Antioch University's Draft College Suspension Implementation Plan
On May 29, 2008 Antioch University spokesperson Lynda Sirk told the Yellow Springs News that “it’s premature to talk of any plans at this point” in regards to the shut down of the Antioch College campus. But within the confidential confines of Antioch University these plans have been discussed at length beginning in October 2007, with no public meetings to engage the Antioch community or Village residents.
On April 3, 2008, the Yellows Springs Village Council and the State of Ohio received an official notification from Antioch University stating “the University is moving forward with its plan to suspend operations of the entire college indefinitely….” With just 28 days before the start of the College’s indefinite suspension, Antioch University officials have still not publicly discussed its campus shut down plan.
In order to further this necessary conversation, the Antioch Papers presents Antioch University’s Antioch College Suspension of Operations, Implementation Plan, Confidential Draft, Internal Document to be reviewed by Counsel, Revised January 2008.
DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT PLAN (2.5 mb)
Some Key points
Point A
What it says:
“1. b) Infrastructure Study – Prior to suspension the College will commission a study by Stanley Consultants… This study will address condition and a recommendation to repair, demolish or replace the individual buildings.”
Why it matters:
A campus in which 17,000 living alums spent 4 years of their lives should not be treated as confidential. Without a full public review of the Stanley Study by Antioch stakeholders, no one should have trust or confidence in the University’s plans for the Antioch College campus.
Point B
What it says:
“1. e) Roofs – Minimal patching will take place to protect the buildings from possible water damage prior to the suspension of operations.”
Why it matters:
The Yellow Springs News recently interviewed an architect familiar with the campus, and he stated that, “if buildings have adequate roofs and gutters, they can survive both cold winters and hot summers as long as they remain dry.” How safe will the College’s building be with “minimal patching?” It is estimated that the Antioch College Theater needs $300,000 in roof repairs. What will happen to the theater under this minimal scenario?
Point C
What it says:
“2. a) If a building in need of extensive repair does not have a historical register designation and the cost of repairing/remodeling exceeds 85% of the cost of total replacement, it should be demolished.”
Why it matters:
The Implementation Plan does not directly address the survival of historical buildings, only non-historical ones. Most of the historical buildings on campus have plaster walls attached directly to the brick exterior. This brick exterior is the structural support for the building. With the College’s heating shut down the brick and plaster walls in the historical buildings will absorb moisture like a sponge. In this scenario it is possible that within a year some of the historical buildings will be damaged beyond reasonable economic repair. Also it should be noted the above quote uses the figure of “85% of the cost of the total replacement.” When the Stanley Group was recently on campus a local person overheard a Stanley Group consultant use the figure of “60% “ replacement cost.
Point D
What it says:
“5 a) Library, Structural Problems of the Building – Due to structural problems and the inability to heat and cool during suspension the library will be closed.”
Why it matters:
There has been no public discussion of the “Structural Problems of the Building” and the local impact of closing the Library. Also, if none of the campus buildings are cooled during the summer mold will take hold. Mold remediation will be a significant cost and health concern if the campus is reopened.
Point E
What it says:
“6 a) Heating system options – The gymnasium and the pool will be closed and taken off line during the period of suspension.”
Why it matters:
All area residents, including the high school swim team and senior citizens, will lose an important exercise and health resource. The College’s swimming pool has already been drained, a month ahead of indefinite suspension.
Point F
What it says:
“8 b) Unrestricted Endowment Income Uses – Gains from the unrestricted portion of the endowment can be used for the security of College assets.”
Why it matters:
Donors contributed to a living College, not one in an indefinite state of suspension. If Endowment gains become unavailable due to donor objections or if Endowment gains are reduced due to a faltering economy, will there be enough funds available “for the security of College assets?”
Point G
What it says:
“9 a) Development Office – A professional staff of one position with one support level position would be funded for the fundraising efforts to reopen the College.”
Why it matters:
Antioch University’s April 3, 2008 statement to the Yellow Springs Village Council and the State of Ohio states “the University is moving forward with its plan to suspend operations of the entire college indefinitely with the hope that plans can be developed and resources can be found to re-open the College in 2012.” With a development staff of one, the University’s “hope” for re-opening Antioch College is minimal at best.
Point H
What it says:
“10 f) Final Budget – The final budget proposal will be generated prior to the February 2008 Board of Trustees meeting; however, the goal is to keep annual costs below $1.5 million in year one and $700,000 in subsequent years.”
Why it matters:
In the first year, will $1.5 million cover consultant reports, building repairs/demolition, utilities, video surveillance, security officers, lock changes, fire protection charges, furniture/equipment storage, records retention, chemical disposal, future mold abatement, snow removal, possible new campus roads, grounds maintenance, telephone switch/trunk/service, data network switch/service, administrative applications, archive/library storage, and higher property insurance premiums? What is missing from this list?