The 2017-18 Division of Student Affairs annual report was released on Sept. 18 with goals listed for different departments within Ohio University.
Those goals include the implementation of a new micro-grant program, investments and updates made to campus recreation facilities and memberships, renovations to residence halls, and work to increase engagement with underrepresented students.
The report also addresses the new employees at Counseling and Psychological Services, or CPS, and its improved follow-up appointment times with patients.
Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs is working on a new micro-grant program that can assist students with nonacademic financial needs.
The details of the program are still being finalized, but the goal is to launch the program at the start of the Spring Semester, University Spokesman Jim Sabin said.
Part of the micro-grant program includes emergency micro-grants for students, which can help students who face unexpected financial emergencies such as car repairs or housing displacement, according to a previous Post report.
Campus Recreation
Employment numbers are down for Campus Recreation staff from 633 last year to 550, but its overall salary and benefits budget has stayed roughly the same. Meanwhile, the numbers for the rest of the budget are down.
Within the department, investments are being made to improve campus recreation facilities to reduce maintenance backlog and improve student experience. They are also working to enhance membership options for students and they are updating the policies and practices for renting and reserving spaces in campus recreation facilities to improve experience for students.
Housing and Residence Life
Washington Hall, Bromley Hall and the residence area of The Convo will undergo renovations in the near future.
Washington Hall, located on East Green, will have a $5.2 million budget and includes renovations to the bathrooms, the residence director’s apartment, all resident rooms and the installation a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Bromley Hall, 35 S. Congress St., will receive a $7.5 million budget for an infrastructure upgrade, which will include a new hot water system, a new HVAC system and a new backup generator.
Finally, the residence hall in The Convo will receive a $3.5 million budget to renovate all resident restrooms.
Career and Leadership Development Center
According the Student Affairs report, CLDC is going to be working on increasing engagement with underrepresented student populations in the university in partnership with Diversity and Inclusion units.
Counseling and Psychological Services
CPS hired five new employees to its staff. It added one new full-time psychiatrist, one new certified medical assistant and one new administrative support staff. According to the report, students are being seen within one to two weeks for follow-up appointments compared to three to four in the past.
The employees have been focusing on diversity this school year, and they have initiated a program called Suicide Gatekeeper Training. CPS now has a total of 41 trainers.
