Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - January 23, 2023

3:00 p.m., Virtual

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

Guests Present: Rich Musser, Tara Feld, Nathan Miczo, Dennis DeVolder, Jim La Prad, Dave Hunter, Sam Thompson, Miguel Narvaez, Sandy McFadden, Jeremy Robinett

Ex-officio Present: Mark Mossman

Others Present: Amanda Schulz

 

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Biology

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

Student and Dr. Musser were in attendance. Student explained that they are just starting out in the program. Dr. Musser added that the student had only taken one graduate course so far and it was one of the toughest in the program.

Motion: To approve the request. (Babu/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

B. Business Administration

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

Student and Dr. Feld present. Student discussed grades earned for the first semester. Dr. Feld fully supports the request.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

2. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

a. Student A

Student unable to attend. Dr. Feld provided background information on the student’s courses and the specific course that several students had difficulty with. This student took a course for graduate credit that didn’t need to be.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/House)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. Student B

Student unable to attend. Dr. Feld explained that the student is a working professional and has taken one course twice but struggles with the course. They have come up with a new path for the student to complete the degree.

Motion: To approve the request. (Zhao/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

c. Student C

Student unable to attend. Dr. Feld stated that the student really struggled the first semester and has rebounded but encountered a significant family event at the end of the last semester. Discussion over grades throughout the graduate program.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Di Carmine)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 2 NO – 1 AB

d. Student D

Student unable to attend. Dr. Feld provided background about the struggles that the student is going through personally. Discussion held over provided medical documentation. Dr. Hyde asked about a break in the program. Dr. Babin inquired about online sections of the courses available. Dr. Feld responded that the student might take a break and if they decided to continue, that there are online sections that could work for degree completion.

Motion: To approve the request. (Babin/House)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

e. Student E

Student and Dr. Feld were in attendance. Dr. Feld discussed the likelihood of the student being able to achieve the requirements for degree completion. Student explained that they were not in a good situation emotionally or financially and didn’t know about the C rule. Dr. Hyde asked about plans for the degree. Student responded that they want to work in multi-national companies. Discussion held over course delivery method.

Motion: To deny the request. (Babin/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

f. Student F

Student and Dr. Feld present. Student expressed disappointment in self and expressed regret over not putting their all into the program. Student added that their mother was very ill and they didn’t focus on their courses. Dr. Feld stated her concern over GPA and the ability to succeed in the program. Discussion was held over courses remaining, GPA, and degree completion.

Motion: To deny the request. (Hyde/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

g. Student G

Student and Dr. Feld were in attendance. Dr. Feld noted that the student has completed the majority of courses for the program and only struggled in two very tough courses. Discussion was held over the plan for retaking courses.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 2 NO – 0 AB

h. Student H

Student unable to attend. Dr. Feld did not support based on previous performance.

Motion: To deny the request. (Babin/House)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

C. Communication

1. Request for a late withdrawal

Student and Dr. Miczo present. Student explained that they had emotional situations during the covid semester and wants to redo the courses to complete the degree. Dr. Miczo added his support and stated that the department wants to see the student finish. Dr. Hemphill asked about the completion of the thesis. Student responded that they are going to change exit options to ensure completion of degree.

Motion: To approve the request. (Zhao/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

D. Computer Science

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

a. Student A

Student unable to attend. Dr. DeVolder discussed concerns over struggles moving forward for the student. Dr. Babin asked for clarification on courses and grades earned which Dr. DeVolder provided.

