Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - April 20, 2015

3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Horrabin Hall, Room 60/Quad Cities Complex 2108

Members Present: J. Averbeck, P.K. Babu, V. Diehl, J. McQuillan (Vice Chair), M. Stinnett, T. Walker

Members Absent: K. Pawelko (Chair), S. Sanders

Guests Present: G. Delany-Barmann, H. Hemphill, C. Lantz, J. McNabb, T. Killian, R. Morgan, A. Gregory, S. Cordery, B. Kincaid, C. Blackinton, G. Hall, J. Wozniak, H. McIlvaine-Newsad, P. McGinty, K. Kapale, L. Baker-Sperry, A. Alveshere

Ex-Officio: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

I. STUDENT APPEAL

A. Educational Studies

1. Request for a late withdrawal

The student was not present but had submitted an additional statement via email that was read by Ms. Schulz. Council members reviewed documentation.

Motion: To approve the request. (Averbeck/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Introduction of new Graduate Council members for 2015-2016

    1. Dr. Justin Ehrlich, Computer Science, College of Business and Technology
    2. Dr. Michael Stryker, Music, College of Fine Arts and Communication

B. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2015-2016

Dr. Pawelko and Dr. Averbeck were nominated and elected by acclimation for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

C. Graduate Council Meeting Dates for 2015-2016

Ms. Schulz announced that the meeting dates will be posted on the Graduate School’s website, wiu.edu/grad, by the end of the week.

D. Academic Integrity Incident Reports Filed in the School of Graduate Studies, March 2015 (0)

E. Requests to serve as a reader on exit option committee, March 2015 (0)

F. Graduate Program Assessment

Dr. Baker-Sperry presented the report to the Council. Dr. Parsons provided an overview of how the assessment process works and what they look for when reviewing the information. Dr. Baker-Sperry noted that the Council has received assessment reports for the last five years. The HLC has raised standards so what constitutes effective assessment has become more stringent. They are really working with programs that are only meeting the minimums. Dr. Parsons added that SLAC has been brought back and Dr. Averbeck is the representative from the Council. She also stated that there is a purpose and a need for assessment. Dr. Babu asked about programs that did not submit reports. Dr. Parsons responded that post-baccalaureate certificate programs have leniency right now but master’s programs will have a hold put on curriculum approvals until the reports are received.

III. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Art

1. Request for a 400-G Level Course

a. ARTE 411G, Art & Institutions, 3 s.h.
b. ARTH 488G, Pre-Modern Visual Culture, 3 s.h.
c. ARTS 495G, Professional Practices in the Arts, 3 s.h.

Drs. McQuillan and Averbeck raised questions on the proposals. The Council discussed moving the items on the agenda to give more time for a department representative to attend the meeting.

Motion: To move the Art items to the end of the agenda. (McQuillan/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

B. Counselor Education

1. Request for a New Graduate (500 or 600-Level) Course

a. CN 598, Internship II, 3 s.h.

Dr. Gregory was present and provided an overview of the course. She stated that it was hard for the students to complete the required hours in one semester so the department is proposing to split it over two semesters with the creation of this new course. Dr. Averbeck asked about CN 597. Dr. Gregory responded that the request for a change in course hours had been submitted and was pending the outcome of this. Dr. McQuillan questioned the new faculty that was mentioned in the request. Dr. Gregory answered that they just had a failed search but will start over this fall. Discussion was held regarding the number of lab hours and direct contact hours. Dr. Averbeck asked if a student would be able to take both internship courses in the same semester. Dr. Gregory responded that they could, but would not be advised to as it would be hard to complete all of the required hours.

Motion: To approve the request. (Stinnett/Diehl)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Request to Change Graduate Program Requirements

Dr. Gregory noted that there should be two requests, one for the School Counseling and one for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dr. McQuillan noted that only the request for School Counseling was in the packet. Dr. Gregory explained the changes and what was added to the School Counseling program. She also noted that she would check with the dean’s office on the other request.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

