Just an observation I've made from a few of my visits on campus including today. I've noticed lots of improvement projects are in full swing with the uptick in enrollment. AC units being replaced on East Green (Washington / Read), Improvement of plumbing systems also on East Green, Adams Hall receiving new washers / dryers and finishing touches are being put on a hammock park on South Green.

Don't know if I'd call this an "improvement".

According to The Post, starting today ,O.U. is bringing back indoor mask mandates.

The article says its because of "high community levels".

NJ has had "high community levels" for weeks, thanks to BA2.

No one has even suggested going back to masks.

Out here they are taking the position that, with hospitalizations, especially ICU's and vents ,staying pretty much constant, the state is finding a "high community level" doesn't warrant changes to status quo.

Sounds like NJ is following the science.

In the Convo today with a mask.

If you wanted to discuss campus improvements, I'm very sorry. This board has other ideas.

The Richland Avenue bridge and tunnel is relatively new and was put into place to improve the campus flow with students passing under Richland through a new tunnel rather than having to walk across the street. Reasons for the improvement were cited as a campus safety measure. Egress and ingress are all considered and first responder access to a particular area of campus.

Construction on a university campus is a continual process. Facilities have a in-service life span that requires renovation or replacement. Its also in the interest of the economy to award construction dollars especially in and around Ohio where construction opportunities are limited. It makes sense to be trotting out 60 to 70 million dollars in construction dollars per year for a campus Ohio's size.

Going back to the McDavis administration what was said is they wanted to take care of academics first meaning upgrading the science buildings and the new medical school building. Extras for athletics sans the Sook Center which was already funded by the end of the McDavis regime were supposed to be down the road. Pandemic of course has thrown a wrench into the university budget but with it stabilizing construction projects are moving forward again. Dorm renovations and the current administration has said they want to plan for a second building on the medical campus.

As it relates to the basketball practice facility. With the planned changes in the NCAA to modify the scholarship allotments and require additional sports I do not see how a BPF does not get built because additional locker rooms will be required. Practice courts and it makes sense to include an all sport weight room ,injury rehab facilities, training table, nutrition center there with it along with a Convo museum. That would of course free up space and scheduling over at Peden for those activities to use by the football program.

Planning for new facilities is still dicey yet though with the specter of the pandemic and inflation. A recession in the construction industry with demand destruction on material prices might save the university some money and make sense for the university to move more projects forward.

Campus Flow, I am curious as to where you see that the NCAA is going to require more sports?

Its in the minutes of the NCAA Transformation Committee. It could require OU to add a couple of sports if the minimum is raised. Minimum for D1 is 14/FBS is 16.

There's an article in today's The Post that O.U. has decided to "walk back" the
indoor masking mandate.

According to the article based on the covid 19 level dropping to "medium",
masks are no longer mandated, only recommended for "classrooms and other indoor settings".

Glad they made the change before the students were back for Fall Semester.

Definite improvement, at least in my opinion.

The decision was made a long time ago. If the level goes to red, masks, if it drops, masks optional. This could change on a weekly basis this fall.

As I posted, NJ has been at a "High Community Level" for weeks.

But, our Rate of Transmission is below the magic number of 1.

Hospitalizations are steady,ICU's and vents are down.

Hospitals no longer require proof of vaccination to visit.

So "High Community Level" or not,no one is even hinting at a masking.

And that was before the CDC relaxed their covid rules last week.

Maybe that's the type of common sense approach O.U. should consider.