Two Ohio University Board of Trustees members stopped by Monday’s Faculty Senate meeting to let the faculty know that “they are listening,” but some senate members just didn’t seem to buy it.
Board of Trustees Chairwoman Gene Harris and Vice Chairwoman Sandra Anderson visited the meeting. During a Q-and-A session, Jackie Wolf, an OU professor of social medicine, said it was frustrating to hear that resources are tight while “extraordinary” amounts of money are going to salary raises for administrators and athletic coaches.
Steve Hays, a professor in the Department of Classics and World Religions, said it is clear the university hasn’t been honest about the true cost of athletics for students.
“Intercollegiate athletics runs about $900 for a full-time undergraduate per year,” Hays said to the trustees. “Students are hurting financially.”
The visiting trustees said they appreciated the information.
“The board as a whole works on responsible budgeting,” Anderson said. “We are a student-centered university.”
Still, faculty said they were skeptical.
“They think they care about student debt, but really, they are too busy to talk to students,” Hays said. “Listening isn’t enough, and listening is only productive if it results in critical thinking and determining that you want to find the best answer.”
bc822010@ohiou.edu
