Ohio University will join other state schools in forming a committee to analyze population and enrollment numbers around Ohio.
To gain a broader perspective on how various trends such as population growth will affect Ohio University, President Roderick McDavis has appointed a 10-member University Environmental Scan Team to conduct research and make recommendations to the university.
I think what's really important for the people on the team is to take a step back and look at the university
said Chris Knisely, executive director of the Office of Research and Grants and Scan team member, adding that the scan will help the university better understand its history, potential challenges, and opportunities available.
The team will present its recommendations by Oct. 1.
The committee's first meeting will be June 9. It will then make decisions about how to conduct work and present findings.
Pam Benoit, executive vice president and provost, will chair the committee. Other members include Knisely; Terry Conry, associate vice president of finance and administration; Ralph DiCaprio, professor and chair of the Biological Sciences department; Rich Greenlee, dean of Ohio University's Eastern Campus; Randy Leite, interim dean for the College of Health and Human Services; Joe McLaughlin, chair of Faculty Senate; Kent Smith, vice president of Student Affairs; Scott Titsworth, associate professor of Communication Studies and David Descutner, interim executive vice provost and dean of the University College.
Team members are not financially compensated. Instead, members say they joined for the experience.
I joined the committee because I think it's important that we look at all the factors that are changing in the field of higher education Greenlee said.
Smith says that he hopes to be able to look at the whole campus broadly and creatively as a member of the committee.
Some universities conduct an environmental scan each year, but others do it at different frequencies, said Becky Watts, McDavis' chief of staff. This is the first environmental scan Ohio University will complete.
University Communications at Ohio State University said the university does not conduct similar scans. However, Miami University formed a Strategic Priorities Committee in March.
Given the very significant changes in the economy and the competitive context of higher education more than ever it is critical that Miami be forward-looking and purposeful in fulfilling our mission
said Miami University President David Hodge in a letter to the committee members dated March 18.
Miami's committee should provide a preliminary report to the university Oct. 15. Similar to OU, this is Miami's first committee of this type.
Input from the president, provost, the current team members, senate presidents and other sources will determine how often Ohio University conducts the scan.
1
News
Emily Atherton
