[Vpaaetal] Graduate Council Minutes

Wed Sep 29 14:27:33 CDT 2004

GRADUATE COUNCIL MINUTES

The Graduate Council met Tuesday, September 14, 2004, in the MSC Boardroom
at 3:00 p.m. with Dean Allan D. Headley presiding.  Members present were:
Dr. Wendell Edwards, Dr. Dick Fulkerson, Dr. Ray Green, Dr. Cynthia Harr,
Dr. Jeff Kopachena, Dr. Chester Robinson, Dr. Jon Travis, Dr. Janet Walker,
Dr. Sandy Weeks and Dr. Dayle Yeager.  Members absent were Dr. Dale
Funderburk, Mr. Michael Miller, and Dr. R. N. Singh.  Elections to replace
one representative for the College of Arts and Sciences, one representative
from the College of Business & Technology, the master's student
representative and the doctoral student representative are in progress.

Provost Joyce Scott introduced the new Graduate Dean, Dr. Allan Headley  to
the Council.
Dean Headley called the meeting to order and asked Graduate Council members
to introduce themselves.

The minutes from the last Graduate Council, April 13, 2004, were approved.

ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR
Dr. Sandy Weeks nominated Dr. Jon Travis as Vice-Chair.  Dr. Travis was
elected unanimously.

Dr. Headley addressed the Council and spoke about his philosophy and goals
for Graduate Studies and Research.
Some items on his agenda are:
1.                  Revision of the Graduate School website.
2.                  Roundtable meetings with faculty who are advising
graduate students.  One of the goals of these meetings is to keep advisors
aware of changing procedures that affect their advisement of students and to
provide a forum to discuss how the Graduate School can better serve graduate
students and faculty.
3.                  Develop effective ways of recruitment, retention and
graduation of students.
4.                  Provide cost-sharing for departments in departmental
recruitment efforts.
5.                  Develop ways to attract and retain quality graduate
students through external fellowships.
6.                  Assist departments with professional development efforts
of graduate students.
7.                  Provide thesis and dissertation workshops.
8.                  Implement new Program Review procedure.  For academic
year 2005, two departments will be reviewed:  Counseling and Literature and
Languages.
9.                  Provide incentives, advice and information about funding
opportunities to encourage faculty members' research efforts.  

Report from Committee on Graduate Faculty, Research, and Instruction
Dr. Jon Travis presented the committee report on graduate faculty
applications.   His motion to approve the report was seconded by Dr. Edwards
and unanimously approved by the Council.  Associate membership was awarded
to Mr. Larry Thompson (Art) and Dr. Stephen Freeman (Counseling) was granted
senior membership.  Additional applications will be considered at the
October Council Meeting.

Dr. Travis updated the Council on the status of the proposed changes to
procedure A 12.02 Faculty Workload in regard to chairing
theses/dissertations.   Concern was voiced about the final version approved
by Deans Council and if it adequately reflects the Council's position.  Dean
Headley will discuss the issue with Provost Scott after getting more
information.

Report from Committee on Curriculum
Dr. Chester Robinson notified the Council of the request from the Department
of Industrial Engineering & Technology to deliver the M.S. degree in a
web-based format.  The request has been approved by Deans Council.

Dr. Robinson presented a curriculum change from the Department of
Agricultural Sciences to offer AnS 516 Animals and Society.  The motion to
approve the request was made by Dr. Green, seconded by Dr. Travis and
approved by the Council.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Graduate Council Committees for 2004-05 were presented.

Graduate Council members received information on Faculty Approved to Teach
Graduate Courses on an Individual Basis for Summer 2004.

Graduate Council members were invited to attend the Federation Fall Seminar
on Friday, October 22, 2004.  The seminar topic, Integrity & Civility:
Challenging Role for the Academy, will be reflected in the plenary and
luncheon addresses. 

ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned at 4:10.   

Louise Skinner
Secretary to the Graduate Council

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