Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - Special Appeals Meeting
August 24, 2015

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. - Horrabin Hall 60

Members Present: J. Averbeck (Vice Chair), P.K. Babu, V. Diehl, J. Ehrlich, K. Pawelko (Chair), S. Sanders, M. Stinnett, M. Stryker

Guests Present: H. Hemphill, S. Betz, A. Shouse, M. Romano

Ex-Officio Present: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Instructional Design and Technology

The student was unable to attend but Dr. Hemphill attended in support. The provided documentation was reviewed by Council members.

Motion: To approve the request for a late withdrawal. (Diehl/Stinnett). MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Geography

The student and department were unable to attend. The provided documentation was discussed by the Council.

Motion: To approve the request for a late withdrawal. (Averbeck/Stryker). MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

B. Request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule

1. Communication Sciences and Disorders

The student and Dr. Betz were both present. The student provided the background to her situation and the opportunities that were given to her. Dr. Pawelko asked about the plans should the student be reinstated into the program. Dr. Betz noted that the department would need to create a plan and then elaborated on the department’s recommendation. Council members asked for more specific details regarding the options available to the student. Dr. Betz and the student both provided the next steps that would be taken pending the approval/denial of the appeal.

Motion: To deny the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule. (Stryker/Averbeck). MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 2 NO – 1 AB

2. Liberal Arts and Sciences

The student and Dr. Shouse were present. The student explained his situation and described the extenuating circumstances that he had faced. He has worked with his professors in the past to find a good balance of courses. Dr. Stryker asked about his current courses. The student added that he has met with his professors and is working hard towards his end goal of completing the degree. Dr. Shouse added that the student has already started work with faculty for this semester.

Motion: To approve the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule. (Babu/Stryker). MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

3. Biological Sciences – Student A

The student and Dr. Romano were in attendance. The student gave a detailed explanation of the previous medical issues within her family. The student took on more than she should have during the semester. The student has since taken two additional courses and received A’s to show that she could handle the work. The Council made the student aware of the grade replacement policy at the graduate level. Dr. Romano added that it would be a possibility for the spring semester if the appeal is approved.

Motion: To approve the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule. (Averbeck/Stinnett). MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

4. Biological Sciences – Student B

The student and Dr. Romano were present. The student explained that she was new to the country and did not understand the educational system here. She did not seek out her advisor and isolated herself. Dr. Averbeck questioned how the student planned to do things differently. The student responded that she has reached out to her advisor and is communicating with faculty members now. Dr. Parsons stressed the importance of asking for help and reaching out to others on campus. Dr. Romano stated that the department would work with the student to find the appropriate courses if the Council approves the appeal. The grade replacement policy was explained to the student.

Motion: To approve the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule. (Diehl/Stryker). MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

C. Request to hold an assistantship with less than a 3.0

1. Biological Sciences – Student C

The student and Dr. Romano were present. The student described her medical issues and had supporting documentation. Dr. Romano verified that the student has specialized skills for the assistantship and that the department supports the student holding the assistantship.

Motion: To approve the request to hold an assistantship with less than a 3.0. (Babu/Sanders). MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

II. Graduate Council Member Responsibilities Overview

Dr. Parsons reviewed the procedures of Graduate Council meetings and stressed that this is the final decision regarding appeals. She also noted that she was aware of a potential request to change the exit option reader policy so that non-Unit A faculty members could chair a committee. Dr. Pawelko made note of a request to review how voting for full graduate faculty is handled at the meetings. Dr. Parsons discussed the voting rights of the Graduate Council members.

Meeting adjourned: 5:08 p.m.