CORRECTED
MINUTES OF THE GRADUATE COUNCIL
The University of Alabama
November 16, 2004

 
The regular meeting of the Graduate Council was held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 in the Anderson Society Room of the Ferguson Center.

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. Elizabeth S. Aversa, Dr. Robert G. Batson,
Dr. Sharon E. Beatty, Dr. Sheila R. Black,
Dr. David W. Cordes, Dr. Martyn R. Dixon,
Dr. Marsha L. Houston, Dr. Olivia W. Kendrick,
Dr. Jordan I. Kosberg, Dr. Carol J. Pierman,
Dr. Eric E. Roden, Dr. Jerry Lee Rosiek,
Dr. Nancy J. Rubin, Dr. Edward J. Schnee,
Dr. Roy Ann Sherrod, Dr. Pieter B. Visscher,
Dr. John M. Wiest

MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dr. Natalie Adams, Dr. John Baker,
Dr. Bruce E. Barrett, Professor Robin K. Behn,
Dr. Kari Frederickson, Dr. Timothy A. Haskew,
Dr. Diane E. Johnson, Dr. David R. Roskos-Ewoldsen
Dr. Forrest R. Scogin, Dr. B. Joyce Stallworth,
Dr. Elizabeth K. Wilson

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. Ronald Rogers

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:
Dennis Bubrig

GRADUATE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:
Dr. Pat Harrison, Associate Dean,
Dr. John Schmitt, Associate Dean,
Louise Labosier, Admissions Officer

GUESTS PRESENT:
Dr. Silas C. Blackstock,
Dr. Carolyn J. Cassady,
Dr. Keith McDowell

Dean Rogers opened the meeting by asking if there were corrections to the September 28, 2004 minutes. No corrections were noted, and the minutes were approved as written.

Dean Ron Rogers began the meeting by asking for reports from Graduate Council Committees.

I. Reports from Graduate Council Committees
A. Admissions and Recruitment
Chair Ed Schnee reported that the committee had met to discuss two issues, the first being a Proposal for an International Bridge Program. The proposed UA International Bridge Program is intended for international graduate applicants who hold three-year bachelor’s degrees from countries where that credential is not deemed equivalent to the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. By completing a fourth year or “bridge year” of undergraduate study at The University of Alabama, international students from recognized foreign institutions with three-year bachelor’s degree will have the opportunity to enter graduate study without completing a separate four-year bachelor’s degree. Students will complete a “bridge year” of UA undergraduate coursework and then begin their UA graduate degree program. A student in the International Bridge year will complete a 30+ semester hour undergraduate curriculum (six hours may be at the graduate level) designed to meet basic core requirements, maintaining a 3.0 in all coursework before proceeding to graduate school. Each graduate program, wishing to participate, in the bridge year program will submit a proposal to the Graduate School; the proposal will include of list of specific undergraduate courses of at least 30 semester credits. International students in the bridge year will be eligible for externally funded research assistantships only. Following discussion, a motion was made and seconded to accept the proposed International Bridge Program. The vote was favorable.

The second issue discussed by the Admissions and Recruitment Committee was the use of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as a test to assess the English language ability of international applicants. International applicants would be allowed to provide acceptable scores on either the TOEFL or the IELTS. Criterion score for IELTS will be 6.5 or higher. Dr. Schnee reported that the committee recommended approval of the proposal. The Graduate Council approved the recommendation.

II. Reports from the Dean’s Office and Academic Affairs
Dr. Pat Harrison reported that the admissions staff at the Graduate School has had a very busy recruiting season, expanding and concentrating recruiting efforts in Texas, Georgia and Florida.

III. Discussion with Dr. Keith McDowell, Vice President for Research
Dr. Rogers introduced Dr. Keith McDowell, Vice President for Research. Dr. McDowell began his presentation to the Graduate Council by discussing his vision for The University of Alabama, which is a culture of excellence in scholarly activity. The goal he envisions for his office is to help establish The University of Alabama as a Top-Tier university.

IV. Old Business
There was no old business.

V. New Business
There was no new business.
Dr. Rogers adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.