Attendance: Joseph Bernt, Leona Cibrowski, Edith Dashiell, Glenn Doston, Judith Edinger, Katherine Jellison, David Kidder, Andrea McClanahan, Charles McWeeney, Bhavin Mehta, Jerrel Mitchell, Tootie Overby, Marilyn Poeppelmeyer, Josep Rota, Edwin Rowland, Arvind Singhal, Scott Sparks, Maureen Weissenrieder, Michael Willits, Julie Zimmerman
Staff: Raymie McKerrow, Katherine Tadlock, Anne Walker
Excused: (none)
Absent: Harvey Ballard, Scott Carson, John Day, Paula Popovich, Ed Yost
Guests: V. Ann Paulins
Convened: 2:14 p.m.
v Chair Report: A motion was made and approved unanimously to approve the April 11, 2003 minutes as written. Approved.
1) Associate Provost for Graduate Studies Report:
a. GRADUATE RESEARCH: Raymie followed up on his earlier intent to commit Graduate Studies funds to support the continuation of graduate research support for next year. He included in his “handout” (also sent to Povost Kopp and others) brief information regarding the Graduate Student Senate response to this issue, including the clear evidence of the need for continued support, and also GSS created protocols that would replace the current HOUK grant.
Currently, HOUK covers both new research and conference presentation travel awards. The new protocols create opportunities for both in separate competitions. (see handout for further information.)
b. MINORITY RECRUITMENT: (see handout)
An attached composite summary regarding minority recruitment over the past 8 years (1995-2002) at the MA and PhD levels, showed comparisons regarding minority vs. white and Intl. students to be quite interesting. Less than 5 minority students have been admitted in to the doctoral programs per year in the last 8 years. Raymie strongly encouraged Graduate Council to review our approach to minority recruitment.
c. IIP POLICY CONSIDERATION: (see handout) Raymie attached a summary listing current students and those “in process.” Over a two year period a total of 50 conferences were held. Current new applicants enrolled and in process are 14.
d. TRANSITION: Raymie noted that Michael Mumper will be the new Associate Provost for Graduate Studies, effective July 1, 2003. There have been several meetings to date in order to bring Michael “up to speed.” He is already involved in key meetings and discussions as well. Joe Bernt will be inviting Michael to the next council meeting on June 13, 2003.
A question was asked regarding the SARS outbreak. It was Raymie’s collective belief a SARS policy needs developed and agreed that the news is not good worldwide concerning this issue. Raymie’s belief was that we need to be careful in order to create a sense of openness and not to be looked upon as targeting just International students. Joe Rota noted there was a teleconference on May 8th that reported for example, California and others are considering to continue denying any student who has been traveling in these areas and/or quarantine them for ten days. Most are waiting for a national policy to be developed that will protect the 4000+ colleges. It is a “wait and see” issue at best. Joe also noted the numbers are too early to tell, but he would predict that with the terrorism, Sevis, and the war in Iraq, we may have to count on perhaps 30% less students in the fall. It could be our busiest time will be in winter quarter.
2) Scott Sparks --CURRICULUM COMMITTEE REPORT:
a) There was no dissent to the Master of Science in Human and Consumer Sciences with a Child and Family Studies Major at Lancaster Campus
b) Ann Pullins was present for any questions and stated that a good deal of success is anticipated of 25 students. (approved )
3) Ed Rowland --ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE:
a) Environmental Plant Biology Doctoral Program – There was no dissent from committee members and was recommended for approval. (approved)
b) Civil Engineering Doctoral Program – There was no dissent from committee members regarding this program and was recommended for approval. (approved by grad council)
c) There was some conflict regarding Jonathon Dale Sayre. Regarding Sayre: it was recommended that Dr. Uijt de Haag not serve as chair or official member of his MS theses committee, since Sayre works for Dr. Uijt.
d) There was some conflict regarding Jeff Thuma. Regarding Thuma: if he wants to become degree status, it was recommended by ARC: since Thuma works for Dr. Hooper, Dr. Hooper should not serve as chair or official member of his MS thesis committee.
4. PROVOST KOPP: Discussion of Graduate Studies and Its’ Support
a) Provost Kopp was invited for discussion regarding several issues and goals, pertaining to graduate studies at Ohio University. There were several issues, i.e. questions concerning the administration side, funding and fee waivers, minority recruitment, budget cuts. The following ensued.
b) Provost Kopp was not sure what we provide or to what extent re the administration side of things. Minority recruitment should be a priority. Howard stated that he wanted Env. & Plant Bio to go back to PhD programs. Where we stand re: student imposed caps. Provost Kopp asked where will we have the greatest impact re the general population? It seems we operate more as a transaction university rather than just a research university. Money should not come from the university, but more quality should. We should grow with research graduate enterprises and capitalize on investments the university has. “Most important level in terms of realizing a goal should start at the department level to be successful.”
c) Provost Kopp stated he wasn’t sure why we give fee waivers in certain areas, as it is not unheard of people to pay for a high quality program, such as the MBA. “Enrollment there has increased and there are only 30 on graduate contract. OU is paying the student to come here and I have to ask myself – why?”
d) Joe Bernt brought up the state subsidy issue. One point may be student teaching rather than faculty and others using GA’s and offset expenses. Provost Kopp noted three things that may need looked at to prepare for graduate student enrichment. 1) how do we package fee waivers we offer 2) what are our strategies for recruitment 3) what is the appeal to come here
e) It was asked if Kopp was satisfied with the structure of graduate education and he replied by saying it was too early yet to say. Provost Kopp would like to see a comprehensive plan. Raymie suggested that it will probably take a sub-group of grad council to do these things re recruitment.
5. KATIE TADLOCK: Director: Graduate Student Services (see handout)
a) The handout represents fall quarter and Athens campus only numbers. It was created to track international admissions. The first and second years the domestic went up and we are already 103% overall and we are still processing. Raymie commented by saying that the Provost would look kindly to doing recruiting on our own. Maureen wondered if graduate appointments were doing orientation classes again this year. Katie stated that packets were the only thing sent this time.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
ü Per Raymie, have not formulated a UPAC report yet regarding items as we move forward. Those that offer stipends and tuition scholarships receive apx. 250 RA’s and anticipate UPAC limiting this or changing this by using a blending rate. Other institutions have this policy “you provide both”. You do gain over time far outweigh the costs”
ü Raymie mentioned we have to be careful where grant money is coming from. Have not seen significant changes in Fulbright.
ü There was much discussion that took place prior to when Provost Kopp arrived. One subjust was moving a grad student from non-res to res within one year and decreasing the tuition costs. It won’t save in one sense because there is a real loss on the revenue side but it can help with books and make us look a little better.
ü Currently we are within the tuition allocation but can’t guarantee someone else from budget would look at that. Suggested by Raymie we move forward same as last year. No-one is going after the Partial and don’t see UPAC making changes anytime soon.
ü Raymie mentioned perhaps inviting Darrell Winefordner for our June meeting for a budget update re the revenue side. Joe Rota stated that “our job is to look at academics” “that academics should drive budgets, not the other way around.” Raymie mentioned OU has no plan for graduate growth and we are well behind the curve. OU’s program is costly compared to other places.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 pm
Next Meeting: Not scheduled. Will be Oct. 2003
