University Senate discusses combining language majors, S.B. 1 impacts

The University Senate heard proposals for a new major in Miami University’s education department, as well as a combined major in the language department. Additionally, the senate discussed Miami’s plans for adherence to Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1).

Before the meeting began, Elizabeth Wardle, professor of written communication and co-president for voter service for the Oxford League of Women Voters, delivered an address about the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

If passed, it would require voters to present proof of citizenship before casting their ballot. Wardle voiced concerns about how the act could disenfranchise women who have changed their last name after getting married.

Ashley Johnson, inclusive special education program coordinator, and Darrel Davis, acting chair and professor of educational psychology, proposed an inclusive education bachelor of science with blended licensure. Under the current program, students can either study primary education (grades pre-kindergarten to 5th) or integrated education (grades 7th through 12th). The new program, which has already graduated a pilot program of 15 students, would combine these two majors.

“This is a program that our teacher candidates are really interested in,” Johnson said, “and this is a program that will be very, very attractive to our administrators.”

The licensure program revisions will help Miami students better teach inclusive education, which combines general education and special education. These practices allow Miami graduates to improvise and adapt to their students’ needs.

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The University Senate will vote on this proposal at the next meeting.

Mila Ganeva, department chair for German, Russian, Asian and Middle Eastern languages and cultures, and Elisabeth Hodges, associate professor and chair of French, Italian and classical studies, proposed a new languages and cultures major.

The major would replace six majors that are being deactivated: classical studies, East Asian languages and cultures, French, German, Italian studies and Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian studies.

The new program will have a streamlined curriculum and is estimated to serve roughly 100 majors and at least 220 minors. Hodges said the faculty was enthusiastic about getting to write and shape a new curriculum.

“Developing new courses is always such a great opportunity to delve into something new and investigate what our students are interested in,” Hodges said.

This proposal will also be up for a vote at the next University Senate meeting.

Jason Abbitt, associate dean of the graduate school, proposed a change in policy regarding how many classes could count for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Abbitt said this change would bring Miami in line with other universities across Ohio. The proposal gives a 15 to 18-hour cap on the number of courses that can count for both degrees.

The senate's next meeting is at 3:30 p.m. on April 28 in 111 Harrison Hall.

mahones5@miamioh.edu