In its Oct. 24 meeting, OU's Board of Regents voted on protocol for upcoming search committees for executive positions and accepted a commercial lease for Cross Village, among other items.
The regents, with all members in attendance for the first time since their June meeting, heard a report from OU President James Gallogly and voted to approve his recommended agenda items.
One of these items was the approval of a commercial lease and parking space license for the Cross Village housing development. The development has seen numerous problems since its completion.
Although the Cross contract stipulated that OU was not meant to shoulder any financial penalties as a result of low occupancy, the regents' agenda stated the commercial lease and the parking license combined will cost the university more than $6.5 million. The agenda said this information was not properly brought to the regents by the prior OU administration when the contract was approved.
According to the agenda, Gallogly recommended the regents approve the measure so as not to breach the contract, despite the financial loss.
The regents approved a measure confirming students who live in McClain and Cleveland counties living with parents or guardians would be eligible for an exemption from living on campus as freshmen.
The regents also discussed Gallogly's performance, pending investigations and potential litigation in a closed executive session meeting.
