Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - January 13, 2020

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

Members Present: C. Blackinton, J. Hammersley, H. Hemphill (Chair), B. Locke (Vice Chair), J. McQuillan

Members Absent: C. Anderson, K. Kapale, S. Szyjka

Guests Present: P. Anderson, A. Carr, C. Davis, T. Lough, S. Jenkins, D. DeVolder, J. Robinett, J. Plos, R. Polubinsky, D. Lane

Ex-officio Present: Mark Mossman

Others Present: A. Schulz

 

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Admission requirement appeal – integrated program

1. Bachelor of Art in Anthropology/Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Student present with Drs. Anderson, Carr, and Davis for department support. Dr. Anderson stated that the student’s academic record for previous hours shows competency even though the cumulative grade point average is below the requirement. Student added that grades from initial time at college had a big impact on the cumulative GPA. Dr. Davis added support stating that the student is exemplary and often does extra work just for the knowledge.

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

B. Request to transfer more than 9 s.h. into a master’s program

1. Public Safety Administration

Student not in attendance but Dr. Lough was present. Dr. Lough noted that there was a miscommunication between himself and the student about the number of hours that would transfer from the FBI Academy. Student needs the additional course to complete the degree and has met all other requirements. Discussion was held regarding grades.

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

C. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

1. Biology

Student present with Dr. Jenkins. Student explained that she had her mentor leave the University during her first semester. Dr. Jenkins added that the student was caught in the transition between advisors and could not take the courses in her desired area of focus. Discussion was held regarding the spring course load and plans to use resources moving forward.

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

2. Computer Science – Student A

Student present with Dr. DeVolder. Student suffered health issues during the fall semester plus has had family issues which increased his stress level. Has now started meditation and yoga to eliminate stress. Student stated that he struggled with specific topics but also plans to cut back on course load during the spring. The department added their support of the student and says he has a lot of potential.

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

3. Computer Science – Student B

Student in attendance with Dr. DeVolder. Student’s father suffered major health issues and was critical during the fall semester but is stable now. Student suffered own health issues during first semester on campus. Department supported student and stated that only one semester remained.

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

4. Computer Science – Student C

Student present with Dr. DeVolder. Student explained that he has enough hours to graduate but needs to raise his GPA. Student’s mother had health issues during the fall semester which were very distracting to the student. Dr. Hemphill asked about the first semester in which low grades were also received. Student noted that he did not adjust to the cold weather well when he first arrived here that spring semester. Student has submitted and been approved to retake a course for grade replacement which would increase his GPA enough to complete his degree.

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

5. Computer Science – Student D

Student present with Dr. DeVolder. Student explained that he took too many courses and had major exams all in the same week plus developed migraine issues. Student was on medication from home country but ran out and was not able to obtain more until he went home over break. Student also plans to take a lighter load during the spring semester. Discussion was held over timeline of treatment for migraines.

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

6. Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration

Student present with Dr. Robinett. Student explained that she had some difficulties in certain topic areas but did not utilize all campus resources that were available. Student has completed all requirements except the internship and that grade should bring up her GPA to over a 3.0. Dr. Robinett stated that the committee strongly supports her moving forward and that they believe her struggles were test-related, not performance related. Discussion was held regarding GPA and courses taken.

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

7. Sport Management – Student A

Student was present with Drs. Plos and Polubinsky. Student stated that he suffered significant family losses during the past year and almost did not come back to school. During the fall semester he worked two jobs with a full course load while struggling with the loss of the family members. Student noted that WIU provided him with all of the support he needed but the course load was too overwhelming. Dr. Polubinsky added that he has completed the required coursework and the low grade in the fall was from a course that he had to take due to a lack of other options. Discussion was held regarding GPA and requirements for the program.

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

8. Sport Management – Student B

Student not able to attend but Drs. Plos and Polubinsky were present. Student has completed coursework but needs the waiver to be able to graduate. Dr. Polubinsky stated that the low grade was earned in a course that was not part of the original degree plan but was the only option available to meet requirements due to staffing issues. Discussion was held regarding course offering.

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

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

1. Computer Science – Student A

Student and Dr. DeVolder present. Student noted that this is a new position for him but has been training for the position the last few semesters. Dr. Locke asked if this is a full-time position. Dr. DeVolder responded that yes, it is. The department interviewed numerous people and this student is the top choice for the position based on experience. Dr. DeVolder also noted that the department feels that the assistantship will aid in the student’s learning by putting him in a lab setting.

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

2. Computer Science – Student B

Student was in attendance with Dr. DeVolder. Student plans to take four courses during the spring semester even though he struggled in the fall. Student explained he had a gap between his undergraduate and beginning this program where he worked in the field for a few years. He struggled with adjusting to going to school again after being out for so long. Student explained that the assistantship position is the same type of work that he did during his break from school. Dr. Hammersley asked about the student’s plan to balance work and school. Student stated that he is not concerned because he has adjusted now and the work is something that he is used to doing. Dr. DeVolder noted that while the department is supportive of the student holding the position, they are not supportive of the student taking four courses this semester.

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

3. Psychology

Student and Dr. Lane were present. Student explained that she had a misunderstanding of the grading system in one of her courses but didn’t not realize it until the final weeks of the semester. Dr. Hammersley asked for clarification on the grading of the course. Student clarified that the grade was weighted differently than what she thought. Dr. Hemphill questioned an incomplete grade and the timeline for completing that course. Student noted that she did have an assistantship in the fall and was not able to complete the work required for this course. Dr. Lane added that the department evaluates the students with assistantships and this student received stellar reviews. Discussion was held regarding courses taken, GPA, and the recommendation from the department.

Motion: To deny the request. (McQuillan/Hammersley)
MOTION CARRIED 4 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB


Meeting adjourned: 5:14 p.m.