May 18, 2018
University trustees affirm dean appointments, approve operating budget
Miami University trustees in their May 18 meeting affirmed the appointments of professor of computer and information technology and interim dean Cathy Bishop Clark as dean of Miami Regionals as of July 1 and affirmed professor of accountancy Marc A. Rubin as dean of the Farmer School of Business and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business Leadership as of March 1.
The board approved an operating budget for Fiscal Year 2019 of $767,469,862.
Trustees received reports on the recent One Miami Campus Climate Survey, the growth of
Trustees approved a miscellaneous fee schedule that varies depending on the year a student entered Miami. The fee schedule remains largely unchanged from fall 2017. Only one new course fee was established for students enrolling for the first time next fall.
Returning students under the Miami Tuition Promise program will see no change in their miscellaneous fees. The Miami Tuition Promise program guarantees students that tuition, course fees, and room and board will not increase during the four years they are enrolled at Miami University.
Miscellaneous fees include those for certain academic programs, facility use such as at the Goggin Ice Center, career assessments, parking permit fees and more.
Planning for future energy savings
Cody Powell, associate vice president for facility planning and operations, updated the board in a committee meeting on the status of various construction and renovation projects. As part of the university’s Utility Master Plan, the university is redesigning its South Chiller Plant to convert a large portion of the south half of campus from steam to simultaneous heating and cooling. It’s a key step to meet strategic energy reduction and campus sustainability goals of decommissioning coal-fired steam systems by 2026.Hot water connection to Scott, Minnich, Richard, MacCracken, and Porter halls is occurring as these buildings are being renovated. Hot water connection and conversion to Anderson, Hamilton, Harris and Phillips halls, Heritage Commons, the rec sports center, Goggin Ice Center and the health services center will occur over the next two years. Goggin Ice Center will also undergo additional energy savings strategies to support the complex requirements of converting an ice arena from steam to hot water.
Trustees also approved:
- Changing the name of the Division of Student Affairs to the Division of Student Life, effective July 1.
- The establishment of a bachelor of science in applied biology within the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science (pending approval from the state.)
- Accepting revisions to the Promotion and Tenure Policy, the Completion Plan Update Report, and the Textbook Policy, and directing the provost and executive vice president to submit the documents to the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
- The university’s adherence to the Local Administration Competency Certification Program for the university’s administration of $20 million of state funding for capital facilities projects for the 2019‐2020 biennium.
- The award of contract for the Pearson Hall Phase Two Renovation project with a total project budget not to exceed $30,000,000. The phased, occupied renovation will address deferred maintenance issues with the facility through the installation of new and efficient mechanical, electrical, data and fire suppression systems and lab safety improvements
- Awarding the rank of professor emerita and emeritus for one dozen retiring faculty and the rank of administrator emerita and emeritus for one dozen retiring staff members.
- Awarding an honorary doctor of laws to David Woltz (Miami ’70).
- Establishing quasi-endowment funds from two recent gifts to be used for the general needs of the university, determined annually.
- Recognition of graduating senior Colin McDonough who as a student employee supported numerous university events.
