The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act proposes significant amendments to the governance and operational standards of state institutions of higher education in Ohio. A key feature of the bill is the introduction of a new section, 3333.045, which requires the chancellor of higher education to develop educational programs for board trustees, focusing on fiduciary obligations, ethics, and financial management. The bill modifies the terms of office for trustees, establishing a six-year term for those appointed on or after July 1, 2025, while maintaining a nine-year term for those appointed prior to that date. Additionally, it clarifies that student members of the boards will not have voting power or be counted for quorum purposes, and it removes previous restrictions on reappointment eligibility for trustees who have served full terms.

The legislation also mandates that state institutions adopt a statement of commitment to free intellectual inquiry and civil discourse, while prohibiting training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It requires institutions to develop a course in American civic literacy as a prerequisite for obtaining a bachelor's degree starting in the 2029-2030 academic year. Furthermore, the bill outlines new faculty workload policies, evaluation processes, and mandates annual performance evaluations, including a post-tenure review for tenured faculty. It prohibits state institutions from accepting donations from the People's Republic of China and establishes a framework for addressing complaints related to intellectual diversity rights. Overall, the bill aims to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability within Ohio's higher education system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3335.02, 3335.09, 3337.01, 3339.01, 3341.02, 3343.02, 3344.01, 3345.45, 3350.10, 3352.01, 3356.01, 3359.01, 3361.01, 3362.01, 3364.01, 4117.14, 4117.15, 3333.045