Visiting presidential candidate David Hodge said yesterday he would increase diversity at Ohio University by raising tuition to subsidize low-income students and by possibly lowering admissions standards. He also said he wanted to clarify the university's mission.
Hodge, 55, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, supported a less-selective admissions policy that would be supplemented with more remedial programs.
The worst thing is to bring someone in and have them fail
he said.
When evaluating students, Hodge said, the university should look at how much promise they show rather than just looking at performance in school or on standardized tests. OU accepts 75 percent of applicants on average, according to the College Board.
He also said he hopes to double the total out-of-state enrollment.
Hodge also said he would work to increase diversity among faculty members and improve the attitude of people on campus.
We need to create a supportive climate an environment in which everyone feels welcome he said.
Addressing the budget cuts facing universities in Ohio during the past several years, Hodge praised Miami University's new approach to tuition, which will charge in-and out-of-state students the same rate but give grants to in-state students. Hodge said he favored a high tuition
high aid plan that would provide substantial grants to low-income students to be paid with higher tuition from students who could afford it.
Hodge also proposed more precisely defining OU's current strengths and goals for the future. He said he would determine priorities after a clear sense of the university's mission was established through discussions with OU faculty, staff and students.
The university's goals were unclear, he said, adding later that he got the impression that OU had a great national reputation that's been growing a bit thin in recent years.
A noticeably smaller number of students attended yesterday's forum then went to see Roderick McDavis, another finalist, speak Thursday, and several of those who did show up left before the question-and-answer session was over.
I don't think he engaged the audience as much as McDavis did
said Charity Greene, a senior broadcast major who stayed for the entire forum. I felt like I was in a lecture instead of a discussion.
Some faculty members who attended both events came away with a different impression.
I though he presented a clear and consistent vision
said Steve Hays, associate professor in Classics and World Religions. This fellow was much more specific.
Hodge is competing for the position with McDavis, 55, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Robert Kennedy, 57, executive vice president and provost at the University of Maine.
Hodge will spend the morning touring campus and meeting with the academic deans. He also will have lunch with the presidential search committee before departing for Seattle.
Kennedy, the third candidate for president, will visit Athens on Thursday. Students, faculty and staff can attend an open forum at 5 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
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Nick Juliano and Erica Ryan
