By Kevin Fitzsimons Interim Provost Barbara Snyder, left, presents Nancy Rogers, dean of the Moritz College of Law and chair of the 2003 Community Charitable Drive, and Michael Hogan, executive dean of the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences and co-chair of the drive, with a token of appreciation for their service in this year's drive. President Karen Holbrook, right, commended the pair for their efforts.

Ohio State raises $1 million for charity

By SUSAN WITTSTOCK, onCAMPUS staff

When Ohio State began the 2003 Community Charitable Drive this fall, no one could have predicted the drive would end on such a high note. Like every year, the drive's goal was set to reflect the previous year's increase in donations. The 2003 goal of $850,000 seemed lofty, but attainable, given the proven track record of the university's faculty, staff, students and retirees.

What no one knew, though, was that this year would be the year Ohio State would raise … drum roll, please … $1 million.

Yes, that's correct. The 2003 Community Charitable Drive, also known as "Bucks for Charity," raised $1,000,500 to be given to health and human services charities throughout central Ohio.

"Wow," said Ned Cullom, program manager for the Office of Human Resources, as he addressed Leadership Level givers and lead coordinators at a celebratory luncheon Jan. 13 at the Faculty Club. "All I can say is ‘Wow.' We could not have reached that figure without the support of everyone in this room."

The grand total was unveiled with much fanfare at the luncheon, with 150 guests pulling the strings on noise poppers when the red curtain hiding the banner was pulled away. The room soon filled with exuberant applause and cheers.

"I don't know about you, but there were tears in my eyes when that curtain came down," said President Karen Holbrook. "This was not an easy year for everybody to come together and reach this target. This is a depressed economy, and yet, people still gave. I love to see the spirit of this community. It's a wonderful thing that you've done."

Ten federations of charities are the designated recipients of funds: the Black United Fund of Ohio; Community Health Charities of Ohio; Earth Share of Ohio; Community Shares of Mid Ohio; The United Negro College Fund; and United Way of Central Ohio, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Pickaway counties. Each group serves as an umbrella organization for several independent member agencies. United Way of Licking and Pickaway counties were added this year to the list of agencies. Donors also can give to the 501(c)(3) agency of their choice.

This year's drive took place Oct. 1-Dec. 5, but donations continued to come in through this month. More than 3,800 faculty, staff, students and retirees participated. In 2002, nearly $842,000 was raised, up from $793,000 and $759,000 in 2001 and 2000, respectively. Donations have increased steadily since 1998.

Just how much is $1 million? Nancy Rogers, chair of the drive and dean of the Moritz College of Law, gave a few examples of what this amount, if donated in a lump sum to one designee, could accomplish: 35,000 trees in an urban area; eight therapy sessions for 320 children with cerebral palsy; 12 days of emergency shelter for 1,600 families of four; 2,652 adapted tricycles to disabled children; or training to get 1,923 young men out of a gang and into a real job.

Michael Hogan, chair elect of the drive and executive dean of the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences, praised donors and lead coordinators for overcoming challenges to not only meet, but exceed, the goal. "We're living in difficult times -- large portions of the population have no health care, incomes are declining, and there are large numbers of unemployed people," Hogan said. "It's ironic, but at times like this, when community services are most needed, it is also very difficult to raise the necessary funds." He encouraged everyone to start preparing for next year, offering up his own suggestion for a drive slogan: "Do more in '04!"

Barbara Snyder presents the annual State of Academic Affairs address Jan. 15.   By Kevin Fitzsimons

Leadership agenda: A clear path to excellence, Snyder tells senate

By JONI BENTZ SEAL, onCAMPUS staff

In her State of Academic Affairs address to the University Senate, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Barbara Snyder remarked on the progress made on the university's near-term leadership agenda, announced a forthcoming action plan related to work-life issues, and commended the collaborative effort that is driving the university toward achieving the goals of the Academic Plan.

"This is an exciting time to be at Ohio State," Snyder told faculty, staff and student attendees in a full Blackwell ballroom Jan. 15. "The caliber of our faculty, a growing research portfolio, the quality of our students, a committed staff and dynamic college leaders create an unprecedented opportunity for Ohio State to become one of the nation's premier public universities. The new leadership agenda maps out a clear path to excellence that builds on our strengths, enhances our national reputation, and provides our students and our state with the benefits of a truly great institution."

After words of thanks to the university community for its support during her six-month tenure as interim provost, Snyder referenced the strategies for excellence in the Academic Plan, and the reaffirmation of the commitment to competitive compensation for faculty, staff and graduate associates in the plan's second update released in October.

"First and most important, we made progress on the compensation initiative," she said. "Again last year we gave, on average, above-market increases, and preliminary data show that we moved closer to the average salary of our benchmark peers. She also announced a pilot mediation program for faculty and non-bargaining unit staff.

