Findlay, Ohio, May 3, 2004 — The Board of Trustees of The University of Findlay met April 29-30, 2004. Twenty-six trustees, the undergraduate student representative, faculty representative, four staff members and President DeBow Freed, Ph.D., attended.

New undergraduate student trustee Whitney Haverfield, a junior communication/art major, and the new graduate student trustee Jorge Mera, a student in the master of business administration program, also attended.

The Board discussed the favorable result of the re-accreditation visit by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in February. The review team recommended that accreditation be continued for 10 years without reservation or stipulation. This is relatively rare in higher education today and is a credit to the careful preparation of the institutional self-study, the good cooperation of representatives of the University who met with the review team, and the review team’s assessment that the institution had plans in place and the determination to advance the institution.

The Board approved the 2004 graduating class, adopted a Code of Conduct and attendance policy for trustees and noted plans to implement recommendations of a faculty task force on teaching and compensation, effective in fall 2004.

Actions in the academic area include the equestrian staff surveying curricula, students and staff to determine how best to serve the needs of students. Instructional changes and facility expansion are among items to be reviewed as possible means of addressing the surging demands for these programs.

The College of Education implemented an Internet-based system this spring for teacher licensure candidates to prepare lesson plans to match state standards as well as build digital portfolios based on their field and probationary services experiences.

Financial operations continue to be favorable, with a projected surplus of $1 million in the operating budget for 2003-04. The projected budget for 2004-05 has a surplus of $1 million.

Summer physical plant projects include restoration of the exterior of Morey Hall and maintenance work on faculty houses and the University’s equestrian facilities.

Ice arena operations were discussed. The facility will be available for community uses in addition to University uses, effective immediately.

New trustee Bruce Lee, Toledo, was sworn in while attending his first meeting. Three additional trustees were elected to take office in the fall: Karl L. Heminger, Findlay; Jennifer Capra Smith, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and Brian L. Young, Cincinnati. The Board accepted the resignation of Michael Cicak and approved faculty emeritus status for Leon Walker, professor of biology.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Dr. C. Richard Beckett, and Richard E. White is vice-chairman. The next meeting of the Board is Oct. 14-15, 2004.