Trustees approve DMS Orthopedics department

Posted 11/18/02

At its meeting Nov. 7-9, the Dartmouth Board of Trustees approved a new department in Dartmouth Medical School and plans for building expansions at the Thayer School of Engineering and the Dartmouth Child Care Center.

Board members also participated in the dedications of Baker-Berry Library and Carson Hall. "This was a very important time in the history of Dartmouth College," President James Wright said. "We're delighted that the Trustees could share in the dedication of these outstanding new facilities made possible by the Baker, Berry, and Carson families. Their completion reflects the strength of those families' generosity and their understanding of the importance of private giving to Dartmouth's status as a leading institution of higher learning."

The Board approved the establishment of a Department of Orthopedics in the medical school, in response to a significant need for growth in the instructional and research areas of orthopedics.

The Trustees met with the Arts and Sciences deans for a working dinner. They also received updates from the administration on budget and financial planning, and updates on plans for construction projects going forward whenever full funding is in place. The Facilities Committee and others toured laboratories in Gilman, Remsen and Vail.

The expansion and renovation of the Dartmouth Child Care Center to accommodate an additional 23 children was approved, in response to increased demand. Plans call for the project to be completed by the fall of 2003, with operating and maintenance costs incorporated into the center's budget.

The Trustees approved the preparation of construction documents for the Thayer School's Engineering Science Laboratory, a project funded by private gifts to add significant teaching, laboratory, and research space. Renovations to Alumni Gym, to be funded by an anonymous private gift, were also approved.

The administration reported to the Trustees that plans for budget reductions for Fiscal Year 2004 remain under review. The administration is responsible for the budget planning process. "We want the Board to be informed of our progress," President Wright said. "The administration and the Board agree on the importance of minimizing the impact on the students, the faculty and the academic experience. The Board also has encouraged us to continue to explore ways to protect current employees even if activities are cut."