Ohio University's top academic officer recommended that the university should focus on programs already at capacity, and work with its marketing teams to target new groups of students, while still keeping in mind space and instructional capacity.
Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit reported on enrollment yesterday to the Board of Trustees Academics Committee - outlining the three recommendations as part of a study on possible growth.
We are not just talking about getting students in the door; we are also talking about retaining students once they're in the door
Benoit said.
Vice chairwoman Marnette Perry praised the study, but said she was concerned with making sure OU set itself apart from other institutions also working to increase enrollment.
These are tough times ... Everybody else is trying to do the same thing. They're sitting in board rooms just like us coming up with strategic plans Perry said. How good is this compared to what other people are doing? ... Is this plan going to trump everybody else in the state?
Benoit said she is confident OU can offer students things that other schools cannot, but that the competition will be getting tougher, especially within the state, as the number of high school graduates drops.
Academics Committee Chairwoman Gene Harris said OU should continue to accommodate students who have not had access to top quality high school programs but have the ability to perform in college. Benoit assured her that access will remain a goal.
This institution has a long history of having an outreach and access mission and that will not change
Benoit said.
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Emily Grannis
