Committee OKs room use changes

The Planning and Budget Committee agreed during the Thursday, March 6, meeting to changes in the use of two rooms on campus. Members returned Andruss Library, room 134, to its original function as a study room; it previously was part of the Andruss Café. They also agreed to change Hartline Science Center, room 74N1 (G46), from a research space to a temporary administrative office for the radiologic assistant program.

During his report, admissions director Chris Keller said applications for fall 2008 totaled 10,307 as of March 6, up from 9,366 in early March 2007. Applicants' average SAT scores have increased over the past year from 1055 to 1066. A total of 1,689 freshmen are expected to enter BU this fall, he said.

Also during the meeting:

• Dick Baker, chair of the Middle States steering committee, reminded department chairs to submit information on assessment activities during the past 10 years. The information is needed for the Middle States accreditation process.
• Eric Milner, assistant vice president for facilities, reported that three BU projects have been added to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's capital project request list - an addition to Sutliff Hall and renovations to Waller Administration Building and McCormick Center for Human Services. Each of the PASSHE universities forwards a prioritized list each year to be incorporated into a System-wide, five-year capital funding plan.
• Richard Rugen, vice president for administration and finance, shared a report on institutional effectiveness within his area from 2002 to 2007. Salaries and benefits make up the biggest portion of expenditures. Increases are expected in utility costs, but decreases have been realized in the costs of supplies, thanks to System-wide purchasing.
• Ekema Agbaw, chair of the enrollment management committee, reported on progress in action plans related to recruitment and retention.