Officials outlined the effects on Ohio University from Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s proposed budget at Faculty Senate’s meeting on Monday.
President Roderick McDavis and Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit highlighted items on the proposal that will affect higher education. These items included $120 million to assist students with loan debt and $2 million to combat sexual assault at universities in Ohio.
Under the proposed budget, OU would receive $3.5 million less from the state than last fiscal year, but McDavis said he is satisfied with the budget as a whole.
“It is a pro-higher education budget proposal and one that we feel good about overall,” McDavis said.
Benoit also talked to faculty about College Credit Plus, a state program that requires college courses to be available to high school students and that will be expanded as part of the proposed state budget. OU is required to participate and has to certify teachers for providing quality education, she said.
Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones spoke to faculty about Student Assistance Folders, a set of guidelines for faculty to deal with distressed or disruptive students and reports of sexual assault. Hall-Jones sought feedback and suggestions from faculty.
Faculty discussed subjects for potential new folders including suicide prevention support and financial aid help.
Vice Provost for Global Affairs Lorna Jean Edmonds gave a presentation on the university's global strategy. She said the university hopes to create a clear plan for encouraging international discussion and activity at OU.
“It’s about how we can start looking at our international patterns and what we want as a university moving forward,” Edmonds said. “We’re trying to be a resource for (faculty).”
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