09-13-95 Ohio State Enhances Student Life In and Out of Classroom

OHIO STATE ENHANCES STUDENT LIFE IN AND OUT OF CLASSROOM

     COLUMBUS -- Ohio State students will see many changes 
this fall as the result of a comprehensive study of the 
undergraduate experience last year and $9.1 million more in 
funding to improve services and programs.

     From more bike racks and better phone books to major 
revisions in the orientation programs that introduce 
students to Ohio State, changes have been made in every 
facet of undergraduate life.

     Some of the initiatives come from recommendations by 
the Committee on the Undergraduate Experience (CUE).  CUE is 
composed of 23 students and 23 faculty and staff members 
appointed in the spring of 1994 by Richard Sisson, senior 
vice president for academic affairs and provost, and David 
Williams II, vice president for student affairs.

     CUE spent more than a year examining the academic, 
social, and service components of the university as they 
affect undergraduates.  Information for the report was 
gathered from focus groups, a random phone survey of 300 
undergraduates, and 1,800 questionnaires about student 
satisfaction.

     According to Sisson and Vice Provost Robert Arnold, the 
CUE recommendations will complement and mesh with a 
comprehensive academic plan that will continue through the 
year 2002.

     This year, student orientation, Welcome Week, and the 
University College survey course have been restructured to 
include a more academic slant.

     Academic clustering for first-year students will be 
piloted in the areas of agriculture, engineering, the 
humanities, and University College.  In addition, a student 
advocacy center has been opened.

     Also, for the first time, a 64-page listing of office 
and departmental telephone numbers will be included in the 
student directory to help students get to the right person.

     Other changes students will see include:

     -- Installation of 92 new emergency phones and 200 new 
bicycle racks.
     -- Hiring of a wellness program director to lead 
alcohol- and substance-abuse education.
     -- New computing services in University College to 
facilitate advising.
     -- An award for departments demonstrating overall 
excellence in teaching.
     -- Efforts by Campus Partners to reduce the number of 
bars on south campus.

     Ohio State budgeted $9.1 million in additional funding 
this year to help students in and out of the classroom.

     The funds are being used to provide more selections of 
high-demand courses, increase access to instructional 
computing, prepare classroom materials for students with 
learning disabilities, and provide new courses and other 
learning opportunities.

     Outside the classroom, the additional funding is 
supporting student scholarships and student workers; 
intramural field improvements, late-night recreation, and 
recreational programs for students with disabilities; and 
student organizations, activity space and staff support.

     Additional funds also have been provided for more user-
friendly services including direct lending of financial aid 
and the hiring of students to provide increased security and 
safety.
                            #
Contact: Richard Sisson, (614) 292-5881, or David Williams, 
(614) 292-9334.
Written by Tracy Turner.


[Submitted by: Carolyn Glover (cglover@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Mon, 18 Sep 1995 10:00:47 -0400]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.