Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - April 26, 2021

3:00 p.m., Virtual

Members Present: C. Anderson, C. Blackinton, S. Ghimire, J. Hammersley, A. Hyde, B. Locke (Chair), J. McQuillan (Vice Chair), T. Roberts

Guests Present: T. Davis, K. Kapale, J. Hancks, H. Nikels, J. Lin, S. Yoon, H. Hemphill, S. House, E. Sheffield, S. Thompson, P. McGinty, T. Killian, D. Schmidt

Ex-officio Present: M. Mossman

Others Present: A. Schulz

 

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

1. Community and Economic Development

Student in attendance. She explained that she was not focused as an undergraduate student. Now she is ready to buckle down after taking a break from her education and gaining real world experience with the Peace Corps. Dr. Locke asked for clarification on the position and academic program.

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

2. Educational Leadership

Student unable to attend but Dr. Davis was in attendance. Dr. Davis provided information on the interview process for the program and that he is hoping to have this student as his research assistant based on her topic of interest and background. He noted that her GPA doesn’t seem to accurately reflect her knowledge and credentials. Dr. Hyde asked about the student’s enrollment for the semester. Dr. Davis stated that she would need to take the 9 required hours. Discussion was held regarding the type of position it was.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Ghimire)
MOTION CARRIED: 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB


B. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Physics

Student and Dr. Kapale were in attendance. The student explained that he took an online course from his home country and thought he withdrew because he was having difficulty with remote learning but missed the deadline. Dr. McQuillan asked how many courses he is currently taking. Student responded that he is taking three. Dr. Kapale added his support and acknowledged the struggle with taking the course remotely.

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

II.  GRADUATE FACULTY – FULL MEMBERSHIP

A. Adee Athiyaman, Professor, Institute for Rural Affairs

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

B. Jeffrey Hancks, Professor, Counselor Education and College Student Personnel

Dr. Hancks provided information on his research and writing background indicating that he has lots of experience in numerous areas. Dr. Nikels stated that he has taught courses for the program previously and is now a faculty member for the program.

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


C. Hongbok Lee, Professor, Accounting, Finance, Economics & Decision Sciences

Dr. Lin stated that Dr. Lee is a long-time faculty member of the program and she was surprised to learn that he didn’t already have full graduate faculty status. He has had significant impact on scholarly activities within the program and the school wants to continue to utilize him with graduate student research projects.

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


D. Soon Suk Yoon, Professor, Accounting, Finance, Economics & Decision Sciences

Dr. Yoon and Dr. Lin were in attendance. Dr. Yoon noted his recent published papers. Dr. Lin added her full support for the status change.

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


E. Rong Zheng, Assistant Professor, Accounting, Finance, Economics & Decision Sciences

Dr. Lin noted that Dr. Zheng has been here four years and is very actively engaged with the students in the program.

Motion: To approve the request. (Anderson/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED: 6 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB


III. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Introduction of new Graduate Council members for 2021-2022

College of Business and Technology – Dr. Hoyet Hemphill, Engineering Technology
College of Fine Arts and Communication – Mr. Steven House, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Hemphill and Mr. House were present for the introduction. The Council welcomed the new members and thanked outgoing members Dr. McQuillan and Dr. Locke for their service.

B. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2021-2022

Dr. Hyde was nominated for the position of Chair but declined the nomination. Dr. Roberts and Ms. Blackinton were nominated and elected by acclamation for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.  

C. Graduate Council meeting dates for 2021-2022

Ms. Schulz announced the meeting dates for 2021-2022 are posted on the Graduate School’s website, wiu.edu/grad/gcmeetings.

D. Academic integrity incident reports filed in the School of Graduate Studies, March 2021 (0)


IV. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Accounting, Finance, Economics and Decision Sciences

Dr. Lin was present to answer questions for all curriculum requests for the School of Accounting, Finance, Economics and Decision Sciences

1. Request for a 400-G level course

a. ACCT/FIN 453, Estate Planning and Taxation, 3 s.h.

