level, new minors and specializations have been created by combining courses from various departments. Among those initiatives are minors in neuroscience and African-American and African Studies as well as an interdisciplinary specialization in survey research and international studies.

In addition, undergraduate students can minor in disability studies as well as take a four-course sequence in American Sign Language.

Smith also announced the creation of an undergraduate general business major on the regional campuses that will be supported with academic resources from the Fisher College of Business.

Research report heard

Trustees accepted the report on recent research grants and contracts awarded to Ohio State. During November 2002, the University received 180 research grants and contracts totaling $23.3 million. In December 2002, 170 research grants and contracts were received for a total of $16 million.

Professorships approved

The establishment of two professorships and 23 new named endowed funds was approved at the Feb. 7 trustees meeting. The new funds reflect gifts totaling more than $2.5 million given to the University during December 2002 in support of research, instructional activities and service.

Professorships being established are:

• The Edwin D. Dodd Professorship in Management, $750,000, provided by a gift from the Edwin D. Dodd Fund at Charities Foundation to support a faculty member in the Max M. Fisher College of Business.

• The Charles R. Webb Designated Professorship in Finance, $75,000, provided by a gift and proceeds of a trust maturing in 2004 from Charles R. Webb to support a faculty member in the Fisher College of Business' Department of Finance for a five-year period.

Endowed funds being named are:

• The Dr. Harold E. "Hal" and Faith B. Barlow Dental Scholarship Fund, $313,907.

• The Aida Cannarsa Snow Endowment Fund in the College of the Arts, $208,333.

• The William M. and Darlene Aldrige Music Scholarship Fund, $150,000.

• The Harold A. McIntosh Fund, $134,787.

• Katherine Miles Durst and Richard E. Durst Scholarship Fund for Psychology, $124,435.

• The Dr. Clyde D. Gump Pediatric Dentistry Fund, $110,475.

• The Robert and Mary Reusche Scholarships for Study Abroad Fund, $100,000.

• The Kaushalya Chawla Program Fund for Geriatrics Care and Alzheimer's Disease Research in Pharmacy, $67,876.

• The Jimmy Warfield Athletic Training Scholarship Fund, $55,000.

• The COBA/Select Sires Dairy Industry Enhancement Endowment Fund, $50,000.

• College of Dentistry Endowed Chair Fund in Endodontics, $47,500.

• The Aida Cannarsa Snow Endowment Fund in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences, $41,667.

• The Edmund M. Kagay Scholarship Fund, $40,337.

• Wexner Center Education Endowment Fund, $40,000.

• The Donald E. and Martha L. Fogg Alpha Tau Zeta Scholarship Fund, $39,357.

• The Unverferth House Endowment Fund, $25,611.

• The Robinson Craig Fendrick -Gwynne Conservation Fund, $25,571.

• Dr. Beverly Baer Endowed Scholarship Fund for Arts Education, $25,000.

• The BBK&C Athletic Scholarship Fund, $25,000.

• The Harry T. Mangurian Jr., MBA Fellowship Fund, $25,000.

• The Bonna "Sue" and Louis "Clem" Margulis Endowment Fund for Cancer Research, $25,000.

• The Dr. Arlene Marx and Dr. Larry Mundy Athletic Scholarship Fund, $25,000.

• The Paul A. and Betty L. Whittington Endowed Scholarship Fund, $25,000.

Personnel appointments

• Cynthia J. Roberts, associate professor of ophthalmology and associate professor of surgery, has been named to The Torrence A. Makley Research Professorship in Ophthalmology. Roberts holds her master's degree in electrical engineering and her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Ohio State. Her areas of specialty include biomedical engineering, corneal topography and laser surgery.

• Jose B. Cruz Jr., professor of electrical engineering, has been reappointed to The Howard D. Winbigler Designated Chair in Engineering in the College of Engineering, through June 30, 2007.

• john a. powell's term as director of The William E. Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in the Americas and holder of The Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in The Michael E. Moritz College of Law has been changed to Dec. 9, 2002, from Jan. 15, 2003, through June 30, 2006.

• Peter S. Curtis has been appointed acting chair of the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, through June 30.

Ph.D. program approved

Trustees approved the establishment of a Ph.D. degree program in comparative studies in the College of Humanities. The proposed program, which will become effective upon approval by the Ohio Board of Regents, will offer specializations in comparative literature, folklore, religious studies, science and technology studies, and comparative ethnic and American studies.

