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
- Expanding emerging areas and closing gaps: in Athens, OHIO Online, or RHE offerings including (but not limited to) emerging technologies, digital and data focused programs, and distinctive areas for our region and state with significant workforce needs and student demand.
- Innovation: including (but not limited to) new and accelerated pathways into academic programs (e.g., AGPs, EAPs, 3+1 programs), stackable and standalone undergraduate and graduate certificates in areas with significant workforce needs, and programs developed closely with industry partners including micro credentials.
Proposal Requirements
The proposing faculty or group should include the following on the proposal.
- 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.