Despite strongly-voiced concerns of Ohio University’s budget strength, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the $7.2 million Porter Hall addition and Anderson Laboratory demolition project at its meeting Friday.

Trustees did not vote on the project at its February meeting, wanting more information on the stability of OU’s budget, which currently faces an $8.55 million deficit.

“I’m not sure, quite frankly, what’s been learned since then,” said Trustee C. Daniel DeLawder. “To reconsider this now is questionable, not having that plan in front of us.”

The board could not delay the vote until June without having the construction extend into winter. Inflation would have increased the costs if the board waited another year.

Trustees Larry Schey and C. Robert Kidder said they would not approve any more construction projects until the university’s 10-Year Capital Plan was complete.

“I find it very difficult to make a commitment to this when we’re still grappling with the financial health of our institution,” Kidder said.William Decatur, vice president of finance and administration, said the plan should be complete in time to present to the board at its June meeting.

The Porter addition will provide new teaching and research facilities, something OU Provost Kathy Krendl said made this project a top priority.

“This is not something we take lightly,” she said. “I know your concern from the fiscal responsibility issues. I understand the sensitivity here, but I think this matches the requirements for strategic investment.”The project includes the demolition of Anderson Laboratory and construction of a road connecting Baker University Center and Richland Avenue. About $6 million of the project funds come from the state’s renovation budget. The remaining $1.2 million will be financed through Baker project funds and the Provost’s office.

Expected completion is estimated for October 2008.In case of emergency[B/]

In the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, OU will explore a possible way to notify students of an emergency on campus.

The university has the capability of sending a text message to faculty, staff and students’ cell phones without spending any additional money, said Kent Smith, vice president for Student Affairs.

“That’s pretty significant because a lot of institutions are struggling,” he said. “(They are) contacting companies and trying to figure out ‘What do we purchase? What do we do now?’ This threat is very real.”

Smith said students, faculty and staff would have to supply their numbers to the university but would not receive any messages other than emergencies.Athletics cuts[B/]

Trustees were again asked by the athletes and parents of the four cut sports programs to reconsider the eliminations. Board chairman R. Gregory Browning said the board took the decision very seriously.

“We appreciate and understand that feedback and understand that we have conflicting institutional values,” he said. “There are also limits to what we can do. We just didn’t have the money to continue these programs. We could not support these sports in adequate and responsible ways.”