Critical Ohio University Programs at Risk: Explore the Impact of SB 1 on Your Education – WOUB Public Media

Ohio University’s Programs at Risk Following Senate Bill 1

Ohio University is facing potential cuts to many of its degree programs due to a new state law, Senate Bill 1, which took effect on June 27. This law aims to streamline higher education by eliminating undergraduate programs that attract fewer than five graduates annually over three years. The countdown for this evaluation starts from the end of the upcoming school year.

While Senate Bill 1 has drawn significant attention for eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, it affects more than just those areas. Recent data shows that 38 programs at Ohio University could be in jeopardy unless their enrollment increases. Among the programs at risk are religious studies, astrophysics, and biological sciences, primarily within the liberal arts and sciences.

Loren Lybarger, the head of the religious studies department, is concerned about the implications of this law. He argues that the worth of a program shouldn’t be measured solely by the number of degrees awarded. “It’s arbitrary to decide viability by mere numbers,” he says. Lybarger emphasizes that programs with fewer degrees can still play vital roles in education, particularly in fulfilling general education requirements for a broad range of students.

Interestingly, while programs like psychology or business tend to have higher enrollment figures, departments like religious studies still attract many students in their general education classes. “We’re doing a lot of teaching and supporting general education, which isn’t being counted here,” Lybarger notes.

Students currently enrolled in affected programs will have the chance to complete their degrees, but no new admissions will be allowed. Universities can seek waivers to retain specific programs or merge them with other departments to meet enrollment thresholds. Ohio University is already considering merging some geography majors, as noted by Ryan Fogt, a professor in meteorology and geography, who expressed concerns about the law’s impact on his department.

Supporters of Senate Bill 1 argue that it will enhance efficiency and allocate funds better. They believe that keeping underutilized programs is a waste of resources. However, critics warn that the focus on numbers could undermine the quality of education. Lybarger argues that reducing options for students can impoverish their educational experience.

The effects of Senate Bill 1 are still unfolding, and many in the academic community are closely watching the situation. As this law restructuring takes shape, the future of liberal arts programs at Ohio University hangs in the balance.

For more detailed information on this bill, you can visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

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Advance Higher Education,Loren Lybarger,Ohio University,Program Elimination,Religious Studies,Senate Bill 1