Members of the Ohio University Board of Trustees offered their opinions on a new draft of OU's strategic plan at a retreat last Thursday.
The Five Year Vision Ohio Implementation Plan, of which the first year began July 1, consists of six overarching objectives to improve the university and will cost about $6 million in the first year, Vice President for Finance and Administration Bill Decatur said, adding he is still updating the five-year financial plan to reflect changes.
Trustee C. Robert Kidder said it was concerning that there was no objective in the plan dealing with an increase in scholarships, especially for international students. He recommended doubling the amount of undergraduate scholarship money. OU currently gives out about $19 million a year to undergraduates, according to Craig Cornell, vice provost for enrollment management.
Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl said OU is doing an analysis of its scholarship funding.
I'm not convinced that we're using that existing amount to its best effect
she said.
Trustees also disagreed about whether the goal to increase the university's endowment from $242 million to $345 million over the next five years is adequate.
It doesn't seem very aggressive Kidder said. The only way we're going to be able to bridge to be able to (meet the Vision Ohio goals) it's not going to be a gift from God; we need to raise more money.
McDavis told Kidder that figure was based on donations in the past 10 years and did not include a planned campaign. I'm not shrinking away from being aggressive
he said, but I'm also realistic enough to realize where we've come from.
Trustee Larry L. Schey said the goal was very aggressive for OU, but would not fill the university's needs.
After discussion, McDavis said the draft will be taken back to university constituents and is subject to change. Trustee M. Marnette Perry then reassured the president of the trustees' support.
You shouldn't take our questions in any way to think we don't share your enthusiasm (for the plan so far)
she said.
McDavis also presented his performance objectives for the upcoming year and the next five years. These mainly echoed the goals of the university's strategic plan, including to strengthen undergraduate education
enhance graduate and professional education and recruit and retain talented and diverse students
faculty and staff.
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Anne Elliott
