Citing financial and curricular concerns, the Board of Trustees has enacted a proposal that will convert the university to a three-credit standard in the 2018-2019 academic year.
The proposal passed at the board’s Oct. 22 meeting is the same one that was rejected by a Sept. 16 Senate assembly. Members of the board frequently mentioned a divide on the issue, but some asserted that the switch to a three-credit model was necessary in order to address the budget shortfall and faculty line issues.
The proposal, as it was presented in Senate, will set a three-credit hour class at three, 50 minute sessions per week or two 75-minute sessions effective in academic year 2018-2019. It will set a 120 semester hour requirement for all programs except for those that receive special approval. The proposal states that Otterbein is currently an outlier in its area as an institution with a four-credit standard.
President Kathy Krendl introduced the proposal in the board meeting.
“Because our governance processes have not resulted in a resolution, it is my responsibility as president to bring forward a proposal for the board to take appropriate action,” Krendl said.
Krendl stated that the action would contribute toward a stated policy of increasing reliance on full-time faculty and drawing reliance away from part-time faculty. She stated that the move would be the best solution for the long-term health of the university.
Chris Kirk, board member and faculty senator, stated several issues that were cited by senators against the proposal at the September Senate meeting. She stated that faculty senators were doubtful that the proposal would save money, they were concerned about the ability to take extra electives and they were concerned about an increased workload for faculty.
Miguel Martinez-Saenz, provost and VP of academic affairs, stated in a memo to senators on the day of the September meeting that the three-credit model was the preferred option to fix the budget issue and warned against inaction.
“At [the Board of Trustee’s] October meeting, I am expected to share the result of this vote and move forward a recommendation that demonstrates a commitment to implement a plan that addresses the issues mentioned above. Simply telling them we need more time is not acceptable," Martinez-Saenz said.
Martinez-Saenz restated many of the objectives of a three-credit model at the meeting, including the flexibility to transfer and take extra classes, the possibility to save funds due to increased reliance on full-time faculty and more advantageous changes for faculty workload.
The vote was passed unanimously by the board.
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