Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - August 22, 2016

3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Horrabin Hall 60/QC 2203

Members Present: P.K. Babu (Vice Chair), J. Ehrlich, A. Hyde, J. Laurent, K. Pawelko (Chair)

Members Absent: J. Stegall, M. Stryker

Guests Present: S. Romano, A. Shouse, P. White, S. McConnell

Ex-Officio Present: N. Parsons

Others Present: A. Schulz

Ms. Schulz presented two student appeals that were submitted past the agenda deadline by the same student and requested that the Council consider adding them to the end of the agenda.

Motion: To approve adding the appeals to the end of the agenda. (Babu/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Dr. Pawelko welcomed all Council members in attendance and provided an overview of the student appeal proceedings.

I. STUDENT APPEALS

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

1. Biological Sciences

Student and Dr. Romano were present. The student provided information regarding medical issues that had been ongoing but were now resolved. Dr. Romano added that she admires the student for overcoming barriers and the student’s perseverance.

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

2. Computer Science – Student A

Student was present and explained medical issues with documentation. Student hopes to graduate at the end of the year. Discussion was held regarding course grades and the potential to retake courses, delaying degree completion.

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

3. Computer Science – Student B

Student was in attendance. The student dealt with family health issues and plans to retake courses in the spring to improve understanding of material and also improve grades. The student indicated that his study habits have improved. Discussion was held regarding the student’s schedule and was advised to meet with the graduate coordinator for the best plan of action.

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

4. Computer Science – Student C

Student was in attendance and stated that he planned to take minimal courses so that he could focus on the material. Student stated that he had overwhelmed himself previously.

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

5. Instructional Design & Technology

Student was in attendance. The student stated that she began with another program and it was not a good fit but did not realize it until courses were done. Dr. Hyde asked about current courses and program. The student responded that these courses fit her interests better and are offered in a desirable format.

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

6. Liberal Arts & Sciences

The student and Dr. Shouse were in attendance. The student explained that he was unaware of the C rule at the graduate level but has since made changes in his personal life to focus on school. Dr. Shouse noted that the student came into the program during the transition of program directors.

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

B. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Museum Studies

Student was not present but Dr. White represented her.  Dr. White stated that the student works full-time but took a new job and that required more work than anticipated. The student thought that she could handle two courses but it was too much while starting a new position.

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

2. Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration

Student was in attendance and explained that she was dealing with major family health issues. She stated that she was overwhelmed and did not handle the situation appropriately. The family health issues are resolved now so the student can focus on her education.

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

C. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

1. Chemistry

The student and Dr. S. McConnell were present. The student explained that his undergraduate GPA was low due to work obligations. The student would not need to work an outside job if granted the assistantship and therefore could focus solely on work. Dr. McConnell stated that the department supports this request and has seen evidence that the student can handle the coursework and requirements of the assistantship.

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

D. Approved additions - Health Sciences requests

1. Request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule
2. Request to hold an assistantship with less than a 3.0 GPA

Student was in attendance and explained that she had a lot going on with her family life. Student was trying to do more than she could realistically handle but now is going to focus on her program. Student gave additional information regarding steps that she was planning to take to get back on track.

Motion: To approve the request to waive the 6-hour “C” rule (Hyde/Laurent)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

Motion: To deny the request to hold an assistantship with less than a 3.0 GPA. (Ehrlich/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 3 YES – 1 NO – 1 AB

II. Graduate Council Member Responsibilities Overview

Dr. Laurent proposed moving this item to a future meeting when all Council members could be present.


Meeting adjourned: 5:02 p.m.