Miami University’s Board of Trustees approved the establishment for the Miami Center for AI (MCAI) during the Sept. 25 board meeting.

MCAI will provide resources and guidance for the Miami community on incorporating AI in the majors, expand external funding and philanthropic opportunities, open partnerships with external partners working with AI, and communicate the university’s AI initiatives. Dennis Cheatham, associate professor of Graphic and Experience Design, will serve as the center’s director.

The board also approved several new certificates, including the ESP – Corporate Entrepreneurship Certificate; the EDP – Science of Reading Graduate Certificate; the BUS – Digital Leadership and Transformation Graduate Certificate; and the BIO GEO – GIS for Conservation Action Graduate Certificate.

In addition, the board approved the recommendation of University Senate and Council of Academic Deans to eliminate or consolidate the following majors: Art Education, Bachelor of Science in Art with Multi-Age Visual Arts; Music Performance, Bachelor of Music; Spanish Education, Bachelor of Science in Spanish Education; and Creative Writing, Master of Fine Arts. The Art Education major has been consolidated with the BFA in Studio Art into the BFA in Art, while the Music Performance major has been merged with Music Education into one Bachelor of Music degree.

Other trustees action include:

• The approval of two to the rank of administrator emerita;
• The following naming recommendations: the Rick McVey Indoor Golf Facility, the Davidge Grimes Coaches Offices, the Don Isgrig Hitting Bay, and the Jim Muething Hitting Bay, all located in the Demske Culinary Support Center; the Jay E. Johnson Lecture Hall, located in Pearson Hall; and the Dr. Cathy Bishop-Clark Mothers Room, located in University Hall on the Hamilton campus;
• The approval of an Evaluation of Members of the Faculty policy, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.452. The relationship between this policy and collective bargaining agreements is governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.455;
• The allocation of a total of $501,832 from unrestricted contributions to the Miami University Fund;
• The authorization to negotiate and execute mutual aid and police services agreement pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.041; and
• The authorization to participate in the Local Administration Competency Certification Program.