Ohio University’s Student Senate meeting was devoted to a preview of the Board of Trustees meeting taking place on Thursday and Friday.
The presentation, given by Stephen Golding, vice president for finance and administration, and John Day, associate provost for academic budget and planning, was the same one that will be given at the board meeting Thursday.
Golding, who primarily presented and answered senate members’ questions, said the university wants to be more transparent about its budget and wants input from students.
“We are truly interested in collecting people’s opinions and people’s thoughts,” Golding said. “We think it is actually important for you to be informed students.”
The budget for the 2015 fiscal year, which would be for the 2014-15 academic year, will be voted on during the June board meeting.
The university will hold open forums during the next couple of weeks to teach students about the budget. OU President Roderick McDavis, who can advise the board, will pass feedback from the forums to trustees, said Ryan Lombardi, vice president for Student Affairs.
“I am very excited that the administration is putting a lot of resources towards transparency and education about the budget,” said Mary Kate Gallagher, senate’s vice president. “I hope the open forums are accessible, friendly and well attended by students.”
The dates for the open forums are not yet set.
“The board won’t vote until (students) leave, but the president wants to say ‘this is what I’m taking to the board,’ he wants to say that publicly before (students) leave (at the end of the semester),” Lombardi said. “It’s still possible that the board doesn’t agree … but he wants to say at least what his plan is before students leave.”
Overall, senate members were pleased with the university’s decision to be more forthcoming about its finances.
“I really like that they’re trying to be more transparent,” Senate President Anna Morton said. “I’m happy to see the university take more time in reaching all constituents.”
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