Ohio University Faculty Senate met Monday to discuss updates on various projects central to the university, such as the ongoing transition to Canvas and the prospect of a revolving sustainability fund.
To start the meeting, the new Executive Vice President and Provost Donald Leo spoke to the senate regarding his goals for collaboration as he continues in his position and introduced the new faculty.
Leo specified that three new deans have been introduced to the university: Dean Lisa Harrison of the Patton College of Education, Dean Kristina Bross of the Honors Tutorial College and Dean Rob Ross of Libraries. He also announced that the university is currently searching for an appointed dean in the Chaddock and Morrow College of Fine Arts.
The meeting continued with updates on the implementation of Canvas and anti-plagiarism software, as well as upgrades to the Classroom Assistance Ticketing System.
Eszti Major-Rohrer, senior director of teaching and learning technology, told the committee that seven colleges in the university have successfully implemented Canvas completely, and an overwhelming majority of students polled by Major-Rohrer and her colleagues said they preferred Canvas.
Students wishing to report their feedback on the platform are welcome in student senate meetings and focus groups in the fall. Exact dates for these events have not yet been released.
Lindsey Ward, manager of academic technology, also discussed the expiration of the university’s current anti-plagiarism software, Turnitin. Ward specified that moving forward, they're looking for various detection and reporting software, including AI protection, similarity and authenticity.
Starting in October, students and faculty can participate in demos and testing opportunities for different anti-plagiarism sites.
Larry Tumblin, product manager for learning spaces, discussed updates to CATS, including proactive room checks for all needed materials in classrooms and a general troubleshooting guide for issuing classroom tickets available on the Ohio University website.
Next, Mary Nally, director of community and campus engagement, gave a presentation to inform the senate of the university’s effort to obtain a Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.
Nally discussed various benefits of this classification, such as a stronger institutional identity and an avenue to assist the university in self-assessment and self-study. Given the classification, the principles of mutual benefit, justice, equity and partnership would also be more prevalent at OU.
The first draft of the CCEC application will be reviewed in November, and the final draft in January or February. The results are expected in December 2025.
The final guest speaker of the evening was Student Senate Environmental Affairs Commissioner Caden Hibbs, who proposed an opt-in revolving sustainability fund.
“Right now, we currently have zero funding for sustainability initiatives on campus,” Hibbs said. “My overall solution to right these wrongs is to properly educate students on how they can contribute (as) stakeholders in the university sustainability efforts.”
Hibbs' idea would allow students to opt for a $5 sustainability fund fee when approving their graduation plan. Student stakeholders’ money would go towards initiatives OU’s Office of Sustainability supports.
Sarah Wyatt also spoke on behalf of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, seeking a resolution to establish a clear policy on mentor-mentee research culture.
The committee is looking for a clear statement on ethical treatment criteria and how to mentor students at the university, college, and individual department levels.
