Board OKs Budget, Construction Contracts, Expanded Shuttle Service

Akron, Ohio, May 19, 2008 At its regular meeting today, The University of Akron's Board of Trustees approved a balanced budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year. The $334 million budget includes additional investments in salary and benefits for faculty, staff and contract professionals; increased funding for initiatives tied to student success or strategic priorities; and no change in tuition for undergraduate or graduate students.

University of Akron President Luis M. Proenza recommended to the Board that employees receive raises based on the University's progress in such critical areas as enrollment, research, public service and community engagement. The administration will set aside funds for raises totaling 3.5 percent of the compensation budget.

In other action, the Board:

Approved a resolution to establish a Center of Excellence for the development, protection, marketing and commercialization of new technologies in globally distinctive chemical sciences and engineering.

Approved recommendations from Parking Task Force subcommittees that will allow the Roo Express shuttle service to expand into student neighborhoods south and east of campus. The shuttle expansion seeks to reduce the number of vehicles on campus by providing a transportation option to students who live close to campus; enhance further the safety in those neighborhoods; and increase the visibility of UA as the University-branded shuttles extend further off campus.

Approved the establishment of a shared services agreement between The University of Akron and Lorain County Community College as part of the schools' Innovation Alliance.

Approved the following design and construction contracts: Design Group, $1,555,900, professional design services for student housing in the stadium multiplex; Kenmore Construction Co. Inc., $2,438,311, construction management services for student housing in the stadium multiplex; Creo Design Inc., $1,235,358, professional design services for the Exchange Street Parking Deck expansion; Thomarios, $2,183,124, construction management services for the Exchange Street Parking Deck expansion; Licursi Co. Inc., $501,800, and Speelman Electric Inc., $192,900, phase one of construction of the Coleman Commons outdoor living room; and Jeffrey Carr Construction Inc., $2,359,000, Fine Mechanical, $167,129, Schmid Mechanical, $83,279, Meccon Inc., $697,300 and Montecalvo Electric Inc., $773,086, Wayne College renovation and expansion.