C. Educational Studies

1. Request to Increase Credit Hours

Motion: To consider all requests together. (Averbeck/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

a. EIS 535, Adolescent Psychology for Educators, 2 s.h. to 3 s.h.
b. EIS 536, Seminar in Cognition, 2 s.h. to 3 s.h.
c. EIS 540, Motivating Students to Learn, 2 s.h. to 3 s.h.
d. EIS 585, Seminar in Social Foundations, 2 s.h. to 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the requests. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Request to Change Graduate Program Requirements

a. Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies

Dr. Delany-Barmann was present to answer questions. She stated that the program is trying to accommodate student needs with the changes. Dr. Stinnett asked if the changes were going back to how the program began. Dr. Delany-Barmann answered that yes, it is clearer for students and gives them more flexibility plus it will greatly benefit the Quad Cities students. Dr. Averbeck questioned the language in the electives section of the Language, Culture, and Education Track. Dr. Delany-Barmann explained the rationale behind the electives and stated the many students take the courses for endorsements. Dr. Averbeck recommended moving EIS 453 to the core and adjust the hours for that section and the electives. Dr. Walker suggested adding the statement “choose six hours from the below courses” to the electives section of the Interdisciplinary Studies Track. Dr. Delany-Barmann agreed to both recommendations.

Motion: To approve the request with amendments. (Babu/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

D. History

1. Request for a 400-G Level Course

a. HIST 421G, Seminar in Global Environmental History, 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

E. Instructional Design and Technology

1. Request for a 400-G Level Course                                          

a. IDT 406G, Advanced Topics in Photography, 3 s.h.

Dr. Hemphill stated that additional assignments would be given to the graduate students. Dr. Babu noted that the abbreviated title would be in all caps and there was room for spaces to be added. Dr. Hemphill agreed to add the spaces in the abbreviated title.

Motion: To approve the request. (Averbeck/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. IDT 408G, Large Format Photography, 3 s.h.

Dr. Averbeck noted the same concern about the abbreviated title. Dr. Hemphill agreed to the Council’s suggested change.

Motion: To approve the request. (Walker/Babu)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

F. Sociology and Anthropology

1. Request for a 400-G Level Course

a. ANTH 405G, Forensic Anthropology, 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. ANTH 420G, Cultural Feast: The Anthropology of Food, 3 s.h.

Dr. Averbeck questioned the course objectives and how they pertained to graduate students. Discussion was held regarding the difference between the objectives at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Motion: To approve the request. (Walker/Diehl)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

c. ANTH 425G, Culture and Catastrophe: the Anthropology of Disaster, 3 s.h.

Dr. Parsons asked about the potential audience for the course. Dr. McIlvaine-Newsad answered that it would mainly be Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences students but possibly could be Chemistry and Museum Studies students as well. Dr. Averbeck questioned if there was any overlap with Health Sciences. Dr. McIlvaine-Newsad responded that the overlap was considered and supported when the course was originally proposed at the undergraduate level.

Motion: To approve the request. (Stinnett/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Request to Change Graduate Program Requirements

Dr. Wozniak noted that this request eliminates the comprehensive exam (SOC 602) as a requirement from all exit options.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

3. Request for Integrated Baccalaureate and Master’s Degree Program

a. B.A. in Anthropology/M.A. in Museum Studies

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

G. Theatre and Dance

1. Request to Increase Credit Hours

a. THEA 534, Graduate Technical Theatre Practicum, 2-4, repeatable to 9 to 1-4, repeatable to 18

Motion: To approve the request. (Averbeck/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. THEA 547, Advance Movement I, 2 s.h. to 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

c. THEA 548, Advanced Movement II, 1 s.h. to 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the request. (Averbeck/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

d. THEA 568, Advance Voice Technique IV, 2 s.h. to 3 s.h.

The Council noted that the title should read Advanced Voice Technique IV not IIII.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Ms. Killian brought to the attention of the Council that a request to increase credit hours for THEA 567, Advanced Voice Technique III had inadvertently not been submitted with the other requests. Copies were available for Council members to review. Dr. Gregory also noted that the additional program requirement change form for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option had been located in the dean’s office and copies were available.

Motion: To add the request to increase credit hours for THEA 567 to the end of the curriculum portion of the agenda. (Stinnett/Diehl)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Motion: To add the request to change program requirements for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option to the end of the curriculum portion of the agenda. (Averbeck/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Request to Change Graduate Program Requirements

Mr. Kincaid clarified that this request is for the Acting emphasis in the program. Dr. McQuillan asked about the catalog copy and if the electives would now be shown. Mr. Kincaid responded that no, the catalog copy would be the same format without all electives listed.

