Program Investment Request
The Program Investment request (PIR) is an offshoot of the Program Innovation Accelerator. Through the PIR, faculty from across the university are invited to propose new majors, new degree programs, new modalities and more flexible pathways to a degree, with an emphasis on attracting new students and increasing opportunities for degrees and credentials on all Ohio University (Athens, OHIO Online, Regional Higher Education) campuses.
The PIR is specifically focused on proposals requesting investment in new programs designed to bring new students to OU (Athens, OHIO Online, RHE, particular campus). Proposals should be focused on developing new majors, new degree programs, or possibly new modalities which would require investment in faculty positions, equipment or facilities to launch. The process solicits specific information required to make a preliminary decision to proposers in about a month.
Funding Priorities
While proposals will be reviewed and evaluated holistically, development and funding priorities include:
- Building on strengths: including (but not limited to) health and wellness; energy, the environment, and building vibrant communities; plant-based medicine; robotics; and interdisciplinary programs, such as health and the arts, digital humanities, or global curricula
- Closing gaps: including (but not limited to) digital and data-focused programs such as data science and analytics, coding, cybersecurity and surveillance, artificial intelligence, gaming, and esports
- Innovation: including (but not limited to) stackable and standalone undergraduate and graduate certificates, early start/fast launch virtual first year program, 3 + 1 options, and micro credential programs
Proposal Requirements
The proposing faculty or group should include the following on the proposal. Information will be provided in the form (linked)
- Data on student demand from appropriate dashboards (programs in other Ohio colleges and universities, employment data)
- Curricular plan with all new elements (courses, program, modality) identified
- Specific resources requested (faculty lines, facilities, equipment) with justification to how and when these are required for program
- Description of consultation with all relevant colleges (proposers should describe their own Dean’s Office support and positive consultations with leadership of any other impacted colleges)
Interested? Contact Sarah Poggione (poggione@ohio.edu), Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education.