Arkansas Tech University will make a significant investment in upgrading security measures on its main campus in Russellville following action by the Tech Board of Trustees on Thursday.
Trustees approved a transfer of $681,838 from the unappropriated educational and general fund balance to cover costs associated with a three-phase plan that will be fully implemented by May 15, 2012.
The plan was drafted by a campus security task force that was established by Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown on April 25.
Under the leadership of Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance David Moseley, the task force was charged with developing plans to establish additional security features on campus. Task force members walked the campus at night to assess needs and reviewed existing safety measures.
Phase I of the campus security improvements will result in additional campus lighting, electronic door access to classroom buildings, additional security cameras and the installation of emergency call stations on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville by Oct. 31, 2011.
Phase II will consist of identifying any areas of high risk on campus and improving visibility around shrubs in designated areas. Those improvements will be in place by the start of the fall 2011 semester in August.
Phase III of the campus security improvements will take place from Aug. 1, 2011, through May 15, 2012, and will include the addition of any needed personnel and equipment for the Arkansas Tech Office of Public Safety and a safety awareness campaign for students and employees.
In other business on Thursday, the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees approved:
*the submission of an economic feasibility study to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) for an issuance of revenue bonds in the amount of $12.5 million to fund the construction of a new five-story, 64,170-square foot residence hall on the Russellville campus;
*a letter of notification to ADHE that states Arkansas Tech intends to split its Bachelor of Science degree in physical science into three separate degrees: Bachelor of Science in physical science, Bachelor of Science in physics and Bachelor of Science in nuclear physics;
*a transfer of $190,573 from the unappropriated educational and general fund balance to finance a renovation that will yield one new classroom, an expanded tutoring lab and offices in the Technology and Academic Support Building and the Collegiate Center at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus;
*a transfer of $126,835 from the unappropriated educational and general fund balance to construct a walking trail at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus, with a plan for those university funds to be reimbursed by the Arkansas Tech Foundation following the completion of a private fund-raising campaign;
*and an increase in pay for adjunct instructors at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus from $350 per credit hour to $400 per credit hour.