The graduate component for this course will be an additional project with more specific details than expected for the undergraduate students.

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

b. ACCT 455, Advanced Management Accounting, 3 s.h.

This course prepares students for licensing and the graduate students will have a deeper level of understanding the accounting system.

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

c. ACCT 456, CMA Preparation, 0 s.h.

This course will not have any difference between the undergraduate and graduate students because of the nature of the course but adding graduate credit will allow graduate students to register for the course.

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

d. ACCT 470, Tax II, 3 s.h.

This course was recently renumbered to be a 400-level course. Allowing graduate students to take it will align our program with other schools. Dr. Roberts asked if undergraduate students can become licensed. Dr. Lin responded that it depends on the type of license but yes, some can.

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

e. ACCT 472, EA Preparation, 0 s.h.

Dr. Locke asked about the difference between this course and ACCT 456 which was just approved for graduate credit. Dr. Lin noted that the courses prepare the students for different career paths and licenses.

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

f. FIN 452, Commercial Property and Liability Insurance, 3 s.h.

Dr. Lin stated that the content for this course is rigorous and the graduate students would do a pass/fail project. They would be required to complete a satisfactory paper in order to pass the class. She added that the material is very technical in nature. Dr. McQuillan pointed out the difference in grading scales and asked if it was possible to change it to points available for grads vs. undergrads. Discussion was held over the pass/fail model.

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

g. FIN 471, Investment Security Analysis, 3 s.h.

This course has a graduate level project that is a significant part of the overall grade.

Motion: To approve the request. (McQuillan/Blackinton)
MOTION CARRIED: 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

2. Request for a new graduate (500 or 600-level) course

a. ACCT 500, CPA Overview & Preparation, 0 s.h.

Dr. Lin explained that the CPA requires a completed bachelor’s degree but this course would provide a logistical assistance course for the CPA exam. The course would not be required but would give the students an opportunity to purchase study materials at a discounted price.

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

3. Request to change graduate program requirements

a. Master of Accountancy

Dr. Lin noted that their students are looking for two different career paths. The program is hoping to recruit students to both areas and not only public accounting. Ideally the program will eventually move to having separate options but for now they will be areas of emphasis. Dr. Locke asked if anything is being removed from the program. Dr. Lin responded that the core was reworked and they created more flexibility to help with the different career paths.

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

b. Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics

Dr. Lin noted that the changes are nominal and they clean up the list of directed electives for the program.

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

4. Request to change post-baccalaureate certificate program requirements

a. Business Analytics Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Dr. Lin stated that a course credit hour change from one hour to three hours required a rework of this post-baccalaureate certificate and increased it from eighteen hours to nineteen hours plus changed some of the other requirements.

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


B. Computer Sciences

1. Request for a 400-G level course

a. CS 481, Database Programming, 3 s.h.

Dr. McQuillan presented the course and noted that it is used by other programs on campus. Graduate students will look at additional data and sequencing that undergraduate students will not have. Dr. Ghimire asked about the prerequisites for the course. Dr. McQuillan responded that the required training is built into the course.

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


C. Education

1. Request to change graduate program requirements

a. Master of Arts in Teaching: Alternative Teacher Licensure

Dr. Sheffield stated that a couple of changes were needed to the existing program and they were asking to add two additional tracks. They are removing EDS 592 from the degree requirements because several of the current students already meet the requirement that the course was supposed to cover. It will still be required for students not currently working within a school district but will not officially be a part of the degree requirements. The proposed new tracks are built from existing courses in Elementary Education and English.

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


D. Earth, Atmospheric, and GIS

1. Request to change post-baccalaureate certificate program requirements

a. Community Development and Planning Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Dr. Thompson stated that the proposal reorganizes the certificate to make it simpler for students. Dr. Locke asked about the internship component.  Dr. Thompson responded that they could do an internship or take all courses. Dr. Roberts asked for clarification on the third track. Dr. Thompson explained the different choices for students. Discussion was held over the course requirements and their order.

