Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - Special Appeals Meeting
August 25, 2014

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. - Horrabin Hall 60

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

Members Absent: J. Stegall

Guests Present: M. Boley, D. Yoder

Ex-Officio Present: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Academic Integrity

1. Physics

The student and Dr. Boley were present. The alleged violation was falsification of admissions application. The student stated that the omission was not intended to misrepresent her previous education. She explained that at the time of the application submission, she had no proof of the degree in question and no way to obtain proof because of the policies of the university in question. The student has since been able to obtain emailed copies and will forward all materials to the Graduate School as they are available. Dr. Boley provided comments of support for the student. Discussion was held by the Council regarding courses taken and the student’s transcript.

Motion: To find that there was not a violation of academic integrity. (Diehl/McQuillan)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

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

1. Mathematics

The student was in attendance to answer questions. He explained that he started as an Economics major but then changed to Mathematics. The first low grade earned was in the Economics program. Dr. Sanders asked for specific language difficulties that were noted. The student stated that he struggled with English and the wording of some questions in the courses. Dr. Averbeck questioned what the student was going to do to improve this term. The student stated that he would study hard.

Motion: To approve the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule. (Babu/McQuillan)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Sport Management

The student was present to answer questions from the Council. He explained that he had dealt with family medical issues during his time on campus and did not utilize the resources available. He then took time away to refocus and start his own company. He stated that he has had a successful business for a few years now and would like the opportunity to finish his degree. Dr. Stinnett asked if he would continue his business while enrolled. The student responded that yes, but he can have limited involvement while pursuing his degree. Dr. Diehl asked about previous grades and managing courses. The grade replacement policy was explained as a potential option to the student.

Motion: To approve the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule. (Averbeck/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB 

C. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Sport Management

The student was not present. The Council discussed materials that were submitted.

Motion: To approve a late withdrawal from the Fall 2013 semester. (Averbeck/McQuillan)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

 2. Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

The student was present to respond to questions. He stated that he took a full-time position at the beginning of the semester and underestimated the amount of stress that would be involved. Dr. Stinnett asked about discussing the coursework with the instructor. The student responded that he did not contact the professor in one course at all.

Motion: To deny a late withdrawal from the Spring 2014 semester. (Diehl/Stinnett)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

3. Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration

The student was not present but Dr. Yoder attended in support. He presented a statement from the instructor of the course in question supporting the withdrawal.

Motion: To approve a late withdrawal from the Summer 2014 semester. (Stinnett/Diehl)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

4. Health Sciences

The student was present. She stated that she took eight hours over the summer while working and experiencing medical issues. The student explained that she has utilized available resources and now has it under control and is prepared for this semester.

Motion: To approve a late withdrawal from the Summer 2014 semester. (Babu/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

D. Request to hold an assistantship with less than 3.0 GPA

1. Health Sciences

This petition was withdrawn by the student. 

Meeting Adjourned: 4:55 p.m.