DEC. 4, 2006, COLUMBUS – A draft of the Ohio University Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and Discipline introduced at the Board of Trustees meeting on Friday will feature clear, standardized punishments, an OU administrator said.

“I believe our policy is where it needs to be, given our situation and what we’ve been through,” said Kirby Hocutt, athletics director. “Other administrators have said they stopped just short of where we went, and they’ve applauded us for taking that extra step.”

Hocutt and other athletic officials have spoken with more than 60 Division I-A schools since Oct. 19 to compare codes.

“We’ve already received three calls requesting copies of the new policy,” he said.

Like the university’s alcohol policy, the student-athlete policy defines various levels of offenses and subsequent consequences, ranging from judiciary referral to felony charges or convictions.

“This was a very important leadership step,” said J. Michael Lawrie, a national trustee. “It removes the double standard present between the student population and the athletic community.”

The plan will be implemented Jan. 3, when Winter Quarter begins.“The real proof is in the policy’s administration, consistency and enforcement,” said Trustee Larry L. Schey. “This is definitely not one of those policies we can just put in the books and let sit.”

Renovation plans taking shape

William Decatur, vice president for Finance and Administration, introduced a proposed $100 million construction schedule for renovating 12 dorms through 2015.

“Now, we really can’t afford a $100 million project,” Decatur said. “It’d be nice if we could, but our budget is closer to $50 million.”

Brailsford & Dunlavey, a facility management and consulting firm, planned for an increase of 2,625 beds. Of the 12 dorms up for renovation, eight were on East Green. Each dorm would receive 100 to 400 additional beds. In addition to the new dorm on South Green that will open Fall Quarter 2007, the study included the possibility of constructing another dorm.

Decatur says he plans to present a more concrete plan to the board in April, adding that East Green is the oldest green and needs the most attention.