Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - February 2, 2015

3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Horrabin Hall, Room 60

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

Guests Present: G. Sullivan

Ex-Officio Present: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

I. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Academic Integrity Incident Reports Filed in the School of Graduate Studies, November and December 2014 (6)

1. Resolved at instructor level – (5)
2. University level appeal – (1)

Ms. Schulz announced that there were a total of six reports filed during the months of November and December. Five were resolved at the instructor level and one was heard at the University level in January.

B. Requests to serve as a reader on exit option committee, November and December 2014 (0)

Ms. Schulz reported that there had been no requests to serve as a reader on an exit option committee during November and December.

C. Graduate Research Conference

Ms. Schulz announced that the second annual Graduate Research Conference will be held on March 6 in the University Union. The deadline for abstract submissions was January 30 and over 70 had been received. The Conference Planning Committee is still looking for volunteers to serve as judges and moderators. Drs. Sanders and Walker volunteered to serve as judges.

D. Full Graduate Faculty Status Requirements – Open Meeting

Ms. Schulz reported that the open meeting regarding the change in language for full graduate faculty status requirements is scheduled for February 16, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the Capitol Room of the Union with a CODEC connection to Riverfront 120. The open meeting is a requirement as the Operating Paper of the School of Graduate Studies will be changed.

II. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Computer Science  

1. Request for a 400-G Level Course

a. IS 405G, Business Intelligence and Decision Support Systems, 3 s.h.

Dr. McQuillan provided additional information regarding the course and that it could potentially be used in the Business Analytics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate as well. The Council asked for clarification on the prerequisite. Dr. McQuillan responded that it should say “IS 341 and 342, or consent of the Director of the School of Computer Science.”

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

MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

III. NEW BUSINESS

A. Proposal to Change Admission Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs

Ms. Sullivan presented the proposal and an overview. The current policy is to admit students if they provide proof of a bachelor’s degree without calculating a GPA. The proposal would standardize GPA requirements to meet the minimum Graduate School requirements. Dr. Parsons added that this would eliminate backdoor entry into master’s programs. Dr. Diehl asked about the concern expressed by the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Department. Ms. Sullivan responded that it was a possibility that enrollment could be affected by the proposed policy but it would allow departments to better track those in the PBC programs. Dr. Diehl questioned how probationary status applied to PBC programs. Ms. Sullivan stated that probationary students would not be eligible to be in a PBC program but they could take graduate courses to raise their GPA and then apply to the certificate. Dr. Averbeck added that it appeared to be a reasonable proposal and that there are still several ways for students to be accepted into the programs.

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

MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

IV. OTHER BUSINESS

Dr. Parsons provided an update to the Council regarding the Graduate Committee Chair meeting that was held on January 28, 2015. Discussion at the meeting involved recruitment at the graduate level and the recruiting plans that were submitted by individual departments. Dr. Parsons also noted that the Graduate School was still working on communication plans to prospective students. The next meeting for this group will be scheduled for a date to be determined in April. The group is now meeting once in the fall semester and twice during the spring semester.

V. STUDENT APPEAL

A. Communication

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

The student was in attendance via telephone. He explained that he would like to pursue a position in higher education but needs to complete his degree. Dr. Diehl asked for an explanation of the low grades earned during the program. The student responded that he had too many commitments during the beginning of the program but has since scaled back. Dr. Stinnett questioned the student’s current employment status and other commitments. The student answered that he is only working part-time and can fully focus on finishing his final coursework. Dr. Pawelko asked about working with faculty and if the department supports his plan. The student responded that he has the full support of the faculty and department chair to complete his degree.

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

MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Meeting adjourned: 4:08 p.m.