Construction authorized

The Board of Trustees authorized the employment of architect/engineering and construction manager firms for the following:

• Construction of a Marion campus student housing project. Following the authorization by the board in November 2002, the number of beds included in the project has risen from 160 to 300 with a preliminary project cost increase from $7 million to $16.6 million, with funding provided by University bond proceeds and debt service to be paid by Student Affairs.

• Construction of a Lima campus student housing project. Following authorization by the board in August 2001, the number of beds included in the project has risen from 150 to 300 with a preliminary project cost increase from $9.3 million to $16.6 million. Funding is being provided by University bond proceeds and debt service paid by Student Affairs.

The board authorized the employment of architect/engineering firms for the following:

• Construction of a Marion campus student services building. Following authorization by the board in December 2001, the Marion Campus requested an increase in square footage to reflect increased enrollment, the inclusion of the Alber Center and security services, which resulted in a preliminary cost increase from $3.7 million to $5.6 million. Funding was provided by House Bill 640, Marion campus funds and a loan from the Treasurer's Office.

• Rehabilitation of all existing runways, taxiways and aprons at the University Airport. Preliminary project cost is $8.4 million, with funding provided by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and the College of Engineering.

• Assistance with the completion of measured drawings, recommendations for space use and design services for the renovation of space in the facility at 650 Ackerman Road. Preliminary construction estimate is undetermined, with funding provided by building occupants.

• Removal and replacement of the artificial turf system in the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility. Preliminary project cost is $480,000, with funding provided by the Department of Athletics.

• Removal of the existing grass field at football practice field No. 4 and installation of a new artificial field surface. Preliminary project cost is $540,000, with funding provided by Athletics and gifts to Athletics.

Construction authorized

The board authorized the request for construction bids for the following:

• Construction of a student lounge area in the Veterinary Hospital. Construction document project cost is $253,583, with funding provided by the College of Veterinary Medicine.

• Installation of Musco sports lighting at the softball stadium. Preliminary project cost is $349,994, with funding provided by Athletics.

• Renovation of classrooms 200 in Campbell Hall and 014 in University Hall to improve the quality of teaching and learning facilities and renovation of large lecture room 108 in Evans Hall. Preliminary project cost is $2 million with funding provided by House Bills 640, 748, 790, 808, 810, 850 and 904.

• Construction of an addition to Reed Hall on the Lima Campus to provide enhanced facilities for the Theatre Program. Preliminary project cost is $1.6 million, with funding provided by gifts to the Lima Campus.

• Revision of the already authorized Starling-Loving Hall Biostatistics project to add a mezzanine level and window replacement. The revision results in a preliminary project cost increase from $315,000 to $660,911, with funding provided by the Office of Research and the College of Medicine and Public Health.

Contract report heard

The board accepted the report of award of contracts for the following projects:

• Agricultural Technical Institute Shisler Center Courtyard -- total project cost is $300,000, with funding provided by House Bill 640. Completion date was December 2002.

• Bevis Hall Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $327,350, with funding
• provided by House Bill 640. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Bolz Hall Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $231,409, with funding
• provided by House Bill 748. Estimated completion date is September 2003.

• Byrd Polar Research Center Rock Repository -- total project cost is $728,830, with funding provided by a National Science Foundation grant, the Ohio Board of Regents, Office of Research, Department of Geological Sciences and College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Estimated completion date is June 2003.

• Campus Grounds Neil Avenue Street Rebuild -- total project cost is $500,000, with funding provided by House Bill 640. Completion date was November 2002.

• Celeste Laboratory HVAC Modifications -- total project cost is $419,105, with funding provided by House Bill 640. Estimated completion date is May 2003.

• Central Chilled Water Loop, 17th Avenue to Derby Hall -- total project cost is $800,000, with funding provided by University bond proceeds. Completion date was August 2002.

• Cockins Hall Math/Statistics Learning Lab -- total project cost is $675,165, with funding provided by House Bill 850 and Central University Funds. Completion date was November 2002.

• Dodd Hall Chilled Water Plant Structure -- total project cost is $1.1 million, with funding provided by University Hospitals. Estimated completion date is May 2003.

• Evans Lab Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $325,000, with funding provided by House Bill 850. Completion date was December 2002.

• Golf Course Men's Locker Room Renovation -- total project cost is $464,767, with funding provided by Athletics. Estimated completion date is April 2003.

• Goss Lab Window Replacement -- total project cost is $150,000, with funding provided by House Bill 748. Estimated completion date is November 2003.

