The regular meeting of the Graduate
Council was held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 in the Forum
Room of the Ferguson Center.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. Natalie Adams, Dr. Elizabeth S.
Aversa
Dr. John Baker, Dr. Bruce E. Barrett,
Dr. Robert G. Batson, Dr. Martyn R. Dixon,
Dr. Kari Frederickson, Dr. Marsha L. Houston,
Dr. Diane E Johnson, Dr. Allan V. Kaufman,
Dr. Olivia W. Kendrick, Dr. Kagendo Mutua,
Dr. Janis O’Donnell, Dr. Carol J. Pierman,
Dr. Nancy J. Rubin, Dr. Edward J. Schnee,
Dr. Roy Ann Sherrod, Dr Loy A. Singleton,
Dr. Charles R. Sox, Dr. Vivian H. Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Prof. Robin K. Behn, Dr. Shelia R.
Black,
Dr. Silas C. Blackstock, Dr. Mark R. Klinger,
Dr. Elaine A. Martin, Dr. Robert P. Taylor,
Dr. John M. Wiest
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Ronald Rogers
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Jonathan Adams
GUESTS: Melissa Medlin
GRADUATE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:
Dr. John Schmitt, Associate Dean,
Dr. Pat Harrison, Associate Dean,
Louise Labosier, Admissions Officer
Dr. Rogers opened the meeting by asking if there were corrections to the
February 28, 2006 minutes. No corrections were noted and the minutes
were approved as written.
I. Guests
Dr. Rogers introduced Ms. Melissa Medlin, Manager of the Office of
Graduate Student Services. Ms. Medlin distributed a handout with a
tentative schedule for the August 19, 2006 Graduate Student Orientation.
The orientation will provide an overview of academic and student
services matters of interest to new graduate students. She indicated to
Council members that she is available to meet with department faculty
regarding the services offered by her office and welcomes suggestions
for improving services to graduate students.
II. Reports from Graduate Council
Committees
A. Financial
Aid
Chairperson, Dr. Diane Johnson, reported the status of the
2006-2007 Graduate Council Fellowship Awards. As of April 24, 2006, 198
nominations have been made. Seventy-four awards have been offered, 57
accepted, 8 declined, and 9 are waiting a decision. Fellowship stipends
will increase to $15,000 in 2006-2007. She thanked the members of the
committee for their diligent work in selecting award recipients.
B. Teaching
and Research Awards
Dr. Bruce Barrett, Chair of the Teaching and Research Awards Committee,
reviewed with Council members a draft for Guidelines for an “Award for
Outstanding Service by a Graduate Student.” In general, this award would
recognize outstanding service activity that brings honor and recognition
to the student, the student’s division, the profession, and the
University. The service will be expected to go beyond the duties and
responsibilities of a graduate class, assistantship or paid employment.
The nomination and selection procedures and award recognition will be
the same as those for the teaching and research awards. The Council’s
vote to accept the Committee’s proposal was unanimous.
III. Reports from the Dean’s Office
Dr. John Schmitt reported that as of May 1, 2006 The University of
Alabama will have accepted the maximum number of Academic Common Market
students for which there is funding. UA will not be able to accept
additional ACM students for 2006-2007.
IV. Old Business
There was no old business.
V. New Business
Dr. Diane Johnson read the following resolution:
Resolution of Appreciation for Dean Ronald Rogers
WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald Rogers has faithfully served The University of
Alabama as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the
Graduate School since August 16, 1991; and
WHEREAS, as Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Rogers provided
outstanding leadership and exemplified the highest ideals of graduate
education; and
WHEREAS, Dean Rogers showed a strong and steadfast commitment to
the highest quality of teaching, research, scholarship, and service to
the benefit of graduate students and graduate faculty; and
WHEREAS, Dean Rogers provided continual guidance and support to
the Graduate Student Association and African-American Graduate Student
Association; and
WHEREAS, Dean Rogers provided exemplary leadership of the
Graduate Council and its committees;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the 2005-2006 Graduate Council
recognizes Dean Ronald Rogers for his outstanding service to the
University, expresses its sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dean Rogers,
and wishes Dean Rogers all the best for his retirement.
MOTION:
That the above resolution commending Dean Ronald Rogers for his
outstanding leadership as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
and Dean of the Graduate School be approved by the Graduate Council and
recorded in the minutes of the Graduate Council meeting. Resolution
adopted unanimously by the Graduate Council.
Dr. Rogers expressed his appreciation to the Graduate Council.
VII. Search Committee
Dr. Nancy Rubin, Chairperson of the Search Committee for Dean of the
Graduate School, reported on the progress of the committee. Fifty-one
applications have been received to date. She hopes that by the end of
the week a short list of 4-6 names will be forwarded to Provost Bonner
for the purpose of consideration for campus interviews. Dr. Kaufman
asked that the minutes reflect special appreciation to Kathleen Nodine
for her administrative support and assistance to the committee.
Dr. John Schmitt adjourned the meeting
at 3:45 p.m.
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