The regular meeting of the Graduate Council was held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 in the Forum Room of the Ferguson Center.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. Natalie Adams, Dr. Martyn R. Dixon,
Dr. Barbara Fischer, Dr. Timothy A. Haskew,
Dr. Marsha L. Houston, Dr. Diane E. Johnson,
Dr. Olivia W. Kendrick, Dr. Jordan I. Kosberg,
Dr. Carol J. Pierman, Dr. Eric E. Roden,
Dr. Nancy J. Rubin, Dr. Edward J. Schnee,
Dr. Forrest R. Scogin, Dr. Roy Ann Sherrod,
Dr. Pieter B. Visscher, Dr. Harold M. Weber,
Dr. John M. Wiest, Dr. S. Allen Wilcoxon,
Dr. Elizabeth K. Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dr. Bruce E. Barrett, Dr. Sharon E. Beatty,
Dr. Sheila R. Black, Dr. David W. Cordes,
Dr. D. Jeff Jackson, Dr. Michael D. Murphy,
Dr. Yorgo Pasadeos, Dr. Harry E. Price,
Dr. David R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, Dr. B. Joyce Stallworth
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Ronald Rogers
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Mr. Dennis Bubrig
GRADUATE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:
Dr. Pat Harrison, Associate Dean,
Dr. John Schmitt, Associate Dean,
Ms. Louise Labosier, Admissions Officer
Dean Ron Rogers asked if there were corrections to the February 24, 2004 Graduate Council minutes. No corrections were noted, and the minutes were approved as written.
Dean Rogers called for the reports of committees.
I. Reports from Graduate Council Committees
A. Financial Aid
Dr. Pat Harrison presented the Financial Aid Committee’s report in the absence of Chairman Dr. David Roskos-Ewoldsen. The committee plans to award a total of sixty-eight fellowships, both Graduate Council Research and Creative Activity Fellowships and Regular Graduate Council Fellowships. Overall, the committee received 186 nominations, made 79 offers, and has received 57 acceptances and 12 declinations to date. Ten offers remain outstanding. A priority waitlist has been developed to fill remaining fellowship lines. No summer fellowships will be available.
B. Admissions and Recruitment
Chairman of the Admissions and Recruitment Committee, Dr. Ed Schnee, reported that the committee met to review a proposal from the College of Nursing (MSN program) to waive the letters of recommendation as an admission requirement. In addition to Graduate School admission requirements, MSN applicants must also hold a valid nursing license and have completed a minimum of two years of nursing experience. Recognizing that the licensure procedure provides Nursing with verifiable information to confirm applicants’ abilities and motivation, the committee recommended approval of Nursing's request. A motion was made to accept the committee’s recommendation and the vote was favorable. Dr. Ruby Morrison of the College of Nursing thanked both the Admissions and Recruitment Committee and the Graduate Council for their support.
Dr. Schnee distributed a sample memo for the Admissions and Recruitment Committee to use in the future to assist departments to make initial proposals to waive the test score requirement and to prepare for 4-year reviews of admission test waivers for graduate applications.
II. Reports from the Dean’s Office and Academic Affairs
Dr. Pat Harrison announced that the graduate school viewbook is now available on CD and on the Graduate School website and she encouraged departments to add it to their recruiting materials.
Dean Rogers reported that nationally, international applications have decreased by 32% with the largest declines coming from India and China. As of April 16, 2004, data reports indicate that our international applications have declined from last year by 36%, with the Peoples Republic of China down by 44% and India by 29%. The College of Arts and Sciences’ applications are down by only 16% due in fact to an increase in international applications in the sciences. International applications are down in the College of Engineering, however, the loss is being offset by an increase in the admission of highly qualified domestic applicants. Australia and Europe are attracting a large number of international applicants with lower costs, shorter programs, credit for previous work and on-line visa application procedures.
Dr. Rogers congratulated Dr. Eric Roden who has been promoted to full professor. He thanked those Graduate Council members who would be rotating off the Council this spring for their faithful service.
IV. Old Business
There was no old business.
V. New Business
Dr. Allen Wilcoxon was elected to the University’s “Merger or Discontinuance of Academic Units Committee.” His appointment will run thru December 31, 2007.
Dr. Rogers adjourned the meeting at 3:30 pm.
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