Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - August 20, 2018

3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Horrabin Hall 60/QC 2108

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

Guests Present: L. Wolff, J. Averbeck, L. Frey, T. Killian, S. House, T. Lough, D. DeVolder, P. McGinty, A. Hart

Ex-Officio Present: M. 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.

 

II. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Request to transfer more than 12 hours into a doctoral program

1. Educational Leadership

Student was not present but Dr. Wolff attended on her behalf. Student is asking to transfer 20 hours in the doctoral program. Dr. Laurent asked if it would be a transfer or a substitution and how that would calculate into the amount of credit hours needed to complete. Dr. Wolff stated that it would be a discussion with Megan Bennett in the Graduate Office but essentially it would equal out to the same. She also noted that the student has met with the instructor for each course at WIU and the content is equivalent.

Motion: To approve the request. (Laurent/Locke)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

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

1. Communication

Student present with Drs. Averbeck and Frey. Student explained that his personal life impacted his early grades but that he has moved past those obstacles. He is currently working on an incomplete with an instructor and should have that grade by the end of the first eight weeks. Dr. Frey added support stating that he has shown a sense of responsibility, enthusiasm, and commitment for the possible position.

Motion: To approve the request pending approval and signatures on the petition from the department. (Hyde/Laurent)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

C. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

1. Chemistry

Petition was withdrawn by the student.

2. Theatre

Student was present with Ms. Killian and Mr. House. Student completed undergraduate at WIU but stated that he was not dedicated academically. He then went on to work professionally in Chicago in the Theatre District for eight years gaining valuable hands-on experience. Mr. House added support stating that the student is well aware of the rigorous nature of the program and that his work experience will give him an advantage. Ms. Killian stated that she has been working with him since spring on another project and has her full support.

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

D. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Curriculum and Instruction

Student was not present but Dr. Frey attended on her behalf. Dr. Frey noted that the student registered for the course but then failed to withdraw before the semester ended due to confusion over the process.

Motion: To approve the request. (Locke/Harbke)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Curriculum and Instruction – Unclassified

Student was not in attendance. Dr. Frey stated that the student did not meet the deadline to withdraw on her own because of personal health issues. The student also no longer needs the course for licensure so will not need to retake it.

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

3. Instructional Design and Technology – Unclassified

Student was not present but submitted medical documentation supporting her petition. Dr. Hemphill added that the student was not able to access email for a period of time due to the medical issues.

Motion: To approve the request. (Laurent/Locke)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

4. Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Student was in attendance with Dr. Lough. Student explained that she began graduate school in a different program that was not a good fit while also experiences a serious illness and personal safety issues. Dr. Lough added that she is an outstanding student in LEJA and did very well in her graduate courses over the summer. Dr. Laurent asked if the courses from the spring were needed. The student responded that no, she would not need any of them. Dr. Harbke asked for clarification on the transcript if the request was approved. Ms. Schulz noted that the courses would remain on the transcript but the grades would be changed to “W”.

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

E. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

1. Computer Science – Student A

Student was present with Dr. DeVolder. Student explained that the material presented was completely new and he struggled with a specific course. He added that he is currently working in the field and has met all other degree requirements. Dr. DeVolder stated that his transcript shows that he improved in courses during his time at WIU.

Motion: To approve the request. (Locke/Harbke)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Computer Science – Student B

Student was in attendance with Dr. DeVolder. Student noted that he experienced family health issues as well as being responsible for several family obligations all during the same semester. Significant stressors were present that interfered with his academic success. Student added that he has met the credit and GPA requirements to complete his degree. Dr. Hemphill asked if there is a competency exam in this program. Dr. DeVolder noted that no, this is an all coursework option without a competency exam.

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

3. Computer Science – Student C

Student was present with Dr. DeVolder. Student explained that a family member has had several surgeries back home that have impacted his studies.

Motion: To approve the request. (Locke/Laurent)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

4. Computer Science – Student D

Student was in attendance with Dr. DeVolder. Student stated that he experienced family difficulties in the Spring 2018 as his parents separated during the semester and he went home for a time. He has registered for additional courses this semester to increase his GPA so that he can complete his degree.

Motion: To approve the request. (Laurent/Harbke)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

5. Computer Science – Student E

Student present with Dr. DeVolder. Student explained that he struggled with concepts in one area. Dr. DeVolder added that the only course available during the spring semester was in database concepts which is the area that the student struggled with. The student didn’t have a choice of another course to complete his degree as all other sections were full. Dr. Locke asked about the course offerings of the program.

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

6. Sociology

Student was in attendance with Dr. McGinty. Student explained that she experienced the loss of a close family member during the spring semester. She is currently working on finishing an incomplete and is getting ready to begin an internship as well as an online course. Dr. McGinty added that the program is excited for the student’s internship opportunity and fully supports her as she experienced unexpected situations that impacted her grades.

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

7. Sports Management – Student A

Student was not in attendance. Dr. Hart explained that the student has accepted a full-time position but needs his degree complete. The student meets the GPA requirement. His grades suffered when he was invited to NFL camps and missed some classes but ultimately came back to finish the coursework required for the degree.

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

8. Sports Management – Student B

Student was present with Dr. Hart. Student explained that he struggled with statistics even after engaging in tutoring and studying with other students in the class. Dr. Laurent asked about the courses offered and the amount of courses being taken at a time. Dr. Hart noted that the student has done what was asked of him in the course but the bulk of the grade was in the final.

Motion: To deny the request. (Locke/Laurent)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

 

Meeting adjourned: 5:13 p.m.