The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act proposes significant amendments to the governance and operation 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 provide annual educational programs for trustees covering fiduciary obligations, ethics, and financial management. The bill also modifies the terms of office for trustees, establishing six-year terms for those appointed on or after July 1, 2025, while maintaining nine-year terms for those appointed prior. Additionally, it clarifies that student trustees will not have voting power or count towards quorum requirements and removes restrictions on reappointment eligibility for trustees who have served full terms.

Moreover, the bill mandates that state institutions make course syllabi publicly available and develop a course in American civic literacy, which students must complete to receive a bachelor's degree after the 2029-2030 academic year. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual diversity by requiring institutions to develop a commitment statement and prohibits training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The bill also outlines accountability measures, including the designation of an administrator for compliance and the preparation of reports for the chancellor. Other provisions include a waiver process for programs under the chancellor's authority, restrictions on accepting donations from the People's Republic of China, and changes to faculty workload and evaluation policies. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize governance structures, enhance transparency, and promote educational standards 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