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1:06 PM Monday, June 29, 2009

Who are the Friends of Miami University Hamilton? What prompted formation of the group? And, what is the purpose of the group formed recently, and holding a public forum Tuesday, June 30?

The Friends of Miami University Hamilton are volunteers whose common concerns are the best interests and success of Miami University Hamilton and the Hamilton area. There are no dues and membership requirements. None have been appointed by the university or are employed by the university.

The group — representing a range of occupations and interests — supports positive Miami University changes that will enhance and expand the beneficial services of the regional campus.

It formed a few weeks ago in response to the “Report of the Regional Campus Committee,” dated March 21, 2009, and issued by Jeffrey I. Herbst, Miami provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

The Friends of MUH believe parts of the report are confusing and contradictory regarding the future of Miami’s regional campuses. Portions appear counter-productive, instead of promoting MUH improvements.

The group — which has asked Miami trustees to delay action on Herbst’s report — is seeking public input on its following recommendations and comments.

The Friends of Miami University Hamilton:

1. Strongly recommend increased flexibility for the director/dean at Miami University Hamilton and other administrative changes that will reduce and eliminate delays in the present decision process related to the regional campuses. (We) Oppose adding another layer of management between the regional campuses and Oxford administration.

2. Support a regional campus structure that facilitates quick response to community needs, including — but not limited to — sudden shifts in the local economy that demand changes in the skills and training of the local work force.

3. Urge MUH continue to offer and promote associate degrees while establishing baccalaureate degrees at MUH, rejecting the provost’s statement that “associate degrees (are) less viable for MUH.” (We) Urge decisions on baccalaureate degrees offered be made at the regional campus level.

4. Suggest that MUH marketing emphasize its obvious attractions — quality education, proximity, convenience, flexibility, affordability, etc. — within the areas it serves.

5. Recommend MUH continue and expand its many outreach and service programs that benefit the community and build positive images of MUH.

6. Urge Miami to enable and encourage scholarship programs specifically for MUH students based on various criteria (need, interest, academic achievement, etc.).

7. Request the university to cooperate in efforts to build student housing near MUH. If not built by Miami University, or on university property, at least permit inclusion of housing information in campus literature for students and prospective students.

8. Request clear definitions and clarifications of the following terms and statements in the provost’s March 21 report: (a) Miami brand; (b) brand confusion; (c) “questions about the status or value of regional baccalaureate degrees” and (d) “How should the degrees offered by the regional campuses be made more distinct from Oxford?”

The Friends of MUH public forum is scheduled at 7 p.m. June 30 at the Lane Library Administrative Center, 1396 University Blvd., Hamilton.

Jim Blount, a lifelong Hamilton resident, is a local historian and former editor of the JournalNews and teacher and coach in the Hamilton schools. He has a master’s degree in history from Miami University and taught journalism on the Oxford and Hamilton campuses for several years. Blount and Jim Fitton are co-chairs of the Friends of Miami University Hamilton.

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