Earlier this week, Ohio University President Lori Gonzalez shared a message with the university community following up on questions that faculty, staff and students submitted about the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, which was recently signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. On its website , the University has provided responses to those questions based on several key themes that emerged.
Just like you, Heritage College leadership has a lot of questions about how the new law affects the college and university, and we share your concern about what it means for our colleagues and the work we do across departments. The uncertainty and not knowing is difficult; however, our goal moving forward is to act in the most informed and measured way possible. To that end, we are seeking more clarity about how to interpret the law so we can best be prepared to act in alignment with other institutions across the state, including other medical schools.
Here is what I can tell you right now:
- The president has asked the provost to oversee the required changes to academic policies and processes required by the new law.
- The provost is working with the Deans Council, his senior staff and Faculty Senate to form a working group in each academic area where measures are required to be compliant with the new law.
- As chair of the Ohio Council of Medical School Deans, I will be meeting with the associate deans of education at each medical school to explore any collective impacts the new law might have on medical education. We are in the process of compiling questions in preparation for meetings with state officials.
- The new law does not affect student organizations and clubs.
- While many provisions of the law are focused on undergraduate education, there are areas that will have a direct impact on our college.
- I recommend taking a look at the University’s website for answers to submitted questions based on what we know currently.
Until we can provide further direction, stay the course. We will engage faculty and staff once we have clearer guidance.
Even in the most turbulent of times, we are united in our mission to create caring physicians. We are told repeatedly that our students and graduates are compassionate and caring physicians. That’s because each of us in our role at the college does our part to create a caring environment for everyone, students and colleagues alike.
I want to reassure you that our mission will remain the same, regardless of changes that happen around us. We will always seek students from all backgrounds and train them to care for patients from all backgrounds in the communities where they are needed most.
Every day I am grateful to work with the best colleagues and students in the nation. Challenging times reinforce my appreciation for all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for your continued support of the college and of each other.
Ken Johnson, D.O.