Faculty Retrenchment
Comments on the draft Faculty Retrenchment should be sent to provost@ohio.edu with the title "Faculty Retrenchment" by May 15, 2026.
| Title | Faculty Retrenchment | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Draft | |
| Effective Date | ||
| Approver | Executive Vice President and Provost | |
| Responsible Office | Office of the Provost | |
| University Policy | 18.014 Faculty Retrenchment | |
| Legislative Provision(s) | ORC §3345.454 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes implementation procedures for faculty retrenchment at Ohio University in accordance with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454. The SOP outlines definitions, guiding principles, and processes used when institutional conditions require the reduction or elimination of faculty appointments.
2. Definitions
For purposes of this SOP, the following definitions apply:
- Affected Unit. A college, school, department, campus, or academic program within the scope of a retrenchment review or retrenchment action.
- Board of Trustees. The Ohio University Board of Trustees, which has final authority to effect retrenchment upon recommendation from the President and/or Provost, consistent with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454.
- Faculty Retrenchment (Retrenchment). A process defined by Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 and incorporated into University Policy 18.014 that reduces programs or services and results in the temporary suspension or permanent separation of one or more faculty members.
- Permanent Separation. A retrenchment outcome in which a faculty appointment is ended following Board of Trustees action under University Policy 18.014.
- Program. As defined in University Policy 18.014, a structured course of study or related academic activities leading to a degree at one or more levels, or a recognized major, minor, concentration, or certification.
- Recommendation for Retrenchment. A formal recommendation from the President and/or Provost requesting that the Board of Trustees effect retrenchment under University Policy 18.014.
- Retrenchment Review. The internal institutional assessment used to evaluate whether conditions consistent with Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 exist and whether a recommendation to the Board of Trustees should be developed.
- Temporary Suspension. A retrenchment outcome in which a faculty appointment is suspended for a defined period consistent with the retrenchment action authorized by the Board of Trustees.
3. Guiding Principles
Retrenchment at Ohio University is guided by the following principles:
- Authority. The Board of Trustees may enact retrenchment upon recommendation from the President and/or Provost, consistent with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454.
- Compliance. Retrenchment actions should demonstrate alignment with University Policy 18.014 and the statutory conditions outlined in Ohio Revised Code §3345.454.
- Transparency. Units should receive information regarding the rationale, scope, and anticipated process steps, consistent with any applicable confidentiality requirements.
- Academic Continuity. Planning should prioritize academic integrity, accreditation obligations, and student progress toward degree completion.
- Stewardship. Retrenchment planning and implementation should be applied consistently and evaluated for fairness and alignment with institutional obligations.
- Academic Freedom. No retrenchment action shall be based on a faculty member’s exercise of academic freedom or constitutionally protected speech, consistent with University Policy 18.014.
- Non-Disciplinary Action. Retrenchment is not a disciplinary process and should not be used in place of procedures governed by other University policies.
4. Grounds for Retrenchment
Retrenchment at Ohio University may occur only under the conditions authorized by Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 and incorporated into University Policy 18.014. A recommendation for retrenchment should include documentation demonstrating that one or more of the following grounds exist:
- Reduction in Student Population. A sustained and significant decrease in student enrollment that the Board of Trustees determines as negatively affecting the viability of the institution, a college, campus, department, or academic program.
- Reduction in Overall Funding. A decline in financial resources, including but not limited to state appropriations, tuition revenue, grants, or other institutional income streams, that the Board of Trustees determines as significantly limiting the University’s ability to sustain existing faculty appointments.
- Change to Institutional Mission or Academic Programs. A strategic or structural change to institutional priorities, academic offerings, or organizational structure — including college, campus, department, or program discontinuation, consolidation, or reorganization — that the Board of Trustees determines results in a reduced need for faculty positions.
- Other Fiscal Pressures or Emergencies. Emergent or ongoing fiscal challenges that the Board of Trustees determines as threatening the financial stability of the institution and necessitating consideration of retrenchment actions.
A recommendation for retrenchment should present relevant academic, enrollment, and financial information consistent with Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 and University Policy 18.014.
5. Process
The following steps outline the implementation process for faculty retrenchment consistent with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454. Specific timelines may vary depending on the circumstances giving rise to retrenchment.
Step 1. Institutional Assessment
Institutional conditions should be evaluated by the President in consultation with the Provost and other senior leaders, as appropriate, to determine whether circumstances described in Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 may exist.
Step 2. Consideration of Mitigation Strategies
Following the institutional assessment, the President and/or Provost, in consultation with other senior leaders, as appropriate, should determine whether reasonable mitigation strategies could address the circumstances identified under Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 without the need for retrenchment.
Step 3. Retrenchment Plan Development
Following institutional assessment and consideration of mitigation strategies, the President and/or Provost, in consultation with other senior leaders, as appropriate, develop a proposed retrenchment plan. The retrenchment plan should outline the scope of potential reductions, the affected academic units or programs, the academic and financial rationale, and anticipated implementation considerations, consistent with Ohio Revised Code §3345.454 and University Policy 18.014.
Step 4. Retrenchment Recommendation Development
If institutional conditions continue to warrant consideration of retrenchment, the President and/or the Provost, in consultation with other senior leaders, as appropriate, shall develop a retrenchment recommendation for consideration by the Board of Trustees.
Step 5. Recommendation to the Board of Trustees
The President and/or Provost may recommend retrenchment to the Board of Trustees consistent with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454.
Step 6. Board of Trustees Authorization
The Board of Trustees reviews any retrenchment recommendation and determines whether to effect retrenchment consistent with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454. Retrenchment actions, including temporary suspension or permanent separation of faculty appointments, shall occur only upon a formal, positive majority vote on a relevant resolution by the Board of Trustees.
Step 7. Retrenchment Implementation Plan
Following authorization by the Board of Trustees, the President and Provost develop implementation guidance consistent with University Policy 18.014 and Ohio Revised Code §3345.454. Implementation planning may include timelines, coordination with affected colleges or academic units, considerations for instructional continuity, accreditation obligations, and other operational actions necessary to carry out the authorized retrenchment.
Step 8. Faculty Notification
Following Board of Trustees authorization and implementation planning, affected faculty members shall receive written notification in accordance with University Policy 18.014. Notification should be issued through appropriate administrative channels and include effective dates.
6. Recordkeeping
The Office of the Provost should maintain documentation related to the retrenchment process consistent with University Policy 18.014, Ohio Revised Code §3345.454, and applicable University record retention requirements. Documentation may include institutional assessments, consideration of mitigation strategies, consultation activities, retrenchment plans and recommendations, Board of Trustees actions, and implementation materials.
Revision History
April 3, 2026 – Initial Draft