A proponent of work-life balance for professional success, Snyder said issues such as eldercare and dependent care, schedule flexibility, parental leave, professional gave, on average, above-market increases, and preliminary data show that we moved closer to the average salary of our benchmark peers." In addition, she announced a pilot mediation program for faculty and non-bargaining unit staff.

A proponent of work-life balance for professional success, Snyder said issues such as eldercare and dependent care, schedule flexibility, parental leave, professional leave and domestic partner benefits continue to be important factors for recruiting and retaining faculty, staff and graduate associates.

She added that progress toward the goals of the Academic Plan depends on the work of faculty with the support of staff, and that work-life issues can affect the ability of those in either group to perform to their fullest potential.

Using results from surveys on work environment and work-life quality conducted for faculty in 2003 and staff in 2002, and through the Graduate Quality of University Experience (G-QUE) report in 2001, Ohio State must develop policies and support systems that facilitate faculty, staff and graduate students in managing their home lives and fulfilling their professional potential, Snyder said.

One example, Snyder noted, was a recently-approved program that will allow faculty or staff who need additional paid leave because of a catastrophic medical or family situation, or for childbirth or adoption, to receive donated vacation leave from other faculty or staff in the same college or unit.

Snyder said an action plan to address other gaps in work-life issues indicated by the surveys will be developed later this quarter. A central element of that proposal will be university-provided parental leave. She also said she will convene a committee to develop recommendations for improved professional development opportunities for faculty.

"I am committed to push forward with policies and initiatives that will make a difference for faculty, staff and graduate associates and that will work for the university," Snyder said. "We can be a leader in work-life practices, and by doing so, gain a significant advantage in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff."

Leadership agenda

The university's leadership agenda, developed last summer to assess the progress, adjust the direction and consider strategies to maintain momentum of the Academic Plan, resulted in a focused agenda with an increased emphasis on research, Snyder said.

"President Holbrook said in her State of the University address last October that ‘research is more than a thread that links all of our work at Ohio State; it is a steel beam that runs through and supports everything we do,'" Snyder said. "It is Ohio State's vast research capacity that will enable us to achieve the three principal goals of the leadership agenda."

Those goals -- pursuing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research; providing distinctive educational experiences for undergraduates; and developing a 21st century model of outreach and engagement -- are driving the university's direction, she said, before presenting the progress made on each of the three fronts.

Interdisciplinary research

Although opportunities for interdisciplinary research at Ohio State are almost limitless, funding sources remain traditionally compartmentalized. To supplement this antiquated system, Snyder said the Office of Research is investing $1 million this year to support grant proposals to establish multidisciplinary centers.

To address the growing demand for multidisciplinary expertise, the Graduate School has developed a proposal to fund the creation of new minors for graduate students. The addition of minors, which would allow a student to complement a graduate degree in international business with course work in East Asian languages, for example, will add a unique, competitive component to graduate education at Ohio State, Snyder said.

Snyder also commented on a pending proposal -- the product of a joint effort by the offices of Academic Affairs and Research, with input from senate leaders -- to allow departments to hire research-track faculty. This will create the opportunity to broaden faculty and bring to Ohio State grant-funded researchers who "will help increase our research productivity and enhance the learning experience of graduate students with whom they work," Snyder said. "With your support this spring, we will adopt rules to allow departments to determine whether hiring research faculty will advance their departmental missions."

To clear the way for increased multidisciplinary collaboration, financial barriers are being identified by the Senate Fiscal Committee and will be addressed by the university. In addition, Snyder appointed a committee of faculty members who do multidisciplinary teaching and research to advise about non-financial barriers.

"We will implement the recommendations of these two groups over the summer to ensure that we facilitate, rather than impede, multidisciplinary teaching and scholarship," she said.

Undergraduate experience

While research is the foundation of graduate study, the university is committed to making research a key part of the undergraduate programs as well, and must strive to increase the number of research opportunities available to undergraduates in every discipline, Snyder said.

"We are in a unique position to provide undergraduates with rich and distinctive educational experiences through research -- experiences that will better prepare them for graduate study and for positions of leadership in the knowledge economy," Snyder said.

To guide the development of strategies to enhance the undergraduate research experience in the next academic year, Snyder said the colleges have been asked to report on current research opportunities for undergraduates and plans for increasing those opportunities.

In addition, increasingly technologically savvy students expect the same sophistication in their learning environment. Therefore, a plan to improve technology for teaching and learning has been developed by the Office of the Chief Information Officer and will include increasing the number of "smart" classrooms, upgrading student computer labs, improving online access to services and helping faculty to better use technology in teaching.

Collaborative initiatives between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, such as the Multicultural Center, also are leading to service improvement and the infusion of diversity. Through expanded recruitment, financial aid and renewed efforts to improve the campus climate, the offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Minority Affairs are working to ensure the continued attraction of a diverse student body -- a critical element of the undergraduate experience as noted in the Academic Plan and the leadership agenda, Snyder said.

