Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - May 31, 2023 - Special Appeals Meeting

3:00 p.m., Virtual

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

Members Absent: Roberta Di Carmine

Guests Present: Jessica Lin, Tara Feld, Rose McConnell, Pete Jorgensen, Dennis DeVolder, Jim LaPrad, Rafael Obregon

Ex-officio Present: Mark Mossman

Others Present: Amanda Schulz

 

I. STUDENT APPEALS

Motion: To add two late petitions from the School of Accounting, Finance, Economics & Decision Sciences to agenda section A.1. (Babin/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB


A. Accounting, Finance, Economics, & Decision Sciences

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

a. Student A

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

b. Student B

Student in attendance. Dr. Babu asked for more information regarding the reason for the petition. Student explained that they went through a traumatic experience in losing a family member. Dr. Lin noted that the student also has an appeal in the department for an academic integrity issue.

Motion: To deny the request. (Lough/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 1 NO – 0 AB

c. Student C

Student in attendance and stated that they would be able to graduate if appeal is approved and they are able to successfully complete a grade replacement. Dr. Babu asked about the available course offering. Dr. Lin responded that the course is available in the summer.

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

d. Student D

Student was present. Dr. Hemphill asked for verification on academic integrity issue. Dr. Lin noted that the appeal window is closed so the violation stands.

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

e. Student E

Student in attendance. Dr. Babu asked the student why they did not follow the recommendations of his graduate advisor. Student explained that he met with doctors and continued to have testing but had decided to keep pursuing his classes even though he was advised not to.

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

f. Student F

Student was present. Dr. Babu questioned why the student registered so late for courses. Discussion was held regarding specific course and academic integrity issues.

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

g. Student G

Student in attendance and stated that they need to retake a course. Dr. Lough asked about which course specifically is needed. Dr. Lin added that this student does not have any academic integrity issues and that the course in question is a very tough course within the program. Dr. Babu asked how confident the student is in gaining a B or better. The student responded that they are positive they can be successful.

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

h. Student H

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

i. Student I

Student unable to attend but Dr. Lin noted that they are offering a course over the summer that would give the student the opportunity to turn things around. Dr. Lough asked for clarification on the appeal and what an approval would mean for this specific student. Dr. Babin added that this student has really struggled and is not sure the program is a good fit but is willing to give a second chance.

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

j. Student J

Student unable to attend. Dr. Lin stated that this may be a case where the student did not fully understand the program that they were entering after successfully completing the undergraduate degree and an additional course is needed for degree completion.

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

k. Student K

Student not present. Dr. Babin stated that the student struggles in the program and has had issues with faculty. The student does not follow directions or take advice when provided with options. Dr. Lin expresses the same concerns and added that the student isn’t taking opportunities presented to succeed.

Motion: To deny the request. (Lough/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 1 NO – 0 AB

l. Student L

Student was in attendance. Discussion held over rationale provided by the department.

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

m. Student M

Student was in attendance and provided additional information regarding the appeal. Dr. Hemphill asked about the noted academic integrity violation. Dr. Lin stated that it was closed and would stand.

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

B. Business Administration

1. Request for a late withdrawal

Dr. Feld noted that she is confident in the student’s ability to be successful.

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

2. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

a. Student A

Dr. Hemphill asked how many courses remain before degree completion. Dr. Feld noted that the student only needs to complete two courses and receive As in both. She added that the student had a family member fall ill during one semester and then pass away in a different semester.

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

b. Student B

Dr. Feld stated that she does not believe this student can recover grades and there are no extenuating circumstances that she is aware of.

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

c. Student C

Dr. Feld noted that the student was experiencing work/school balance issues but believes they can be successful plus they are close to completing their degree. Dr. Babin asked for additional information on the rationale. Dr. Feld responded that one course with low grades was due to issues involving a group project where the grade relied on other classmates. Another low grade was due to the student falling behind early in the course and not being able to catch up.

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

d. Student D

Dr. Feld stated that the student meets graduation requirements if the petition is approved.

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

e. Student E

Dr. Feld explained that the student needs to retake a course and is a working professional with a family that overcommitted. Dr. Babin asked if the student is registered for the course needed yet. Dr. Feld responded that they are waiting for the outcome of this appeal before registering.

