He stated that two years ago a Funding Commission was started to review concerns that doctoral programs were being driven by enrollment instead or quality. At Ohio University, a Policy Review Committee was involved in establishing a procedure for Ohio University. This procedure is detailed in the recommended policy and calls for proposals from the departments. Criteria for the proposals would be a clearly articulated mission, evidence of recognized quality, and a well conceptualized plan. Some priority will be given to programs with the ability to leverage these funds for additional monies, who can compete for incentive funds, or who explore reallocation.
Funding can be base or term funding.
The proposals will be reviewed by a committee put together by the Chair of Faculty Senate, Chair of Graduate Council, and the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies. Some concerns are that this process requires too much effort from the departments, that such enhancements have already been done, and that we do not have the funds to do this enhancement without stripping other departments. Maureen Weissenrieder, Chair of the Policies and Regulations Committee, summarized discussion of this policy at their committee meeting. The colleges are already allocating resources with the intent to enhance selective programs. One possible way to address the strategic plan for the Ohio Board of Regents is to list the many ways that Ohio University is currently providing enhanced resources to selected programs.