Dear Colleagues,
As we prepare for the arrival of new and returning Buckeyes, I want to welcome you back from what I hope was a relaxing summer in which you found time to recharge and reconnect with family and friends — and perhaps work in a trip or two. I also welcome our new faculty, graduate teaching associates and instructors who are joining us this fall. You have the privilege and responsibility for shaping the student academic experience, and I am thrilled to have you on our campuses.
Soon, the calm of summer will be replaced by the dynamic pace of another autumn semester, and I write to share several resources, policies and updates from the Office of Academic Affairs that will be useful throughout the autumn term.
I encourage you to review the following information carefully, which includes guidance around Ohio State’s implementation of SB 1. In addition, you will find tools and resources that provide support for instructors as we implement our AI Fluency initiative. Finally, I want to call your attention to information about religious accommodations.
In addition to the items included in this email, a webpage has been created where faculty and instructors can find more resources and support that will be updated throughout the autumn 2025 term.
Faculty/Instructor Resources and Support
AI Fluency
Ohio State is leading a bold, groundbreaking AI Fluency initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the undergraduate educational experience. The initiative will ensure that every Ohio State student, beginning with the class of 2029, will graduate being AI fluent — fluent in their field of study, and fluent in the application of AI in that field.
Teaching and learning with AI at Ohio State
Ohio State offers a broad range of resources to help faculty effectively and ethically engage with AI tools in their teaching. From practical guidance to hands-on support, multiple departments across the university offer resources to help educators incorporate AI into teaching and learning.
Explore available tools, workshops and best practices:
- Approved AI tools
- Teaching and AI | Artificial Intelligence at Ohio State
- Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning events
Ohio State is continuing to expand resources and tools to help faculty build expertise and engage innovatively with AI. Visit the AI Fluency webpage for updates.
SB 1 at Ohio State
The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (Senate Bill 1) went into effect on June 27, though a number of provisions in the bill have delayed effective dates. Over the summer, an implementation committee engaged with as many Ohio State faculty, staff and students as possible during a short timeline.
A comprehensive set of resources, policies and guidance can be found on the SB 1 Compliance webpage.
Here are some of the most common questions we have heard from faculty, instructors and graduate teaching associates:
Does SB 1 prohibit teaching certain topics in academic courses?
No. SB 1 does not in any way limit the subjects, topics, or materials that may be included in academic courses, nor does it limit academic freedom and responsibility as set forth in Faculty Rule 3335-5-01. Instructors (including faculty, staff, and graduate students serving in instructional roles) may still teach concepts and materials that may be considered controversial or divisive, so long as these matters are relevant to the course and its learning outcomes, consistent with the academic responsibilities outlined in the above rule. Read more on Intellectual Diversity guidance.
What impact does SB 1 have on teaching, classroom discussion, and debate?
In short, while SB 1 does not limit the content that instructors may address in an academic course (see above), instructors must ensure that students are permitted and encouraged to express a range of perspectives in discussions and to form their own conclusions about controversial issues as part of the course and its learning outcomes. Read more on Intellectual Diversity guidance.
What impact does SB 1 have on faculty annual reviews?
The university has long required academic units to provide all compensated faculty with “an annual written performance review that examines performance over the prior year and sets goals for future performance.” The full requirements for such reviews are set forth in the Faculty Annual Review and Reappointment policy . SB 1 outlines a series of minimum standards for faculty annual reviews, some of which are already outlined in this policy, and some of which are new. In addition, SB 1 requires a written system of peer evaluations to support professional development and a review and appeal process for annual reviews. Read more on Faculty Annual Review, Post-Tenure Review, and Other Policies guidance.
Where can I find additional support regarding SB 1 compliance?
Faculty may also consult with the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Faculty Ombudsperson. Graduate students are strongly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor and/or course director with specific questions about their courses, and can also contact the Graduate School for additional support. Graduate and professional students may likewise consult with the Graduate and Professional Student Ombudsperson regarding other concerns.
Throughout the fall semester, the Office of Faculty Affairs will hold a series of open office hours for faculty and instructors to answer questions on a variety of issues, including SB 1-related topics. Each session will include representatives from Faculty Affairs, the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Ethics and Human Values. These sessions are open to all faculty and instructors, including graduate teaching associates. More information is available on the Faculty Affairs website , and additional information will be shared throughout the semester in On Campus and in the monthly Faculty Focus email newsletter.
For specific questions concerning SB 1, please consult the university’s dedicated SB 1 compliance site, which contains information on a broad range of SB 1-related issues. For SB 1 questions beyond the information on that site, contact legislativequestions@osu.edu.
Religious accommodations
Ohio State has had a longstanding practice of making reasonable academic accommodations for students’ religious beliefs and practices in accordance with applicable law.
Students must be in early communication with their instructors regarding any known accommodation requests for religious beliefs and practices, providing notice of specific dates for which they request alternative accommodations within 14 days after the first instructional day of the course. Instructors in turn shall not question the sincerity of a student’s religious or spiritual belief system in reviewing such requests and shall keep requests for accommodations confidential.
With sufficient notice, instructors will provide students with reasonable alternative accommodations with regard to examinations and other academic requirements with respect to students’ sincerely held religious beliefs and practices by allowing up to three absences each semester for the student to attend or participate in religious activities. Examples of religious accommodations can include, but are not limited to, rescheduling an exam, altering the time of a student’s presentation, allowing make-up assignments to substitute for missed class work, or flexibility in due dates or research responsibilities. If concerns arise about a requested accommodation, instructors are to consult their tenure initiating unit head for assistance.
Learn more about religious accommodations
Additional resources for undergraduate classes
Norman Jones, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education, has compiled additional reminders and resources for undergraduate class instructors.
Learn more about Undergraduate Education
Although this is my first opportunity to https://ugeducation.osu.edu/academics/policies-and-faculty-resources/reminders-and-resources-undergraduate-class-instructorsxperience autumn semester as a Buckeye, this time of year always evokes a sense of optimism for new possibilities, and it brings about feelings of gratitude for the opportunities that come with working in academia.
Thank you for your ongoing contributions to student success and the advancement of our university’s mission this semester. Have a great start to the academic year, and I wish you a fulfilling and productive fall semester.
Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Executive Vice President and Provost