Graduate Council Minutes - November 1, 2004

Mary Lou Kent Room, Malpass Library, 3:00 p.m.

Members present: B. Anderson, B. Baily, C. Blackinton, D. DeVolder (Chair), A. Ferree, R. Gessner, R. Kelly

Members absent: M. Bean, G. Vigue

Guests present: B. Mhlanga, N. Parsons, J. Wozniak

Others present: G. Sullivan

I. Approvals from the Academic Vice President from last month’s meeting were reviewed.

II. Graduate Curriculum

A. Sociology – M.A.
1. Request to add graduate credit to a 400-level course: SOC 462, Political Sociology, 3 s.h.

Dr. Wozniak presented the request for the department and answered questions from Council members. He indicated graduate students in the class will be required to answer additional essay questions, complete a term paper or content analysis. A motion was made to approve the request. MOTION CARRIED.

III. Graduate Faculty

A. David Banash, Assistant Professor, English

A motion was made to approve the request. MOTION CARRIED.

B. Laurel Borgia, Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction

A motion was made to approve the request. MOTION CARRIED

C. Jamie Johnson, Assistant Professor, Community Health and Health Services Management

Dr. Parsons was present to respond to questions from the Council. A motion was made to approve the request. MOTION CARRIED.

D. Bonny Mhlanga, Assistant Professor, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Dr. Mhlanga was present to respond to questions from the Council. A motion was made to approve the request. MOTION CARRIED.

E. Nathan Miczo, Assistant Professor, Communication

A motion was made to approve the request. MOTION CARRIED.

IV. Miscellaneous and Discussion

A. Military Service Policy

Council members reviewed and discussed the current policy on military service. A motion was made to accept the policy as is. MOTION CARRIED.

B. Plus-Minus Grading

Dr. Baily informed the Council that members of CAGAS have been charged by Faculty Senate to begin a study regarding the possibility of a plus-minus grading system at WIU. All faculty and students will be surveyed on the issue. She indicated at least one question on the faculty survey will be directed toward graduate education. Members discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this system.

C. Student Academic Integrity Policy and Grade Appeal Policy

Drafts 9 were reviewed by Council members. Dr. DeVolder informed the Council that the information is presently being reviewed by the University attorney. The updated drafts will be discussed and voted on once the attorney provides his recommendation. A motion was made to table this item. MOTION CARRIED.

D. Graduate Assistant Program Assessment

Dr. Baily presented on-line research regarding definitions of graduate assistants, teaching assistants, and research assistants as found at other Illinois public universities. She provided a sample of category definitions for the Council to consider.

Results of the survey sent to fiscal agents regarding research, teaching, and other duties assigned to their respective assistants were presented and assessed. After much discussion, the Council members decided to question colleagues for input to determine a clear definition of a teaching assistant. Council members were assigned colleges/departments to contact for feedback concerning current teaching assistant duties. A motion was made to table this item for further discussion. MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned: 4:55 p.m.