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Miami University considering regional campus changes

Miami University

Update 02/24/15:

The open forum in Oxford for the Miami University Regional Campus Process Committee has been canceled for Friday, Feb. 27, and rescheduled for 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, in 112 Pearson Hall.

The open forum at the West Chester campus is being held as scheduled: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the Voice of America Auditorium.

Miami University is reviewing how it can improve and change its regional campuses.

A task force issued itsfirst recommendations in November. Now, a committee is gathering input on regional curriculums, course offerings, and considering a recommendation to add four year degrees. The first of four public forums is Wednesday.

The task force was charged with coming up with ways to differentiate the regional campuses while maintaining a Miami identity. Committee chair Jim Oris says that includes looking at the regional system structure and mission.

"This is focusing on a distinctive mission of the different campuses," says Oris. "And enhancing those pathways and expanding the pathways so that the regional campuses and their students can succeed."

Not everyone likes the proposed changes. Some 1,500 staff, faculty and students have signedan open letter expressing concerns. They say they're worried the planned changes devalue regional campus students.

University President David Hodge is slated to submit final recommendations to the board of trustees May 1.

Public forums:

·         Hamilton

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Wilks Conference Center

·         Middletown

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Campus Community Center

·         Oxford

Friday, Feb. 27, 4-5 p.m. Taylor Auditorium, Farmer School of Business

·         West Chester

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 7-8 p.m. in the Voice of America Auditorium

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.