At its May meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a number of fee increases and additions for fall 2014 as a way to compensate for cutbacks in state funding.

Five new fees were approved, seven were raised and one was deleted.

New fees include $1.50-$2.50 career development fee for undergraduate students, which covers “enhancements” to career planning services, as well as guarantees an internship or co-op. A $60 graduate services fee and a $8-$13 Counseling Center fee were also added.

The raised fees affected all of the learning communities. The deletion was the $45 undergraduate application fee, which is unnecessary as the University no longer accepts paper applications.

The University already charges a variety of administrative fees to students, faculty and staff.

The University decided, however, not to raise tuition or room and board fees for next year.

The Board also approved the College Completion Plan to be submitted to the Ohio Board of Regents.

Ohio changed its higher education funding model to award money based on degrees granted and courses completed, rather than number of students enrolled. Every public university in Ohio is required to submit a report by June 30 detailing how they will adapt to these changes.

The Board of Trustees also passed an authorization to create the center for forensics science.

The center will be one of the few in the entire country, said Trustee David Levey.

In 2012, the Ohio legislature gave $11.9 million to construct a crime lab and investigative facility.

The Board of Trustees has now authorized the creation of the Center for Forensics Science.

Also, 86 individuals were approved for consideration for promotion and tenure, said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Rodney Rodgers.

Trustee James Bailey also brought to the meeting an approval for a multi-year fundraising campaign.

“This campaign addresses the strategic plan and promotion of the University,” he said during the meeting.

The campaign will help with several things like student scholarships, capital projects and named programs at the school, Bailey said.

This campaign is a six-year plan to help the University raise money and a goal for an amount that hasn’t been set yet.

In it’s last campaign, the University finished in 2008 with about $140 million raised.

To end the year, representatives from Undergraduate Student Government, Faculty Senate and Graduate Student Senate introduced the person who will replace them.

Faculty Senate Chair Sheri Wells-Jensen told the board of the accomplishments the faculty have met this year. She will be replaced by Joel O’Dorisio.

“Many good things, many interesting things will happen next year,” Wells-Jensen said.

Two trustees, Graduate student Trustee Vivienne Felix and nine-year Trustee and out-going Board Chair Debbie Ryan, ended their terms at the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, University President Mary Mazey thanked the constituent representatives and leaders for their service to the board.

“When you look at all the things we have accomplished this year, it is all thanks to our groups,” she said during the meeting.

Editor’s note- Eric Lagatta also contributed to this report