Motion: To approve the request with an amendment to the order of requirements. (Ghimire/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED: 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

b. GIS Analysis Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Dr. Thompson noted the addition of the Health Sciences courses.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Ghimire)
MOTION CARRIED: 6 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB


E. Sociology and Anthropology

1. Request to increase credit hours

a. SOC 699, Non-Thesis Paper, 0 s.h. to 3 s.h.

Dr. McGinty explained that over time the non-thesis has changed from taking a paper and evolving it to now the course has a lot of flexibility and the students put in a lot of work creating the paper. Dr. McQuillan asked if they still wanted it as an S/U course. Dr. McGinty replied that yes, for now they want to keep the grading the same but will reevaluate after a few semesters with the credit increase in place.

Motion: To approve the request. (McQuillan/Hammersley)
MOTION CARRIED: 6 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB

2. Request to change graduate program requirements

a. Master of Arts in Sociology

Dr. McGinty explained that the proposed changes include the elimination of a course and a change to the electives which provides consistency in total program hours for the exit options.

Motion: To approve the request. (McQuillan/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED: 6 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB


F. Theatre and Dance

1. Request for a new graduate (500 or 600-level) course

a. THEA 520, Advance Stagecraft, 3 s.h.

Mr. House, Mr. Schmidt, and Ms. Killian were in attendance. Mr. House explained that this course, and the following requests, are part of a new concentration being proposed. This course is about the construction techniques for the sets that are built. Ms. Killian noted that it would be offered on a three-year rotation. Dr. Hemphill stated that there is concern from Engineering Technology about the metal and wood working aspects of the course. Dr. McQuillan added that he was concerned that Construction Management faculty were not consulted and that there should be communication because of possible overlap in the content areas. Mr. House explained that they did not reach out to other departments because of the very specific technique in their builds due to the temporary nature of the construction. Mr. Schmidt added that they build by different standards and requirements. Dr. Hemphill responded that the same tools are used as well as some of the same techniques. Dr. Locke countered that they may not overlap at all due to the specific type of construction being done. Dr. McQuillan noted that he felt like the conversation should have happened regardless. Ms. Killian asked if changing the titles of the courses would help clear up some of the confusion regarding the course content.

Motion: To postpone the request pending conversation with Engineering Technology. (McQuillan/Ghimire)
MOTION CARRIED: 3 YES – 1 NO – 2 AB

b. THEA 521, Automation, 3 s.h.

Discussion was held regarding possible overlap with Engineering Technology. Mr. Schmidt asked for clarification on the amount of perceived overlap. Ms. Killian stated that faculty in Theatre and Dance have expertise in this specific kind of construction and that reworking the paperwork should clarify everything.

c. THEA 522, Metal Working, 3 s.h.
d. THEA 523, Introduction to Entertainment Rigging, 3 s.h.
e. THEA 554, Graduate Technical Direction, 3 s.h.

2. Request to change graduate program requirements

a. Master of Fine Arts in Theatre – Technical Direction concentration

All requests were withdrawn by Theatre.


V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Graduate Student Cost Guarantee Resolution draft

Dr. Locke provided a brief summary from the previous meeting regarding the purpose of this document. Dr. Hammersley noted that he would like to be able to add comments to the draft before it is brought forward to the Council for action.

Motion: To begin the editing process of the document. (Hammersley/Blackinton)
MOTION CARRIED: 6 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB


VI. OTHER BUSINESS

Dr. Sheffield provided information to the Council on a proposal that he plans to bring forward in the fall regarding the transfer policy. The proposal will request adjusting the current transfer policy to a percentage of the program hours instead of a flat credit hour requirement. He believes this will help with recruitment into the doctoral program. The proposal will also ask to eliminate the “double-dipping” restriction so that students can use courses from a finished degree.


Meeting adjourned: 6:10 p.m.