Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - October 5, 2020

3:00 p.m., Virtual

Members Present: C. Anderson, C. Blackinton, J. Hammersley, A. Hyde, B. Locke (Chair), J. McQuillan (Vice Chair), T. Roberts

Members Absent: S. Ghimire

Guests Present: E. Sheffield, R. Polubinsky, J. Lin

Ex-officio Present: M. Mossman

Others Present: A. Schulz

 

I. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Business Administration

Student present and explained that they returned to work after being off due to Covid-19 at the same time that classes began. The demands of the job changed, children had to adjust to new schedule, and it was an onslaught of changes all at once. Student reached out to faculty and Dr. Feld but did not get courses dropped in time.

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

B. Request to transfer in more than 6 s.h. in a 30-hour program

1. Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Sheffield attended. Dr. Anderson asked for clarification about allowing an exception to the transfer rule. Dr. Sheffield responded that it is happening more frequently in other programs within the School of Education. This specific case is the result of a university closure. Dr. Locke would like to see more information regarding the evaluation and recommendation of courses to substitute.

Motion: To postpone the request to the November meeting. (Blackinton/Hammersley)
MOTION CARRIED 7 YES – 0 NO – 0 AB


II. GRADUATE FACULTY – FULL MEMBERSHIP

A. Donal Murray, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology

Dr. Polubinsky attended while Dr. Murray was unable to attend. Dr. Polubinsky noted that Dr. Murray is a motivated second year exercise physiologist in the program. He is currently being sought after to chair thesis committees. Dr. Polubinsky added that his contributions are valued within the department and he is concise, direct, fair, and shows integrity. He also serves on the grade appeal committee plus a college level committee. Dr. Locke asked about his current research. Dr. Polubinsky provided that information.

Motion: To approve the request. (Anderson/Hyde)
MOTION CARRIED 6 YES – 0 NO – 1 AB


III. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Academic integrity incident reports filed in the School of Graduate Studies, August-September 2020 (5)

1. Resolved at instructor level – 2

2. Resolved at department level – 2

3. Unresolved – 1

Ms. Schulz noted that the unresolved case has now been resolved at the instructor level.

B. Graduate Committee Chair fall semester meeting recap

Dr. Mossman reported that the meeting went well with a large group present. We will continue to work harder to increase discussion among graduate committee chairs. Dr. Mossman commended the group for the overwhelming amount of work being handled by them and the Graduate Office staff to process applications. Overall enrollment was only down by thirty students and we will continue to push forward.


IV. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Decision Sciences

1. Request for a 400-G level course

a. ECON 496, Seminar in Economics, 3 s.h.

Dr. Lin was present and explained the course was designed several years ago but they had not been able to offer it until now. This is an in-depth course with topics based on current trends. Dr. Locke applauded the clarity of the request.

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


V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Council on Graduate Student Relations representatives

Dr. Mossman presented this request from a group of graduate students that are forming a council possibly as a subcommittee of Student Government Association (SGA). A few years ago a position was created on SGA for a graduate student representative. This council is taking it a step further to continue to develop a community among graduate students and discuss issues specific to them. The council will be comprised of graduate students but they are looking for two graduate faculty representatives as well as Dr. Mossman having a position. Dr. Mossman noted that there are several strong student groups within some of the graduate programs but this would be a widespread initiative involving all graduate students with the faculty representatives taking advisory roles. Dr. Locke asked what is the mandate for this specific group. Dr. Mossman responded that it is a student group that is possibly a subcommittee of SGA that is hoping to improve student culture, be involved in events, and assist with recruitment initiatives. The faculty role would be advisory. His understanding is that it is more of a graduate student organization than a council. Dr. Locke asked about the purpose of the group. Dr. Mossman stated that the Grad Council does not have to place the faculty representatives but he directed the students to approach Grad Council first. Dr. Locke suggested that it may be more appropriate for the Faculty Senate Nominating Committee if the representatives were not coming from Grad Council. Dr. Mossman responded that he thinks it should be a mentoring opportunity for faculty. Dr. Roberts added that it seems like more of a student club than a council and maybe the programs heavily involved should have the faculty representative. Dr. Mossman stated that he would like to see more cross-discipline mentoring taking place.

Dr. Locke questioned the voting aspect of the provided document and that it doesn’t match the purpose of the group. Dr. McQuillan added that it is not clear if the faculty representatives are voting members. Dr. Anderson asked what the voting issues would be if they are a student group. She understands the social aspect of the group but is concerned about the general purpose. Dr. Hammersley questioned why the faculty representatives would come from the Graduate Council. Dr. Mossman responded that the Grad Council represents all programs and would be a good representation with a widespread understanding of graduate education. Dr. Mossman withdrew the request pending further information from the students.


VI. OTHER BUSINESS

None reported.


Meeting adjourned: 3:53 p.m.