CORRECTED
MINUTES OF THE GRADUATE COUNCIL
The University of Alabama
February 22, 2005

 
The regular meeting of the Graduate Council was held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2005 in the Forum Room of the Ferguson Center.

MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. Natalie Adams, Dr. Elizabeth S. Aversa,
Dr. John Baker, Dr. Sharon E. Beatty,
Dr. Robin K. Behn, Dr. Sheila R. Black,
Dr. David W. Cordes, Dr. Martyn R. Dixon,
Dr. Timothy A. Haskew, 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. Loy A. Singelton, Dr. Pieter B. Visscher,
Dr. Elizabeth K. Wilson

MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dr. Bruce E. Barrett, Dr. Robert G. Batson,
Dr. Kari Frederickson, Dr. Jerry Lee Rosiek,
Dr. B. Joyce Stallworth, Dr. John M. Wiest

MEMBERS ON SABBATICAL:
Dr. Marsha L. Houston

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. Ronald Rogers
Dr. Louis A. Pitschmann

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


Dean Rogers opened the meeting by asking if there were corrections to the November 16, 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 in January to discuss four issues, the first being a Proposal for a Revision in the University Scholars Program Requirements. Currently, University Scholars must have a 3.5 undergraduate gpa to qualify for the program. The committee recommended changing the requirement to a 3.3 to be consistent with the University Honors Program. A motion was made and seconded to accept the committee’s recommendation. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

The second issue brought before the Council was a revised proposal for the International Bridge Program, initially approved by the Graduate Council at the November 2004 meeting. Provost Bonner had requested two changes, 1) replace “30+” with “30” course credits required for the bridge year, and 2) allow more flexibility for coursework in UA’s general curriculum areas, if needed for a major field. The latter change was due to the state’s articulation agreement that has resulted in restriction in courses that carry official core designations. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to accept the committee’s recommendations for revisions to the International Bridge Program. The motion was passed by unanimous vote.
Thirdly, the Admissions and Recruitment Committee proposed modifications in the Provisional Language Admissions requirement. The committee proposed an addition to the requirement allowing a student in ELI to take one carefully selected graduate level course if his or her TOEFL is 500 or if the student initially places in level 5 or 6 for ELI. Approval of the department, advisers, course instructor, ELI, and Graduate School would be required. The recommendation passed with one abstention.

Dr. Schnee reminded Council members that programs which have been approved for a modification in the admissions requirements are reviewed every four years. This year reports from General Human Environmental Sciences, Human Nutrition, Health Studies, and Physics were reviewed by the committee. The committee voted to recommend that modifications in the admissions test requirements for these programs be continued. The Council concurred.

B. Financial Aid
Dr. Diane Johnson, Chairperson of the Financial Aid Committee, reported that round one and round two of calls for nominations for Graduate Council Fellows have been sent out. Round three will follow in March.

C. Teaching and Research Awards
Chairman Dr. Jordan Kosberg announced the winners of the University wide Outstanding Teaching, Outstanding Research, Outstanding Thesis, and Outstanding Dissertation Awards to be awarded during Honors Day. The winners are:

Outstanding Teaching-Master’s Nathan Shepley AS EH
Outstanding Teaching-Doctoral Jacqueline Shaia CCIS MC
Outstanding Research-Master’s Christine Newkirk AS ANT
Outstanding Research-Doctoral Songsong Cau AS BSC

Dr. John Schmitt announced winners of the Outstanding Thesis and Outstanding Dissertation Awards. The winners are:

Outstanding Thesis Mustafizur Rahman EG CHEM & BSC
Outstanding Dissertation Peter Letcher AS BSC

IV. Reports from the Dean’s Office and Academic Affairs
Dr. John Schmitt noted that both divisional and University wide award winners will be recognized by the Graduate School during Honors Week. Dr. Schmitt also reported that the SACS Reaffirmation continues with a site visit scheduled for March 21-24. Interested persons may review the procedures and documents at SACS.ua.edu.

Dean Rogers announced that the Burnum Award Ceremony will be March 16, 2005. This year’s recipient is Charles “Skip” Snead from the School of Music.

Dr. Rogers encouraged members to announce to their departments and areas that faculty should report the number of thesis and dissertation students they supervise in addition to their number of course hours when reporting teaching loads.

At the request of President Witt, a task force on graduate student health insurance has been established. Dr Rogers reported that approximately three-fourths of top research universities pay health insurance for graduate assistants. A Standing University Committee and the Faculty Senate are also considering this issue.

Dr. Natalie Adams reported that the Benefits Committee is establishing a University wide task force to study maternity and family leave. If Council members know of someone interested in serving, please forward those names to her.

V. Old Business
There was no old business.

VI. New Business
No new business was introduced.

Dr. Rogers adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.