Motion: To deny the request. (Babin/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. Student B

Student and Dr. DeVolder were in attendance. Student noted that they went home for medical treatment and is asking for one additional chance. Dr. DeVolder added that the department supports the request. Dr. Babu asked about the current status of their medical issues. Student responded that they are much better. Discussion was held over the student’s GPA.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Di Carmine)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

c. Student C

Student and Dr. DeVolder present. Student struggled in three separate areas but the department fully supports the request and has a plan for moving forward.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Zhao)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

d. Student D

Student and Dr. DeVolder were in attendance. Student had a major surgery so was not able to perform up to capabilities. Dr. DeVolder fully supports.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

e. Student E

Student unable to attend. Dr. DeVolder noted that family issues contributed to the low grades and that the department fully supports the request.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

f. Student F

Student unable to attend. Dr. DeVolder stated that the student had difficulty with online courses. Department supports but has concerns over current grades and ability to raise GPA where it needs to be.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/House)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 1 NO – 0 AB

g. Student G

Student and Dr. DeVolder present. Student experienced a loss in the family. Dr. DeVolder expressed concern over being able to raise GPA high enough for degree completion. Discussion was held over remaining courses and GPA.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/House)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 1 NO – 1 AB

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

Student unable to attend. Dr. DeVolder noted that the student was doing well until finals. Student is early in the program so feels he can turn it around.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

E. Education

1. Request for a late withdrawal

a. Student A

Student unable to attend. Dr. La Prad explained that the student switched majors beginning in the fall and also began a new job. The student had uncertainty as far as what they were going into and started in the wrong program. Discussion was held over plan for student to move forward successfully.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

b. Student B

Student and Dr. La Prad were in attendance. Student explained that they overcommitted and couldn’t balance everything. Dr. La Prad added that the department supports based on the student taking a little bit of time to figure out what they wanted to pursue.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Di Carmine)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

c. Student C

Student unable to attend. Dr. La Prad noted that the student claims to never have attended classes and the department has had minimal contact with the student. Discussion was held over the timeline for withdrawing.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Zhao)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 2 NO – 0 AB

F. Engineering Technology

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

a. Student A

Student and Dr. Hunter in attendance. Dr. Babin asked if the student spoke with a graduate advisor at any point regarding changing programs. Student stated that yes, at the beginning of spring semester but stayed enrolled in the Engineering Technology courses. Dr. Hunter noted that the department does not support this request.

Motion: To deny the request. (Hyde/House)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

b. Student B

Student and Dr. Hunter present. Student explained difficulties with submitting assignments. Dr. Hunter added that the department supports the request based on family medical issues and is working on a grade appeal with the student. Discussion held over current grades.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

G. GIScience and Geoenvironment

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

Student and Dr. Thompson were in attendance. Student indicated mental health issues that led to low grades but did not provide any supporting documentation. Dr. Hemphill asked about the department recommendation to deny. Dr. Thompson provided additional information about the department’s attempts to help the student repeatedly. Dr. Lough asked about the process for filling out the petition and the lack of information included. Student indicated that he didn’t know who to contact. Dr. Thompson stated that he reached out to the student with no responses. Discussion held over courses remaining to be taken.

Motion: To deny the request. (Babin/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

H. Kinesiology

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

Student and Dr. Narvaez present. Student explained situation and academic integrity issues. Dr. Narvaez noted that the faculty does not support because they have tried to correct the behavior and nothing has changed. Dr. Babin asked about the timeline of incidents.

Motion: To deny the request. (Babin/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

I. Psychology

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

a. Student A

Student and Dr. McFadden were in attendance. Student explained situation with their first semester and that they did well except for one class that brought their GPA down. Dr. Hemphill asked about the specific course with the low grade. Dr. McFadden noted that she could continue on in the program with the grade as it stands.

Motion: To approve the request. (Lough/House)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

b. Student B

Student and Dr. McFadden present. Student struggled with a difficult course and a death within their family that took a significant toll on the student. Dr. McFadden added that the student received good remarks on the work done in the assistantship position and the department felt the student could bring their GPA up.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Di Carmine)
MOTION CARRIED 8 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

J. Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

Student and Dr. Robinett were in attendance. Student had issues accessing courses while traveling with Athletics. Student acknowledged that they overcommitted themselves and was mentally drained during the semester. Most courses were discussion based that were difficult to join due to technology issues. Dr. Robinett added that the department supports the request and further explained the situation between being a student athlete and trying to attend a discussion-based course. The department takes some responsibility for the delivery method of the courses and is confident that the student will be successful moving forward.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

 

Meeting adjourned: 6:41 p.m.