Public universities in the state of Ohio recognize a 12 hour per week teaching load as the norm from which workload policies are developed. Because faculty in departments with a doctoral program spend significantly more time on the teaching preparation, and research and service commitments associated with having doctoral students, they spend less time in the classroom.

The Department of Philosophy recognizes a four course per year (two courses per semester) teaching load as the standard for its faculty.

The following reductions from this standard are given on a regular basis:

Graduate Director (advising/administration)—one course per year.
Graduate Recruiter (recruitment/admissions)—one course per year.
Undergraduate Advisor—one course per year.
Assistant Chair—one course per year.
Chair—the reduction for the chair is established through negotiations between the Chair and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Additional reductions can be given on a very limited basis upon the recommendation of the Chair with the approval of the College of Arts and Sciences for the following:

Research reductions for probationary faculty negotiated as part of the start-up package.
Reductions for projects of major significance within the discipline or department (e.g., major editorial responsibilities, significant book contracts, drafting of major grant proposals, especially important and time-consuming service commitments, etc.)
Reductions for team-teaching (i.e., giving each faculty member full credit for a team taught course).

In the event that a faculty member's research lapses to the extent that he is no longer eligible for appointment to the Graduate Faculty, his or her teaching load may be increased appropriately by the Chair in consultation with the Advisory Committee.