Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - January 23, 2017

3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Horrabin Hall 60/QC Complex 1420

Members Present: P.K. Babu (Vice Chair), J. Ehrlich, H. Hemphill, A. Hyde, J. Laurent, K. Pawelko (Chair), J. Stegall, M. Stryker

Guests Present: D. DeVolder, D. Hunter, C. Blackinton

Ex-Officio Present: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

Ms. Schulz presented a student appeal that was submitted past the agenda deadline and requested that the Council consider adding it to the end of the agenda.

Motion: To approve adding the appeal to the end of the agenda. (Babu/Laurent)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Request to hold an assistantship with less than a 3.0 graduate GPA

1. Communication

Student did not attend. Council members discussed questions regarding the rationale provided by the department and the student’s academic history.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Hemphill)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

B. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

1. Biological Sciences

Student was in attendance. He provided background regarding his academic history and relevant work experience. Dr. Pawelko asked about the courses being taken this semester and the expected grades.

Motion: To approve the request. (Stryker/Stegall)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

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

1. Biological Sciences

Student was in attendance. She explained that one low grade was received for a course in a PBC that she is no longer pursuing. Dr. Hemphill asked about incompletes on her transcript. The student responded that the work is almost complete and provided a timeline for the grades to be submitted.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Stegall)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Computer Science – Student A

Student and Dr. DeVolder were present. The student explained that he had a close family member pass away during the semester and could not concentrate. Council members asked questions regarding the student’s plan for completion and support system available.

Motion: To approve the request. (Babu/Hemphill)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

3. Computer Science – Student B

Student and Dr. DeVolder were attendance. Student discussed having a close family member pass away at the beginning of finals week. Council members discussed the circumstances.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hemphill/Ehrlich)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

4. Engineering Technology Leadership

Student and Dr. Hunter were present. The student stated that he started in a different program and realized that it was not the right program for him but had already earned low grades. He then switched programs and has done very well. Dr. Hunter added that the student is close to degree completion.

Motion: To approve the request. (Laurent/Stegall)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

5. Theatre

Student and Ms. Blackinton were in attendance. The student read a statement to Council members describing the circumstances that led to the low grade. Dr. Stryker asked for clarification regarding work commitments. Ms. Blackinton added that the writing component of the final project is where the student struggled and that faculty turnover played a role in his situation. Discussion was held regarding the department recommendation.

Motion: To approve the request. (Stryker/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

6. Computer Science – Student C

Student and Dr. DeVolder were present. The student presented his case and stated that health issues prevented him from performing well. Dr. DeVolder added information regarding the student’s grades and timeline of events. Discussion was held regarding the department recommendation.

Motion: To deny the request. (Stryker/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB


Meeting adjourned: 4:40 p.m.