Attendance: Catherine Axinn, Harvey Ballard, Joseph Bernt, Duncan Brown, Scott Carson, Eddith Dashiell, John Day, Norma Humphreys for Chuck McWeeney, Jerrel Mitchell, Averell “Tootie” Overby, Marilyn Poeppelmeyer, Robert Roe, Josep Rota, Scott Sparks, Maureen Weissenrieder, Michael Willits, Julie Zimmerman
Staff: Michael Mumper, Katherine Tadlock, Lisa Conrath, and Anne Walker
Excused: Lee Cibrowski, Judith Edinger, Peter Johnson, David Kidder, Charles McWeeney
Absent: Walter Dekeseredy, Katherine Jellison, and David Juedes
Guests: Ed Yost, Richard Greenlee/Social Work
Convened: 2:15 p.m.
v Chair Report: Joe Bernt, Chair
-- Comments:
ü Thanks were made to volunteers of the Review Committee for reviewing programs.
ü A motion was made to approve the 10/10/03 minutes. (approved) (see handout)
ü An updated handout was distributed regarding Grad Council membership for 03-04. A few minor corrections were made. (see handout)
1) Associate Provost for Graduate Studies Remarks: Dr. Michael Mumper
(See agenda & handout)
üSTATUS OF CHANGES RE: ADM/CONTRACT PROCESSES - January 1, 2004 will be the first date that graduate applications will go on-line. Many changes are being made internally that will also help to streamline the process. However, the graduate application can still be made on paper, if the correct application is received and normal processes are followed.
üGraduate on-line contracts - will be available for testing on January 1, 2004 regarding contracts for the 2004-2005 academic year. On-going review with departments will continue at this phase, and graduate appointments will move forward as soon as is possible.
ü APPLICATION INCREASE – The graduate application fee increase from $30.00 to $45.00 has been approved, and will be effective on January 1, 2004. The increase is designed to offset the higher cost of processing. There will be appropriate grandfathering until June 2004.
ü RACGS – Attended first meeting as Associate Provost. It was very interesting to meet everyone and start to understand the processes. Will keep council informed. As of this reading, there are two current OU Proposals to be reviewed. The MPH proposal and the Ph.D. in Civil Engineering; it is hoped this process can be accomplished by year-end.
ü PRESIDENT’S BUDGET COMMITTEE – There has not been a meeting as yet. Will keep Council informed. Deadline for action if February 2004. It remains to be seen if this date can be reached as of this reading.
ü ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE – (see handout) As stated in the 10/10/03 minutes, per request of the President and the Provost, this task force will be put in place to look at the balance of undergraduate and graduates. There has not been a meeting as of this reading. Council will be informed and is asked to review the handout of a DRAFT from the Provost titled “Enrollment Management Planning Considerations.” This will give everyone a better idea of the Provost’s thinking on this.
ü FEE WAIVERS – The Provost and Darrell Winefordner have concerns regarding the minimum stipend that is currently required for a fee waiver. Council will be informed on this issue.
ü IIP PROGRAM – A seven-year review has been done. The review had many “harsh” things to say and any comments from Council are welcome. The review basically said,” either provide efficient administration support and fee waiver support or do not have the program.” An area of interest is that 2/3 of the IIP students are OU employees. Michael Willits suggested that the program might have a more “interdisciplinary focus”, and “needs to be better known”. Joe Bernt mentioned that there was discussion among council about this last year and it was suggested that it might strengthen the program by using people from departments and including these people under the Graduate Studies umbrella, to help manage same. The downside here perhaps may be more revenues needed, which is doubtful to obtain, due to the currant budget cuts. It was also mentioned that the IIP students tend to be “homeless” as in not really belonging anywhere, and that the Doctorate program particularly is used to bring people in to participate, but where? Joe Rota commented, “He felt the program really should stay and we should not do away with it. The direct supervisor should be Dr. Mumper and not the department and perhaps should be put up for further discussion.”
2. Director of Graduate Student Services: Dr. Katie Tadlock: (no handouts)
üSTAFF CHANGES - Usha is now on board as our temporary evaluator. She has a graduate degree in Interpersonal Communication. She provides in-depth knowledge of India particularly and has already been a tremendous help as we move in to our busiest time of the year.
üGRADUATE APPLICATIONS - Applications were pulled out of the new graduate catalogs. If anyone wants to look at the “new” application before it is processed, please feel free to do so. Joe Bernt can send the text to review via email.
üINTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS - They are all caught up as of this reading and were sure council would be pleased to hear that. Joe Rota commented that the “International applications are down as expected; compared to last year by 9 1/2 % and he does look for things to improve. Does not want to see more erosion. He continues to see the numbers drop, and stressed we need to do something now, and not do anything, as in the past.” The numbers may go up some in winter, but no much. Alan Boyd said that there is too high a proportion that has not received an I-20. Katie stated that the I-20’s they have went out weeks ago. Also stated, that GSS can make financial decisions as close to the point you determine admission. If GSS receives the Form-18, and if the student is self-funded, an I-20 can be done right away. However, for example, if an award from the department comes weeks later, a new I-20 has to be done, and thus you have the problem of the information not matching up to SEVIS. Katie mentioned that she is ready to turn around applications more quickly if the financial information is correct and with the application or not. Also noted was that students need to realize as well that the I-20 has nothing to do with a GA. The GA is based only on merit. Joe Rota suggested perhaps continuing this area of discussion at the January 9th council meeting.
üADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT POSITION – This position still has not been filled. The Executive Hiring Committee did not meet last week. We are still hopeful that Claudia will be replaced. If not, we will have contingency plans in place and will get through the season fine.
2) CURRICULUM COMMITTEE REPORT: Scott Sparks, Chair (see handout)
(Guest – and Rich Greenlee present)
ü 1. Masters in Science in Human and Consumer Sciences with a Child and Family Studies Major at the Lancaster Campus. This program has been approved but could not be delivered in the original format. The program has been adjusted to accommodate compressed video Presentations. The committee felt that this change was appropriate and voted to reaffirm the original decision to approve. Maureen W. asked if this would cause any overload for faculty. It will, but only regional campuses. Any kind of faculty overload caused by a program should be presented. APPROVED BY COUNCIL.
2. Masters of Business Administration to be offered at all OU regional Campuses. This program is to be delivered 25% on compressed video and 75% via weekend residencies rotating from one regional campus to the next. The committee supports this proposal and recommends its’ approval. APPROVED BY COUNCIL
3. Masters of Social Work pilot of a modified, part-time cohort program to be offered on the Eastern campus. Seen as a primary way to recruit students and provide social work professionals in Southeast Ohio. The Committee supports this proposal and recommends its approval. APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ü Joe Bernt asked how many MBA programs were in various areas. It was stated there were three domestic, two international, and possibly China, creating a possible total of six. Joe Rota commented the quality is high and many people do benefit from what is being done. Scott Sparks wondered if there was a limit. There is when we run out of staff, but getting a lot of very good feedback.
4) POLICY AND REGULATIONS: Marilyn Poeppelmeyer, Chair (see handout)
ü Recommendation from this committee regarding the proposed “Segmented Transcript Policy for Graduate Students.” This committee recommends this policy, Resolution 0304-04, as submitted by the Graduate Student Senate, and not be adopted by the Graduate Council. APPROVED BY COUNCIL
5) ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Catherine Axinn, Chair (see two handouts)
ü Several “no conflicts” were submitted and voted on: PASSED
The following students voted on: Eric Anderson, Bojinka Bishop, Komal Bandyopadhyay, Danita Brown, Stephani Burcham, Thomas Conley, Ronald Cullums, Colleen Girton, Michelle Godek, Jennifer Hall-Jones, Janelle Harmon, Jason Howard, Janice Howman, Matthew Hyclak, Sarah Lude, Candice Morris, Laura Nadeau, Polly Sandenburgh, Cheryl Schroer, Kathryn Taylor, Shane Tilton, Daniel Trout, and Serena Wolfe
ü Four “potential conflicts” were submitted and voted on: PASSED
Those students voted on: Santanu Bandyopadhyay, John Cohenour, Melissa Freeman, Donald Sebera
6) GRADUATE STUDENT AFFAIRS and FELLOWSHIPS: Peter Johnson, Chair
ü No report at this time.
7) PLANNING and STRATEGY COMMITTEE (ad hoc): Tootie Overby, Chair
ü No report at this time.
8) NEW BUSINESS: No new business at this time. Motion for adjournment was made and seconded at 3:35 p.m.
Next Meeting: Friday, January 9, 2004
334 Baker Center