• Graves Hall HVAC System Upgrades -- total project cost is $550,000, with funding provided by House Bill 640. Estimated completion date is July 2003.

• Graves Hall Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $245,224, with funding provided by House Bill 640. Estimated completion date is September 2003.

• Hayes Hall Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $457,500, with funding provided by House Bill 640 and the Department of Physical Facilities. Estimated completion date is October 2003.

• Koffolt and Fontana Labs Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $415,000, with funding provided by House Bill 850. Completion date was August 2002.

• Lima Campus 15KV Oil Switch Replacement -- total project cost is $122,277, with funding provided by House Bills 790, 808, 850 and 904 and Senate Bill 351. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Mansfield Campus Roadway and Parking Lot Resurfacing -- total project cost is $328,263, with funding provided by House Bills 640 and 748 and North Central Technical College. Estimated completion date is June 2003.

• Mirror Lake Hollow Renovation -- total project cost is $570,919, with funding provided by House Bill 850 and the Department of Physical Facilities. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Multi-Purpose Turf Field -- total project cost is $935,990, with funding provided by gifts to Athletics and the Marching Band, future University bond proceeds and the Department of Physical Facilities. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• OARnet HVAC and Electrical Improvements -- total project cost is $208,589, with funding provided by the Ohio Board of Regents. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Orton Hall Roof Replacement -- total project cost is $697,434, with funding provided by House Bills 790 and 850 and the Department of Physical Facilities. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Page Hall Renovation to house the John Glenn Institute -- total project cost is $16 million, with funding provided by gifts to Academic Affairs and House Bills 640 and 850. Estimated completion date is August 2004.

• Parker Food Science Pilot Plant Facility -- total project cost is $659,000, with funding provided by the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Office of Research. Completion date was September 2002.

• Physical Sciences Research Building -- the project includes demolishing the Welding Engineering Building and construction of a new facility to partially house the Department of Physics. Total project cost is $53 million, with funding provided by Central University Funds; gifts to the College of Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Department of Physics; House Bills 640, 748 and 850; and Department of Physical Facilities.

• Postle Hall Renovation for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery -- total project cost is $889,121, with funding provided by the College of Dentistry. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Riverwatch Tower Suites B and C renovation -- total project cost is $375,656, with funding provided by the Office of Business and Finance. Estimated completion date is March 2003.

• Starling-Loving Hall renovation -- total project cost is $748,825, with funding provided by House Bill 640 and the College of Medicine and Public Health. Estimated completion date is November 2003.

• University Hospitals/Rhodes Hall entrance expansion -- total project cost is $292,482, with funding provided by University Hospitals. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

• Wiseman Hall, Comprehensive Cancer Center addition -- total project cost is $8.8 million, with funding provided by the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute and the Department of Physical Facilities. Estimated completion date is January 2004.

• Women's Field House Relocation -- total project is $671,935. Estimated completion date is February 2003.

Bidding waived

Trustees accepted the quarterly report on waivers of competitive bidding requirements. During the period of October-December 2002, the senior vice president for business and finance granted 46 waivers of competitive bidding requirements for annual purchases totaling approximately $5,356,500. During the same period, the vice president for health services granted 37 waivers for annual purchases totaling approximately $11,855,700.

Waivers may be granted in the event of an emergency, when a sufficient economic reason exists or when the goods or services can be purchased from only a single source.

Emeritus titles issued

• June W. Allison, professor emeritus, Department of Greek and Latin, effective April 1, 2003.

• Barbara H. James, professor emeritus, Ohio State Extension, effective Feb. 1, 2003.

• Gary J. Kociba, professor emeritus, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, effective Feb. 1, 2003.

• Anthony P. Libby, professor emeritus, Department of English, effective April 1, 2003.

• Frank O'Hare, professor emeritus, Department of English, effective April 1, 2003.

• Bradford T. Stokes, professor emeritus, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, effective April 1, 2003.

• John D. Rohrer, associate professor emeritus, Ohio State Extension, effective Feb. 1, 2003.

• Douglas L. Dill, assistant professor emeritus, Ohio State Extension, effective Feb. 1, 2003.

Memoriam resolutions

• Homer A. Anderson, M.D., clinical professor emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, who died Nov. 30, 2002.

• Howard E. Frisbee, professor emeritus, Ohio State Extension, who died on Jan. 3, 2003.

• William B. McBride, professor emeritus, College of Education and School of Music, who died Nov. 24, 2002.

• Robert W. McCormick, professor emeritus of agricultural education, who died Dec. 13, 2002.