"Our greatest challenge will be to live up to the leadership agenda's call to improve the campus climate for diversity," she added. "A truly welcoming climate does not merely tolerate diversity; it supports and celebrates diversity. We must not accept even subtle forms of devaluation and disrespect. Achieving this goal will require the genuine commitment of every single member of the Ohio State community."

Outreach

Although not technically falling under the umbrella of Academic Affairs, Snyder pointed out that the university's focus on research must also inform and enhance its outreach efforts, and referenced the previously announced intention by President Karen Holbrook to create a freestanding office devoted to outreach and engagement that will coordinate outreach initiatives with research expertise to meet the most important needs of the community and the state.

Despite the financial challenges experienced by both the university and the state in the past few years, Snyder commended the collective effort of faculty and staff to serve the best interests of the university. "I am continually impressed with the spirit of collaboration that is so evident in my work with deans and other administrators, faculty, staff and students. I am truly honored to work with you at this important time to accomplish our goals and keep our momentum strong," she said.

Digital Union

Proving ground for future technology learning

By RANDY GAMMAGE, onCAMPUS staff

A new Digital Union in the Science and Engineering Library will serve as a laboratory where faculty, staff and students can "test drive" new technology and build dynamic multimedia presentations.

Feedback generated there will help guide university investment in future instructional and informational technologies, said Steve Acker, Technology Enhanced Learning and Research's director of Learning Technologies Research and Innovation.

"We want to give students, faculty and staff an experience in that new environment before investing large sums of money on computers, software and environmental furnishings in which technology is used," Acker said.

Technology companies also will use feedback generated in the Digital Union to determine what works best in a university environment.

Located on the third floor of the Science and Engineering Library, the remodeled 2,000 square foot facility will officially open its doors during a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 3-5 p.m. March 31 presided over by President Karen Holbrook.

The Digital Union is a collaboration spearheaded by the Offices of the Chief Information Officer and University Libraries in partnership with WOSU Stations and the ADA Coordinator's Office.

"This is the ultimate match between the library of the future and the information technology groups of the future," Acker said.

Features of the facility include a videoconference suite to accommodate small, distributed work groups and presentations to and from off-campus locations, a video theater for presenting and discussing new concepts in a brown bag or colloquia setting, and a multimedia production facility where vendors can demonstrate their latest technology.

The largest section of the Digital Union is dedicated to showcasing the research efforts of university and corporate partnerships. For example, Acker said a large number of vendors are interested in mobile computing (laptops, tablets and handheld computers) and the environment and ways in which they are used by the university community. As WOSU Stations go digital, another area of mutual interest is high-definition plasma displays, a technology poised for rapid diffusion.

While the Science and Engineering Library is used primarily by students and faculty of the colleges of Engineering, and Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and the Knowlton School of Architecture, the Digital Union will be available to all members of the university.

With five floors, nearly a half-million volumes and heavy traffic when school is in session, the additional resources the Digital Union will provide are a welcome sight, said Martin Jamison, acting director of the Science and Engineering Library. It also will provide a convenient place for students, faculty and staff to work on multimedia projects.

"In this one facility, students will be able to turn out a complete multimedia product," Jamison said. "Instead of sending them somewhere else for information or to complete a project, we can send them up to the third floor to work with the staff of the Digital Union."

Doctoral candidates will benefit since the university now requires dissertations to be submitted in electronic format, Jamison said. Librarian Jane Duffy conducts workshops to train students to convert dissertations from word documents to PDF files, but the OIT staff in the Digital Union will be able to take that a step further, by adding sound and visuals to their presentations.

A flexible, futuristic environmental design was created within the Digital Union through the collaboration of Jeffrey Haase, assistant professor of the arts, and Continental Furniture's Shawn Chizzonite.

Acker added that university support has been tremendous, particularly from the staffs of UNITS -- who installed three miles of wiring to serve the 2,000 square feet of space in the Digital Union -- and OIT, who helped select technology to be evaluated.

Faculty, staff and students will be building very large digital files to contain their multimedia work and dissertations, Acker said, and moving, storing and managing terabytes of data is the kind of investment decision Digital Union activities are designed to address. Many more issues -- digital asset management, the narrative of multimedia and themes yet defined -- await exploration, he added.

Corporate partnerships have already been formed with Apple Computer, Continental Furniture, Hewlett Packard, Polycom and Sonic Foundry, and are being formed with a variety of others, he said. For details on forming corporate partnerships with the Digital Union, contact Alan Escovitz at escovitz.1@osu.edu.

For additional information on the Digital Union, contact Steve Acker at 292-6026 or acker.1@osu.edu or Cathy Bindewald at 247-6980 or bindewald.2@osu.edu, or visit the Web at telr.osu.edu/digitalunion.