MINUTES OF THE
GRADUATE COUNCIL
The University
of Alabama
September 25,
2001
The regular meeting of the Graduate Council was held
at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 in the Forum Room of the Ferguson
Center.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Martin Bakker, Dr. Carol
Cassel,
Dr. Michael Dugan, Dr. Barbara Fischer,
Dr. Susan C. Fleming, Dr. Michael L. Freeman,
Dr. Marsha L. Houston, Dr. D. Jeff Jackson,
Dr. Laura G. Klinger, Dr. Richard G. Lomax,
Dr. Michael D. Murphy, Dr. Yorgo Pasadeos,
Dr. Martha J. Powell, Dr. David R. Roskos-Ewoldsen,
Dr. Nancy J. Rubin, Dr. Edward J. Schnee,
Dr. Marietta P. Stanton, Dr. Paul H. Stuart,
Dr. Min Sun, Dr. Cynthia S. Sunal,
Dr. Stephen J. Thoma, Dr. Carol L. Tieso,
Dr. John M. Wiest, Dr. S. Allen Wilcoxon
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dr. Bruce E. Barrett, Dr.
Ida M. Johnson,
Dr. Sharon O’Dair, Dr. Joseph S. Thrasher,
Dr. Harold J. Weber
MEMBERS
PRESENT: Dean Louis A. Pitschmann,
Dean Ronald Rogers
STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVES
PRESENT: Ms. Samantha Briggs, Mr. Frederick Mackey
PRESENT: Dr. Pat Harrison, Associate
Dean,
Dr. John F. Schmitt,
Associate Dean,
Ms. Louise Labosier, Admissions
Officer
Dean Rogers opened the
meeting by asking if there were corrections to the April 24, 2001 Graduate
Council minutes. With no corrections noted, the minutes were approved.
Dean Rogers called for the
reports from various committees.
I.
Reports from Graduate
Council Committees
A.
Admissions and Recruitment
Dr. Edward Schnee, chairperson,
reported that the committee had met to review revisions to admissions standards
made over the past several years. The committee concluded that the admission
changes had been well received and were serving their intended purposes. Dr.
Schnee advised the Council of the changes in the structure of the general test
of the GRE, noting the replacement of the analytical portion by an analytical
writing element. The committee will address guidelines for departments to use
in evaluation of the new score reporting system.
B.
Financial Aid
Chairperson, Dr. David
Roskos-Ewoldsen, indicated that the committee planned to address the criteria
for selection of research fellowships, making the criteria more specific to
assist departments with the preparation of nominations. He called attention to
the handout summarizing the 2001-2002 awards and deadlines. Dean Rogers
reported that Graduate Council Fellowships have not been affected by proration.
C. Program
and Degree Requirements
Dr. Steve Thoma,
chairperson, directed the Council’s attention to the committee’s handout
concerning the College of Education’s request to allow courses delivered
through IITS at both the Tuscaloosa campus and the Gadsden Center to satisfy
doctoral residency requirements. The committee expressed several concerns with
the recommendation: 1) the lack of distinction between the Ed.D. and Ph.D.
requirements, 2) the establishment of no upper limit on hours accepted via IITS
courses, and 3) the current existence of an alternative doctoral residency for
Gadsden students. Recognizing the firm foundation that residency requirements
play in doctoral study, the committee recommended a negative vote on the
proposal. It was moved and seconded that the Graduate Council not accept the
College of Education’s proposal as presented. The vote was unanimous.
D. Research and New Programs
Dr. Mike Freeman,
chairperson, reported that the Committee on Research and New Programs had met
with Dr. Allen Wilcoxon regarding the proposed certification in School
Counseling sought by the Program in Counselor Education and recommended to the
Council acceptance of the proposal. It was moved and seconded to accept the
Committee’s recommendation and the motion passed unanimously.
Dean Rogers reported that
the proposed Ph.D. program in Anthropology had received approval by the
University Board of Trustees and was currently under review by ACHE.
II.
Reports from the Dean’s
Office and Academic Affairs
Dean Rogers requested that a
graduate student representative be appointed to standing university committees
that represent graduate student interests. Dr. Yorgo Pasadeos, Chairman of the
Committee on Committees, will work with the Graduate Student Association to
identify those committees with vested graduate student interests and graduate students
willing to serve on committees.
Dr. Rogers reported that the
Graduate Council’s response to the System Office’s Strategic Planning
Initiative, adopted at the April 24, 2001 meeting, had been referred to an ad
hoc committee of the Faculty Senate.
Dean Rogers informed the
Council of a request by the Student Government Association to publish, via the
web, quantitative data regarding faculty and course evaluations. In his review,
UA attorney, Sandy Gordon, has determined that such information is consistent
with the definition of public record. Discussion revolved around the inclusion
of graduate teaching assistants, evaluation tools, and privacy and the right to
know issues. Dr. Rogers suggested that the Council might wish to formulate a
resolution at its next meeting.
Dr. Rogers reported that the
University Committee on Merger or Discontinuance of Academic Units requires
three representatives from the graduate faculty. It was agreed that Dr. Rogers
would contact Dr. Barbara Godorecci, Dr. Brian Gray and Dr. Carol Pierman in an
effort to find two individuals willing to join Dr. Allen Wilcoxon, who
currently serves on the committee.
Associate Dean John Schmitt
recognized and thanked those Graduate Council members who are serving on the
Program Review Committees this year – Dr. Marsha Houston, Dr. Edward Schnee,
Dr. Michael Murphy, Dr. Michael Freeman, and Dr. Bruce Barrett. The Committee
for Teaching and Research Awards will meet early in the spring semester. Dr.
Schmitt distributed a handout for the Graduate School website, encouraging
faculty and students to make use of its resources and asking for suggestions
for website improvement.
Associate Dean Pat Harrison
reported that Graduate School Preview Day would be September 27, 2001. She
called attention to the 2001-2002 recruitment plan contained in the handout
material. Dr. Harrison also reported that a new area on the website is under
development that will highlight noteworthy news for graduate faculty and
students.
III. Reports from Standing University Committees
Dr. Yorgo Pasadeos, Chairman
of the Committee on Committee, indicated that forms will be sent out early in
the calendar year for faculty to indicate an interest in serving and that the
committee would follow-up with appointments to university committees.
IV.
Old Business
Dr. Martin Bakker inquired
about graduate students holding research assistantships in the summer without
registering for classes and maintaining access to university facilities. Dr.
Harrison will respond to this issue at a future meeting.
V.
New Business
There was no new business.
Dr. Rogers adjourned the meeting at 3:55 p.m.