Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - December 5, 2022

3:00 p.m., Virtual

Members Present: P.K. Babu, Roberta Di Carmine, Hoyet Hemphill (Chair), Steven House (Vice Chair), Andrea Hyde, Todd Lough, Danyang Zhao

Members Absent: J. Jobu Babin

Guests Present: Sebastian Szyjka, Niyazi Ekici, Jeremy Robinett, Don McLean, Renee Polubinsky

Ex-officio Present: Mark Mossman

Others Present: Amanda Schulz

 

Ms. Schulz informed Council members that a request to change program requirements from the Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration department was submitted by the agenda deadline but was accidentally omitted. Council members were emailed the information and could move to add it to the agenda or review it at the next regular meeting.

Motion: To add the proposal to the agenda after announcements. (House/Zhao)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Business Administration

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

Student was not present. Discussion held over documents submitted indicating several personal tragedies.

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

2. Request for a late withdrawal

Student in attendance and explained the extensive documentation that was provided. Student indicated being in a better position to complete courses with confidence if given another chance.

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

B. Education

1. Request to transfer more than 18 s.h. hours into a doctoral program

Student and Dr. Szyjka were in attendance. Student explained that they completed their superintendent program at a different institution but started working with a mentor that completed their degree at WIU. They would like to transfer in additional relevant courses. Dr. Szyjka added support from the program for the additional hours.

Motion: To approve the request. (Lough/Di Carmine)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

II. GRADUATE FACULTY – FULL MEMBERSHIP

A. Kristin Wiseley, Assistant Professor, Education

Dr. Szyjka stated that Dr. Wiseley has taught a lot of graduate courses and is currently serving as the coordinator for a program while also pursuing a healthy research agenda. He also noted that she serves as a professional reviewer and is becoming involved with grants for the school.

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

B. Niyazi Ekici, Associate Professor, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Dr. Ekici was present and answered questions regarding his publications and current work adding that he does a lot with terrorism and perceptions among college students. Dr. Lough added that the department fully supports the request and that he has produced more research than others with tenure.

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

III. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Academic integrity incident reports filed in the School of Graduate Studies, November 2022 (0)

B. Graduate Student Research and Professional Development Fund

Ms. Schulz announced that the subcommittee selected nine of the applications to receive funding during the fall semester.

IV. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Request to change program requirements

1. Master of Science in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration

Dr. Robinett and Dr. McLean were in attendance and explained that the proposal is to create two options within the existing program to meet the demand in the field for an online option for working professionals. The new option would require the same number of credit hours but would only have the project as an exit option instead of the choice between the project, internship, or thesis. Courses offered would be restricted to students within this option. Dr. Hyde asked for clarification on the course offerings. Dr. Robinett noted that the courses will be sequential. Dr. Hemphill asked if the option would have directed electives. Dr. Robinett responded that the current program allows for the electives to be chosen with the student’s committee but the new option will have specific electives. Dr. Babu asked about the feasibility study and projected enrollment numbers. Dr. McLean responded that this is tapping into an existing market and they will not have to sell the students on the industry because they are already working in it. The program will capitalize on the recent move to Zoom and the familiarity with it now from the pandemic.

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

V. OTHER BUSINESS

Dr. Mossman announced that Bobbi Smith, Director of Financial Aid, will be invited to a Graduate Council meeting in the spring to discuss late withdrawals and the financial implications to the student and institution.

 

Meeting adjourned: 3:40 p.m.