OU works to restructure academics ATHENS, OH (WOUB) - Big time change is underway at Ohio University.

Workers are being notified they no longer have jobs in an effort to cut costs.

The number of cuts is not yet clear.

At the same time, discussions have started about academic restructuring that is also designed to save money.

One of the major areas of change involves a new academic health center.

Gary Nieman is the dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

He says, "I think it's a real win-win situation. It is also a change, and some people are uncomfortable with change, or are uncomfortable with the questions that change brings."

Nieman explained that the College of Health and Human Services would join the College of Osteopathic Medicine to form a College of Health Sciences and Professions.

He says changes like those need to be made. "We will try to make the modifications necessary for the best proposal for the future of Ohio University."

Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl said the plan is still in its very beginning stages. © Copyright 2012, WOUB