Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - Special Appeals Meeting
January 26, 2015

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), M. Stinnett, T. Walker

Members Absent: S. Sanders

Guests Present: E. Rutledge, S. Turkelli, D. DeVolder, G. Woodruff, T. Honesty, N. Grant

Ex-Officio Present: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Academic Integrity

1. Mathematics

The student and an advisor were present. The student provided information regarding the appeal and the allegations. The instructor was also present and provided a detailed account of the incidents in his course. The Council asked several questions of the student and instructor before deliberating.

Motion: To find that there was a violation of academic integrity and deny the appeal. (Diehl/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

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

1. Computer Science

The student and Dr. DeVolder were in attendance. The student stated that he had family medical issues in his own country that caused him a lot of stress and distraction. He did not seek counsel until later in the semester. The student dropped one course but struggled with the rest. Dr. DeVolder added a statement of support.

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

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Computer Science

The student and Dr. DeVolder were present. The student explained that he experienced challenges with adjusting to a new school and country. The Council asked about the current semester’s schedule. The student responded that he was confident that he could handle the courses. The Council explained resources available on campus should the student need them.

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

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

3. Computer Science

The student requested that the petition be withdrawn from the agenda and placed on the March 2, 2015 meeting agenda.

C. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Computer Science

The student was not present but Dr. DeVolder provided support that all evidence indicated that the student had never attended classes in the fall.

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

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

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

1. Accountancy

The student and Dr. Woodruff were in attendance. The student explained that it was her first semester and she received a low grade on an exam that she could not recover from. The Council asked about the plan of action for this semester. The student plans to study and focus more on courses. Dr. Woodruff added that he spoke with all of the student’s professors and they all completely support the petition. He added that she is a very timely and well organized student in the department.

Motion: To approve the appeal. (Walker/McQuillan)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Theatre

The student, Ms. Honesty and Ms. Grant were present. The student explained that he recently changed his area of emphasis and last semester was still in courses that did not fit with his true passion. The Council asked about his plan of action and the courses that he is taking. Ms. Grant noted that the courses he is registered for are all interconnected. Ms. Honesty added that the department encouraged the change of emphasis and will be monitoring his progress closely while providing support. The department feels that the change of emphasis will make a significant difference in his grades.

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

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

E. Grade Appeal

1. Liberal Arts & Sciences

The subcommittee of the Graduate Council presented their report based on the hearing held on January 23, 2015. Dr. Pawelko explained the summary and gave the sub-committee’s recommendation to deny the appeal to the Council.

Motion: To approve the subcommittee’s recommendation to deny the appeal. (Stinnett/Averbeck)

MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB