Miami University Unveils Campus Upgrades, New Programs, Oxford Initiatives, and RedHawks 2025 Football Highlights

Good afternoon, Miami University community! Here's your latest campus news for Monday, July 14, 2025. Miami University is making significant strides in enhancing its facilities. The $50 million campus renovation project is progressing as planned. Upham Hall's renovations began in June 2024, with Phillips Hall following in August. These upgrades include state-of-the-art research laboratories in Bishop Hall and the creation of 12 collaborative learning spaces in Hughes Hall. Additionally, the Engineering Complex will see the addition of 200 parking spaces, improving accessibility for students and staff. In academic advancements, Miami introduced three new programs in Fall 2024: a Master's in Artificial Intelligence focusing on ethical computing, a Bachelor's in Environmental Sustainability Management, and a Certificate in Digital Marketing Analytics. These programs aim to equip students with skills relevant to today's job market. The City of Oxford is investing in economic development to support community growth. In October 2024, the city committed $270,000 annually to various projects, including sustainability grants for businesses and a revolving loan program to assist new enterprises. This initiative aims to expand the tax base and ensure sustainable funding for essential services. Looking ahead to the 2025 football season, the Miami RedHawks have announced their non-conference schedule. The team will kick off the season with away games against Wisconsin on August 30 and Rutgers on September 6. The home opener is set for September 20 against UNLV, followed by a game against Lindenwood on September 27 at Yager Stadium. Notably, there will be no game against Cincinnati in 2025, but discussions are underway for a neutral-site matchup in 2026. Miami University continues its test-optional admissions policy through Spring 2026. Applicants are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores, a decision that has contributed to enrolling highly accomplished students in recent years. This approach emphasizes a holistic review process, considering factors like GPA, curriculum strength, and extracurricular activities. Oxford recently celebrated MiamiFest during Alumni Weekend in June 2024, welcoming back approximately 1,200 alumni. The event featured a parade of classes, live music, and activities for all ages, strengthening the bond between the university and the local community. Looking ahead, the city is preparing for the annual Red Brick Friday event on September 1, 2025. This year's celebration is expected to be the largest yet, with over 30 vendors, multiple food trucks, and a zip line. The event aims to welcome students back to campus and foster community engagement. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around Miami University and the Oxford community.