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

f. Student F

Dr. Feld noted that this student was overwhelmed during the semester and meets graduation requirements if petition is approved.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Lough)
MOTION CARRIED 4 YES – 3 NO – 0 AB

C. Chemistry

1. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

Dr. Hemphill asked about the student’s GPA and specific skillset. Dr. McConnell noted that the GPA is just below the requirement for the program and that the student has specific analytical skills needed for the assistantship position.

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

D. College Student Personnel

1. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

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

E. Communication

1. Request to waiver the 6-hour C rule

Dr. Jorgensen stated that the student has met all graduation requirements if petition is approved so will graduate and the department fully supports the request.

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

F. Computer Science

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

a. Student A

Student in attendance. Dr. Hemphill asked about current medical status. Student provided additional information regarding medical issues. Dr. Hemphill asked about next steps and if any courses need to be retaken. Dr. DeVolder noted that degree requirements are met if the petition is approved so the student could graduate.

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

b. Student B

Petition was withdrawn by the student.

c. Student C

Student present. Dr. Babu asked for a rationale from the department for their support. Dr. DeVolder stated that they would like to give the student the opportunity to turn things around.

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

d. Student D

Student was in attendance. Dr. Babu asked about the documents submitted and clarification on who they are for. Student responded that they are for their mother.

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

e. Student E

Student explained that they had family issues throughout the previous semesters. Discussion was held over graduation requirements.

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

f. Student F

Student was present. Dr. Hemphill asked about the path to completion for the degree. Dr. DeVolder noted that the student needs two more classes and one must be an A. Dr. Babu asked about the confusion mentioned in the petition regarding the schedule. Dr. DeVolder provided additional information regarding the grades already earned.

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

g. Student G

Student in attendance. Dr. Hemphill asked about their academic performance overall. Dr. DeVolder provided additional information regarding the low grades and academic integrity violation. Discussion was held over lack of documentation from the student.

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

h. Student H

Student was present. Dr. Hyde asked about courses taken for grade replacement. Dr. DeVolder noted that not all courses are available for grade replacement.

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

i. Student I

Student was present. Dr. Hemphill asked about the lack of rationale from the department. Dr. DeVolder stated that the department does fully support the petition

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

j. Student J

Motion: To approve the request. (Babin/House)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

k. Student K

Student unable to attend. Discussion held over remaining requirements for degree completion.

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

l. Student L

Student was present and stated they had long-term covid related issues. Dr. Hemphill asked about the student’s performance in the three courses with low grades. Student responded that they were unable to attend all courses and that severely impacted their grades. Dr. Babin asked about utilizing resources on campus when they were ill. Student responded that they messaged instructors but didn’t use other resources.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/Zhao)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

m. Student M

Student in attendance. Dr. DeVolder confirmed that they are retaking a required course. The student added that they experienced family health issues that prevented them from concentrating in the course.

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

n. Student N

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

o. Student O

Student was present. Discussion was held over medical issues and courses remaining to graduate. A course is being taken for grade replacement if this petition is approved and the student is allowed to continue with the program.

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

p. Student P

Student was in attendance. Discussion was held over remaining courses and documentation.

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

q. Student Q

Student present. Dr. Hemphill asked about bringing grades up. Dr. DeVolder noted that grade replacement would be the best option if anything is available for the student to take.

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

r. Student R

Student unable to attend. Discussion held over information submitted and communication to the instructor.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 4 YES – 1 NO – 1 AB

s. Student S

Student unable to attend. Discussion held over previous grades. Department does not expect student to be successful in future courses.

Motion: To deny the request. (House/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

t. Student T

Student was present and has met all graduate requirements if petition is approved.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Babin)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB

u. Student U

Student in attendance. Discussion held over remaining courses and hours needed to finish degree.

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/House)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

G. Education

1. Request for a late withdrawal

a. Student A

Student unable to attend. Dr. Hyde was able to provide additional information regarding the petition.

Motion: To approve the request. (Babu/House)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

b. Student B

Student unable to attend. Dr. LaPrad provided information regarding the student’s background and changes in career.

Motion: To approve the request. (Zhao/Babu)
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB

H. Engineering Technology

1. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

Student was in attendance. Department supports the request and the student is close to completing degree requirements.

Motion: To approve the request. (House/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 4 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB

I. Psychology

1. Request for a late withdrawal

Motion: To approve the request. (Hyde/House)
MOTION CARRIED 4 YES – 0 NO – 2 AB

 

Meeting adjourned: 6:30 p.m.