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What does the University System of Ohio mean to BGSU?
Governor Ted Strickland and Chancellor Eric Fingerhut have based their plans for the University System of Ohio on the belief
that the economic vitality of the state is inseparably tied to the educational attainment of its citizens. Accordingly, the
three primary goals of the system are to
- Graduate more students
- Keep more graduates in Ohio
- Attract more degree holders from out of state
Dollars follow success
One area of impact already indentified is finance. Chancellor Eric Fingerhut’s 10-year strategic plan for higher education is built around some very specific goals, with numerous targets and accountability measures for meeting those goals. The
state’s formula for funding higher education is changing, and will now be tied more closely to progress toward the plan’s
benchmarks than to simple enrollment figures. This will affect our funding for fiscal year 2010-2011 and beyond. (See page
63 of the strategic plan: Aligning Funding Formulas and State Priorities)
Each university in the University System of Ohio must submit a report by November 30, 2008, approved by the Board of Trustees
of the institution, that indicates which of the 20 accountability metrics/measures the university has selected in relation
to its particular mission and the contribution it will make to the 10-year statewide master plan for higher education. Not
all universities will be expected to contribute to the same statewide metrics/measures. For example, it is anticipated that
the urban research universities will be expected to make a major contribution to technology transfer and research, whereas
the four corner universities will make a major contribution to quality.
Therefore, whatever route BGSU takes to meeting the benchmarks of the 20 measures laid out in the master plan, it will be
critical that it continues to make demonstrable progress toward the targets in the 20 accountability metrics/measures.
Changes under way
Several initiatives of the chancellor will definitely be implemented at BGSU and will change to some degree the University’s
processes. One is the Seniors to Sophomores program, and expansion of the Post Secondary Educational Options program. Under
this plan, qualified high school seniors may spend their last senior years on a college campus, then enroll as sophomores
in college. Other changes also affect BGSU’s budget, such as new scholarships created by the state and the directive to keep
tuition affordable in order to increase access. Bowling Green’s challenge will be to steward its resources so that it can
comply with the state requirements while maintaining its priorities and direction.
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" As a member of the new University System of Ohio, there are numerous ways that BGSU will be called upon to contribute to
the economic well-being of our state. This is an excellent opportunity for the faculty, staff and students at BGSU to strengthen
our engagement with the community and region, and to do our part to contribute to the economic development needs of Ohio and
enhance the quality of life of Ohioans. "
-- Sandra A. MacNevin, Senior Assistant to the President and Associate Vice President for Governmental Affairs
Centers of Excellence
As part of its ten-year plan, the University System of Ohio requires that public universities develop distinctive missions
and Centers of Excellence, (see page 38 of the strategic plan: Centers of Excellence) and each university will be responsible
for nominating and approving its own recommendations by June of next year. BGSU has focused on interdisciplinary areas of
strength and has chosen the arts as its first center. Other identified candidates include: educator preparation with emphasis
on school and community engagement; leading, managing and creating effective organizations; health and wellness across the
lifespan; and environment and sustainability. The process for nominating candidates will be broadened and input will be solicited
well in advance of the deadline.
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