Owens to offer classes at MCO

4/6/2005

Owens Community College students soon will have a third campus where they can take classes: Come fall, it will be at the Medical College of Ohio.

Officials with the community college told their board of trustees yesterday a deal has been reached between Owens, with campuses in Perrysburg Township and Findlay, and the medical college in South Toledo.

The plan will allow Owens to rent classrooms at MCO, thus having its first presence in Lucas County for students - nearly half of whom are from the county.

"We just can't be more excited about it," Provost Paul Unger said. "They welcomed us with open arms."

Specifically, Owens faculty members will have use of some rooms in the Collier Building on MCO's east campus, where they will teach daytime, evening, and possibly even weekend classes. About seven courses in health sciences and arts and sciences are anticipated. Students will be able to register online and select the courses at MCO.

Officials said signs will be erected to designate the two-year college's presence at MCO. Owens' parking passes will be accepted at MCO.

The arrangement was developed after MCO President Lloyd Jacobs approached Owens' leaders last year and told them MCO had property to sell or classrooms to rent should Owens be interested.

He also touched upon exploring a setup that would allow Owens' health students to transfer to MCO to get their medical degrees.

At this point, Mr. Unger said the two-year college plans to rent the classroom space. The price has not been settled, but is expected to be based on guidelines set by the Ohio Board of Regents, officials said.

Dr. Jacobs could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Matt Lockwood, an MCO spokesman, said the deal is in keeping with the president's efforts to partner within the community.

In addition to the new classrooms, Owens President Christa Adams and Dr. Jacobs on Friday are expected to announce another major collaborative effort between the institutions. Officials would not disclose details of that proposal.

In other matters yesterday, Owens trustees:

●Heard from Bill Ivoska, vice president of student services, who said a retention committee has been formed and related internal changes are under way in effort to keep students enrolled.

●Approved a $136,000 contract with Sitzenstock Associates Inc. of Maumee for planning and construction oversight for the second phase of the Fire and Police Training Center for Homeland Security.