Faculty Senate unanimously passed a proposal to establish a college of public health this afternoon.

After a lengthy discussion regarding the proposal, Senate Chairman Tom Janson called for a vote on the proposal, which was originally on the agenda as a discussion item.

Graduate Studies Dean Evelyn Goldsmith gave a presentation on the proposal, as well as several statistics regarding Ohio’s public health situation.

Goldsmith, who has been working with Provost Robert Frank on preparing the proposal, answered questions. Several senators questioned different aspects of the proposal, each clarifying their support for a college of public health.

Among talking points on the college were finances, curriculum and the job outlook for potential students.

Janson said he was pleased that the proposal passed.

“It’s important,” he said, “that any proposal go through the senate and that the faculty have full knowledge of all the details before the administration acts on it.”

The college would prepare students in seven key areas – biostatistics, clinical investigation, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, behavioral and social sciences, health services management and policy and an experienced professionals program.

Check with the Daily Kent Stater tomorrow for more information.

Contact academic affairs reporter Maria Nann at [email protected].