Motion: To approve the request pending approval of request to increase credit hours of THEA 567. (Averbeck/Walker)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Additional curriculum items added to agenda:

3. Request to increase credit hours

a. THEA 567, Advanced Voice Technique III, 1 s.h. to 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the request. (Walker/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

H. Counselor Education

1. Request to Change Graduate Program Requirements

a. Clinical Mental Health Counseling option.

Motion: To approve the request. (Stinnett/Babu)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Council members revisited items submitted by the Art Department.

A. Art    

1. Request for a 400-G Level Course

a. ARTE 411G, Art & Institutions, 3 s.h.

Dr. McQuillan raised concern over the statement “course grade must be higher than B” on the request form. Dr. Averbeck also voiced concern over the justification section of the request.

Motion: To postpone the request until a department representative could be present. (Averbeck/Diehl)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. ARTH 488G, Pre-Modern Visual Culture, 3 s.h.

Council members noted several questions on the proposal.

Motion: To postpone the request until a department representative could be present. (Averbeck/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

c. ARTS 495G, Professional Practices in the Arts, 3 s.h.

Motion: To approve the request. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

IV. GRADUATE FACULTY – FULL MEMBERSHIP

A. Saisudha B. Mallur, Assistant Professor, Physics

Dr. Kapale was present as a department representative. Dr. Parsons asked about the non-refereed presentations and if that was common in the discipline. Dr. Kapale responded that it was dependent on the conference.

Motion: To approve the request. (Averbeck/Diehl)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

V. OLD BUSINESS

A. Grade Point Average Requirements Sub-Committee

Dr. McQuillan provided an update on the sub-committee and stated that Dr. Sanders was also on the committee. They would like to continue exploring the idea of requiring a 3.0 GPA on the degree plan and would therefore like to extend the sub-committee to the fall.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. Faculty Initiative Request for the School of Graduate Studies: The School of Graduate Studies Professional Development Program

Dr. McNabb presented a proposal to the Council regarding the creation of the School of Graduate Studies Professional Development Program. At this time, Dr. McNabb is asking the Council to consider creating a sub-committee to further explore the option of creating this program as she feels this is the next appropriate step in the process. Dr. McNabb stated that the operational aspect of the program still needs to be worked out but the program could be used as a marketing tool. Currently, WIU is lacking a centralized mechanism to promote professional development to graduate students. Dr. Parsons asked about the logistics of the program and how it would be oriented. Dr. McNabb responded that she envisions the graduate committees and their chairs would review possible opportunities and determine what is most appropriate in their discipline. The Career Development Center has been consulted and is willing to assist. The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research has agreed to assist with attendance tracking as well. Dr. McNabb added that this would be self-regulating as much as possible and that the tracking element of the program still needs the most work.

Dr. McQuillan stated that he had emailed some suggestions to Dr. McNabb. Dr. Averbeck added that he thinks this is a great idea but his only concern is what the certificate actually does for the student. Dr. McNabb responded that it is an item that can be included on their CV and/or resume. The program is more about the process than the end result. It will be a self-enrolled program so everything falls on the student as to if they want to do the program and ultimately if they want to complete it. The certificate would serve as a check to those that actually complete it. Dr. Averbeck stated that he still was not sure if any students would see the benefit to completing the program. Dr. McNabb added that the program could be used as a gateway into resources that the students do not have access to now. Dr. Stinnett noted that most students in her area are working teachers that mostly take evening and weekend courses. She asked what the options for them are. Dr. McNabb answered that there could potentially be pre-evening seminar sessions and weekend seminars or academies. Dr. Walker added that she thinks this is a very good and practical idea but would like to know more about other avenues to create professional portfolios. Dr. McNabb responded that the Career Development Center offers workshops and one-on-one meetings for students.

Motion: To form a sub-committee in the fall semester. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

VII. OTHER BUSINESS

Dr. Parsons started a conversation regarding the initial GPA required to hold an assistantship. The current policy states that a student must have a 3.0 graduate GPA to be eligible for an assistantship meaning that those students that have not taken any graduate courses, are eligible with an undergraduate GPA of less than a 3.0 as long as they were regularly accepted into a degree program. Some institutions require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to hold an assistantship if no graduate coursework has been taken yet while others are similar to our policy. Discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of the policy as it is. Council members agreed that this should be a discussion point in the fall and potentially a sub-committee could be formed.

Meeting adjourned: 5:35 p.m.