Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - December 3, 2018

3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Horrabin Hall 60/QC 2127

Members Present: C. Harbke, H. Hemphill (Chair), A. Hyde, J. Laurent, B. Locke (Vice Chair), J. McQuillan, S. Szyjka

Members Absent: C. Blackinton, S. Szyjka

Guests Present: C. Conrad, D. DeVolder, A. Hart, L. Oden

Ex-Officio Present: M. Mossman

Others Present: A. Schulz

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Business Administration

1. Request to transfer more than 9 hours into a master’s program

Dr. Conrad was in attendance and explained that all hours are from AACSB accredited programs. Dr. Hemphill asked for clarification on the conversion of the hours being transferred. Dr. Harbke questioned the one credit hour course. Dr. Conrad noted that it did not transfer into WIU’s program.

Motion: To approve the request. (Laurent/McQuillan)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

B. Computer Science

1. Admission requirement appeal – integrated program

The student and Dr. DeVolder were present. Dr. Mossman provided background information regarding the process of this appeal. Dr. Hemphill asked about the cumulative GPA on the prepared transmittal. The student noted that the courses were from completely different programs and were from several years ago. Dr. DeVolder offered his support of the student’s appeal. Dr. Laurent questioned the letter of support included. Dr. DeVolder clarified that it was primarily authored by the chair of the graduate committee but he fully supports the letter. Discussion was held regarding transfer credit and integrated programs. Discussion also focused on the length of time between the student’s previous programs and this new start at WIU as well as the nature of the previous programs.

Motion: To approve the request. (Locke/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

C. Kinesiology

1. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

Student unable to attend but Dr. Hart was present to answer questions. Dr. Hart noted that the NCAA mandates continuous enrollment for student athletes and sometimes the courses that the students take are not required for the degree. This student took courses that dropped her overall GPA which is why she is being admitted as a probationary student. Dr. Hemphill asked about the responsibilities of the position. Dr. Hart noted that the student has a very specific skillset that is required for this position. Dr. Laurent questioned the balance of work versus courses and if there are any concerns at all. Dr. Hart stated that the program has no concerns at all.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/McQuillan)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

D. Sport Management

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

Student and Dr. Hart were present. Dr. Hemphill asked the student about previous grades. The student acknowledged that they were low due to him having a hard time adjusting to graduate school but he has gone to tutoring and meets with his professors. Dr. Harbke asked about the student’s current course load. Dr. Hart noted that the biggest challenge for the student is his remaining courses. Dr. Harbke followed up asking about the software used in the courses and questioned if there is something unique about the courses that make them more challenging. Student responded that he is using SPSS and trying to understand the format of the information. Dr. Laurent asked what the student’s motivation for staying at WIU is. Student responded that he truly believes that he can succeed and that he just needs to do his part. Discussion held regarding remaining courses and student’s GPA.

Motion: To approve the request. (Harbke/Locke)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB


II. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Academic integrity incident reports filed in the School of Graduate Studies, November 2018 (0)

B. Requests to serve as a reader on exit option committee,  November 2018 (0)

C. Graduate Research Conference

Ms. Schulz announced that the Graduate Research Conference will take place on March 22, 2019 which is a few weeks later than previous years. The call for proposals will go out soon.


III. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Educational Studies

1. Request for a 400-G level course

a. EDS 447, Teaching Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation to English Language Learners, 3 s.h.

Dr. Hyde was available to answer questions. Dr. Hemphill asked about the difference in the grading scale. Dr. Hyde responded that it was similar but the graduate grading scale took out the plus/minus grades. Dr. Laurent questioned the reason for adding the G to the course. Dr. Hyde explained that all the courses in the TESOL post-baccalaureate certificate are 400G level with the exception of two that are 500-level. Adding a G to this course would allow students to take it instead of the two 500-level courses. There are currently only two faculty members teaching in this area so offering one course makes more sense. Dr. Laurent asked about graduate enrollment in the program. Dr. Hyde stated that there are currently ten people doing TESOL. Dr. McQuillan noted an error on the graduate grading scale where the grade number ranges overlap each other. He also noted that the prerequisite has a G listed that should be removed.

Motion: To approve the request with a revised graduate grading scale. (McQuillan/Laurent)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB


IV. OTHER BUSINESS

None reported.

 

Meeting adjourned: 3:59 p.m.