University Senate held their monthly meeting this past Wednesday to discuss the financial stability of academic programs and vote on academic major changes.
With the shift in weather from cold to snowing, the mood going into last Wednesday’s senate meeting felt much the same. Susan Millsap, parliamentarian and chair of governance, bylaws and communication, said she was aware that the reappearance of the art history major would set a tumultuous tone.
"Whenever you have an issue where there is clear disagreement, you have a little bit of nerves of what's going to happen," said Millsap.
The major brought heated discussion as concern focused around whether the major would be deemed financially responsible at a time when the universities finances’ are not fully settled.
Executive Director of Admission Mark Moffitt gave a detailed breakdown of the survey data showing that out of the nearly four million students who will take the SAT, only around 1500 students marked an interest in the art history field.
Juxtaposing the argument was Amy Johnson, art history professor. Johnson's argument laid in the post-graduation opportunities that the offer holds; citing that there are nearly 31,000 museums nationwide with five museums in the Columbus area alone.
Millsap spoke briefly on concerns that have been addressed about the organization and running of the University Senate. The main issue addressed was the lack of communication as too many subcommittees and members were being silenced. Millsap assured Senate that the committee was taking these issues seriously.
“If the body can’t communicate, then we will crumble,” said Millsap.
The major was ultimately added due in part to last second testimony by Johnson who voiced her belief that not adding the major would go against the core beliefs that Otterbein is an institution of higher learning.
Several senate bills were passed around the deletion of majors and endorsements that were either under enrolled or not used.
The major switch in the nursing department was approved by the Senate. These switches complied with the State mandated changes that are being enforced.
