Graduate Studies

Graduate Council Minutes - September 9, 2024

3:00 p.m., Virtual

Members Present: P.K. Babu (Vice Chair), Roberta Di Carmine, Todd Lough, Jim McQuillan (Chair), Gina Yi, Chunying Zhao, Danyang Zhao

Members Absent: Niyazi Ekici

Guests Present: Heidi Lung, Renee Polubinsky

Ex-officio Present: Christopher Pynes

Others Present: Amanda Schulz

 

I. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Academic integrity incident reports filed in the School of Graduate Studies, May – August 2024 (6)

B. Additional Graduate Council meeting – May 27, 2025

Ms. Schulz reminded Council members that there will again be a special student appeals only meeting held at the end of May after Spring 2025 grades are posted. The date for the meeting is May 27, 2025 at 3 p.m. and will be a virtual meeting.

II. GRADUATE CURRICULUM

A. Museum Studies

1. Request for a new graduate (500 or 600-level) course

a. MST 602, Museum Seminar and Portfolio, 1-2 s.h. repeatable to 4

Dr. Lung explained that the program is shifting curriculum to a more professional focus and the seminar will help with what the students need. This course formalizes professional coaching within the discipline. Dr. Babu asked about the description and meaning of “guest speaker”. Dr. Lung responded that they would meet with the guest speakers and have time to interact to gain more knowledge from working professionals and not only listen to a lecture. Dr. McQuillan asked about the abbreviated title and suggested spelling out the word museum. Dr. Lung agreed with the suggestion.

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

2. Request to change graduate program requirements

a. Master of Arts in Museum Studies

Dr. Lung noted that this incorporates the new course into the curriculum and increases the program to 38 semester hours. Dr. Babu asked if students can still complete the program in four semesters. Dr. Lung responded that yes, they still can if they stay on track.

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

3. Request for integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program

a. University of Northern Iowa Bachelor of Arts in History, Anthropology, or Art/Western Illinois University Master of Arts in Museum Studies

Dr. Babu asked about the number of students expected to join the program. Dr. Lung indicated that she wasn’t sure but was hoping for two to three students initially and then for the number to grow as the program was established between the two institutions.

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


III. OTHER BUSINESS

None reported.

IV. STUDENT APPEALS

A. Request for a late withdrawal

1. Alternative Teacher Licensure

a. Student A

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

b. Student B

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

B. Request to hold an assistantship as a probationary student

1. Business Administration

a. Student A

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

b. Student B

Discussion was held over GPA requirements and remaining coursework.

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

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

1. Sport Management

Discussion held over possible grade replacement and grades needed to earn at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in future semesters.

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

D. Request to waive the 6-hour C rule

1. Public Health

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

Meeting adjourned: 3:48 p.m.