Correction: This article did not accurately describe how University Courtyard fits into Ohio University's plan for South Green. Trustees said any plan must protect OU's investment in University Courtyard. This complex is not designated housing for graduate students.
Ohio University's top financial officer told the Board of Trustees yesterday that the university lacks the funds to renovate residence halls on South Green.
We have a fair amount of debt
said Michael Angelini, associate vice president for Finance and Administration. We are looking at residence halls that need major renovations (but) we don't have the resources.
Nineteen South Green residence halls were deemed to be in poor condition and in need of major renovations.
A majority of the dorms were built in the 1960's, and there have been small renovations made to them every year.
While the meeting did not elaborate on what specific updates need to be made, Angelini said that it could mean a simple renewal or a complete renovation of the dorms, depending on the building.
These halls are in terrible shape and we need to get a plan said Marnette Perry, chairwoman of the resources committee.
Ohio schools do not receive money from the state for residential reconstruction and must rely on bonds and student fees.
President Roderick McDavis pointed out that while the University of Cincinnati recently constructed new residence halls for its students, it incurred massive debt for the construction.
OU is considering multiple options to fund the renovation, including a private-public partnership.mplex for graduate students.
Of the 43 residence halls on OU's campus, four of them have been renovated in the past three years.
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Olivia Arbogast
