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MINUTES OF THE GRADUATE COUNCIL
The University of Alabama
November 29, 2015
 

I. Reports from Graduate Council Committees

Dr. Andy Graettinger of the Admissions and Recruitment sub-committee reported on several issues sent to the committee for review. Waiver renewals for admission test scores were approved for the Studio Art MA and MFA programs, Music, German MA, and the Nursing MSW program. New University Scholars programs were approved for Human Development & Family Studies and New College (3.75 GPA). There were no comments or questions. Dean Francko stated that having the University Scholars program with New College is a creative way of keeping our best and brightest here at UA. We aren’t currently leveraging the University Scholars program enough and we would like some discussion at next Graduate Council meeting to brainstorm and advance more inclusion. Dr. Goodliffe added that data suggests that only a handful of departments comprise most of the University Scholars program. Areas for growth are out there.

Dr. Cherry went over handouts describing each Graduate Council Fellowship: Research and Creative Activity (now simply named “round 2”: the research category is not restricted to federal grants - it simply must be an external grant) and the Thesis and Dissertation categories are now combined. There are no quotas for each category. The best students in each round will be selected, regardless of which category they fall under. Dean Francko clarified that one issue was funding and the key was taking Graduate School funds and leveraging those funds with departments, private charitable groups, and private foundations to fund graduate positions. He said that we are exploring all ways to expand the funding pie by working with all existing resources. External funding opportunities need to explored, procured, and advertised, similar to UA’s peer institutions.

Dr. Cherry reminded all that the letters of recommendation from the chair and nominating faculty are “very, very, very” important. They articulate and distill what otherwise might be hard to find, particularly when packets are being compared across all colleges and departments. Dr. Goodliffe added that there will be an insert explaining what makes a strong letter of recommendation. All too often, chairs will submit letters in support, but lacking in substantial content. One suggestion is to draft the letter and then give it the chair to review and sign. Questions, comments were then solicited. Dr. Daniel Riches spoke as a delegate for non-STEM fields in order to raise issues and officially go on record. The overarching concern behind these fellowships is, “where do Humanities and Social Sciences stand in all of this?” He raised their concerns about the reshuffling of categories; two previous categories had been collapsed into one, and a new category doesn’t offer itself fully and doesn’t really apply to humanities and social sciences. They don’t work in research teams and employers view dissertations in a very different way than they do with STEM fields. The change to the length of the essay has resulted in a sharply shorter maximum number of words, and lends itself as more of a science-based approach. Resource rich departments may be viewed as more helpful and more interested in helping to fund students.

Finally, Dr. Riches expressed the desire for 1) additional support and guidance to help non-STEM students, 2) future tracking to measure allocations of assistantships, and 3) assistance in this new environment of seeking external funding, Graduate Council Fellowship nominations.

Dr. Goodliffe clarified that fellowship students must be full time. Dean Francko reminded the council that leveraging can happen with non-STEM departments and cited the example of a department that went from one half of an assistantship to four assistantships in one year. Dr. Riches drew a distinction wherein a thesis-writing student working on faculty member’s external project is not common. In STEM departments it is much more common, if not the norm. Funding works differently between STEM and non-STEM fields. Dean Francko wants to make it as “big tent” as possible, available to as many qualified students as possible. Dr. Alexandra Cook, from English, shared her own story of applying to three different external agencies, to illustrate that there fewer opportunities available and it takes more time and effort to find them. Dean Francko suggested the Research Office can help out with finding external funding opportunities not just for STEM graduate students but with non-STEM as well. He also asked that humanities council and social sciences members bring ideas, suggestions forward to help find mutual solutions. He also reminded everyone that there is now a new focus on graduate studies from the UA administration.

Dr. Riches (committee chair) put forth the proposal for a nurse administrator concentration in the MSN program of the Capstone College of Nursing, which received a unanimous endorsement from PDR&NPC. This concentration addresses a national trend, answers a growing demand, and would act as a feeder into other programs of the Capstone College of Nursing. Questions were solicited by Dr. Alice March. There were no questions. Dean Francko put it to a vote and all present voted in favor. Proposal passed. Dean Francko sees this and other similar concentrations as win-win for graduate studies. Hopefully more similar proposals are forthcoming. Dr. March thanked all for making it happen.

Dean Francko spoke briefly about the successful Three Minute Thesis competition. It was fabulous and had a new record in participation. He reminded everyone that it will be televised by APT, WVUA. In a new development the Research Office will be offering cash awards for non-winner finalists. Also, Dean Francko will be talking to the Faculty Senate in their December meeting about the graduate education, as well as the Research Advisory Committee in January 2016.

No committee reports. Dr. Pagani reminded all that there are forthcoming reports from this committee as well as the other awards committees at the February Graduate Council meeting. Also, Dr. Pagani asked that council members get the word out about the Outstanding Graduate Student award and ceremony. Ms. Jean Swindle is the point of contact for this. Nominations are due at the end of February 2016.

II. Reports from the Dean’s Office and Academic Affairs

III. Reports from Standing University Committees
There were no standing committee reports.

IV. Old Business
There was no old business.

V. New Business
There was no new business.
 

There being no further business, Dean Francko adjourned the meeting at 4:08 p.m.