Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - August 19, 2019

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

Members Present: S. Ghimire, J. Hammersley, H. Hemphill (Chair), B. Locke (Vice Chair), S. Szyjka

Members Absent: C. Anderson, C. Blackinton, K. Kapale

Guests Present: T. Feld, R. McConnell, C. Morrow, D. Banash, J. Robinett, R. Polubinsky

Ex-officio Present: Mark Mossman

Others Present: A. Schulz

 

I. Graduate Council Member Responsibilities Overview

Dr. Mossman advised those in attendance of the responsibilities of Graduate Council members. He reminded members that Graduate Council is the final decision on graduate-level business and should not be seen as an advisory role. He noted that only the information provided during appeals should be used for decisions.


II. STUDENT APPEALS

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

1. Business Administration

Student present with Dr. Feld as the program representative. Student stated she had just graduated and took only one course over the summer but it was one of the hardest in the program. Dr. Feld added that the student has done very well in bridge courses and anticipated her doing well in all other courses. This one course was the only grade in the graduate GPA right now.

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

2. Chemistry

Student present with Dr. McConnell as the program representative. Student took 22 hours during the spring semester with one counting for graduate credit but realized that it was too much. Dr. McConnell added that she has demonstrated great ability in courses and the department really needs her for their labs because of the limited availability of instructors. Dr. Locke asked if the current registration is a typical load for this program. Dr. McConnell responded that yes, it is the typical schedule.

Motion: To approve the request. (Ghimire/Szyjka)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

B. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

1. English

Student present with Drs. Banash and Morrow as the program representatives. Student attended as an undergraduate and did not fully focus during the time here. He took time away to gain life experiences and feels ready for graduate coursework now. Dr. Banash fully supports him and thinks his experiences have positioned him well to succeed while holding an assistantship. Student added that he is active participant in writing groups across Chicago. Dr. Hemphill inquired as to the type of assistantship. Dr. Hammersley asked if it is a full-time or part-time position. Dr. Banash provided those details.

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

2. Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration

Student was present with Dr. Robinett as the program representative. Student explained that he was not a strong undergraduate student and left to join the military where he gained a new appreciation for learning. Since returning he has been involved in campus groups and wants to make a positive impact on campus. Dr. Robinett added that he possesses unique talents that make him a valuable asset to the program and to the assistantship position. Dr. Ghimire questioned that summer course that was taken. Student replied that it was taken as an undergraduate course for exposure to the discipline. Discussion was held regarding registration and other courses taken.

Motion: To approve the request. (Locke/Szyjka)
MOTION CARRIED 4 YES – 1 NO – 0 AB

3. Sport Management

Student present with Dr. Polubinsky as the program representative. Student completed undergraduate program at another institution and changed focus during junior or senior year. Student has held numerous positions related to sport management and the assistantship position that he will hold. Discussion was held regarding courses taken.

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

C. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Computer Science

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

2. Curriculum and Instruction

Student not able to attend but Dr. Szyjka served as the program representative. Student experienced medical issues during the semester and was able to provide documentation.

Motion: To approve the request. (Ghimire/Szyjka)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

D. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

1. Computer Science

Student and department not able to attend. Dr. Ghimire questioned the undergraduate courses taken and their grades. It was noted that undergraduate deficiency courses do not count towards the C rule or the graduate GPA.

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

2. Sport Management

Student not able to attend. Dr. Polubinsky was in attendance as the program representative. Discussion was held regarding the internship course. Council members determined that more information was needed from the student.

Motion: To postpone to the September meeting. (Locke/Hammersley)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

 

Meeting adjourned: 4:34 p.m.