Several changes greet returning OU-C students

CHILLICOTHE – As Ohio University-Chillicothe students have begun their return to campus for another fall term, they are being greeted with a new look to the campus’ exterior, several technology advances on its interior and a new academic approach to aid in student retention.

According to campus officials, interactive, high-definition projection systems, high-definition document cameras, stereo sound and movable hard screens have been installed in approximately half of the Bennett Hall classrooms, and the other rooms will receive similar upgrades as the classrooms become available. The sliding white boards, which ride over the existing fixed white boards, offer flexibility and allow for faculty members to use the underlying white board for writing information while using another board for projecting images, documents and other related material.

In addition, two Ohio University Learning Network video/audio systems in Bennett Hall have been replaced and updated. The former systems were removed and replaced with high-definition systems that include 60-inch, high-definition LCD screens to enhance the learning experience. Three high-definition, voice-activated video cameras track the interaction between the instructor, students in the local classroom, and students at remote sites.

Now, there are now two screens in the front of those rooms instead of just one, allowing for the projection of a faculty member on one screen and corresponding material such as documents or PowerPoint presentations on the other. Among other purposes, these rooms see frequent use for classes that are offered on one regional campus or in Athens and allow for individuals on the Chillicothe campus to join the class or presentation.

Among other upgrades, a high-definition projector and large screen system will be installed in the Bennett Hall auditorium. The three-screen system will be used for instruction, and the single large screen will be used for presentations and events sponsored by the cultural committee.

Finally, the entire analog telephone system on the Chillicothe campus was replaced and a Cisco Internet-based telephone system was installed. Among its features, the new system allows for video phone calls within the campus, enhanced calling features such as multiparty teleconferencing, and an integrated telephone directory.

In terms of the exterior of the campus, the most noticeable renovation involves the new Shoemaker Center pedestrian bridge. The finishing touches are being applied to the renovated bridge with the installation of laminated glass panels with the campus’ name and logo. The bridge is visible from various locations, and the new structure’s appearance will serve as an attractive focal point of campus.

A ribbon-cutting celebration for the bridge is slated for Oct. 7, with details to be announced later.

In terms of educational offerings, a Learning Communities initiative has been launched to further strengthen campus engagement and enrich students’ learning experiences. This concept is most often associated with residential campuses and usually involves students with shared interests and/or academic pursuits being housed together.

To tailor this initiative to a commuter campus such as OU-C, students will take classes of different academic disciplines, which are focused on a central theme, back-to-back. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to approach a topic from different perspectives and encourages more collaboration among students and faculty members.

English faculty member Tony Vinci and art faculty member Darren Baker will pilot one such endeavor during the fall semester, while fellow English faculty member Deb Nickles and sociology faculty member Marguerite Hernandez will introduce another pair of classes in this model during fall term.

The interaction between students is also intended to deepen their connections to campus, which should support student retention efforts, campus officials said.