GRADUATE COUNCIL
April 29, 1996

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Sheila Barnes, Dr. James Britton, Mr. James Davidson, Dr. Pat Dunham, Dr. Molly Risso, Dr. Robert Henderson, Stephen Nolan (Student), Dr. Connie Taylor, Dr. Jack Robinson (Chair)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dr. Jack Testerman

GUESTS PRESENT: Dr. Wayne Dixon (MBS Rep.), Dr. Ron Finkbine (MT Rep.), Dr. Chip Weiner (MED Rep.)

The first item of business was to the minutes of the March 14, 1996 meeting. A motion by Sheila Barnes, seconded by Connie Taylor, passed unanimously to approve the minutes.

The second item of business was to consider an appeal by Jeffrey LeForce for admission to the School of Graduate Studies at SOSU. Mr. LeForce's retention/graduation gpa was 2.42 and his gpa on the last 60 hours was 2.78 making him ineligible for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. A letter of recommendation was provided by Dr. Wayne Dixon with additional support being added by Dr. Douglas McMillan. After hearing an appeal from Mr. LeForce, the council moved to grant him a one year conditional admission to the program with the stipulation that he maintain grades no lower that a "B" in his graduate course work. The council also noted that his current employment is in the field of counseling.

The third item of business was to review graduate faculty nomination. The credentials of Dr. Debbie Barnes, Corie Delashaw, Dr. Roy Drake, Lisa Hill, Clint Morris, Nevyl Pierce, and Dr. Thomas Taylor were reviewed and discussed. All applicants, except one, had formal course work beyond the Master's degree and scholarly activities to support their nominations to the Temporary Graduate Faculty. A motion by Molly Risso, seconded by Robert Henderson, carried with a majority vote to approve the individuals as Temporary Graduate Faculty for either Summer 1996 or Fall 1996. The council noted that in once case the applicant needs additional course work to meet the spirit of requirements for graduate faculty. The nominations of Virginia Davis and John Williams were next considered for Associate Graduate Faculty. It was noted that both nominees qualified by having over 60 hours of formal course work beyond the masters, and both applicants were in the dissertation stages of their doctorate. A motion by Robert Henderson, seconded by Molly Risso, passed unanimously to approve these two as Associate Members of the Graduate Faculty. Next, the nomination for Dr. Wayne Dixon to the Regular Graduate Faculty was considered. It was noted that he has served at least one semester as a member of the Temporary Graduate Faculty, has an earned doctorate, and has maintained his currency with scholarly work.

The fourth item of business was to consider 3000/4000 level courses in graduate programs. A memo from Dr. Robert Masters recommending that 3000 level courses no longer be accepted to the Master of Administrative Studies Program was submitted. A lengthy discussion ensued about 3000/4000 level courses. In this discussion, it was noted that the NCATE Board of Examiners had mandated that Southeastern no longer offer 3000 level courses for graduate credit in the Master of Education program. It was also noted that peer institutions are beginning to eliminate 3000 level courses for graduate credit. On the other hand, it was noted that some departments have difficulty offering courses to graduate students. The pros and cons of this recommendation were discussed. Finally, the council recommended that each Dean send a memorandum to the council stating their position and recommendation on 30000 level courses for their respective graduate programs. A motion by Pat Dunham, seconded by Molly Risso, was approved to no longer allow 3000 level courses to be offered for graduate credit in the Master of Administrative Studies program, effective immediately for all new students admitted to the program. The intent, clarified by Dean Masters, is to immediately stop allowing 3000 level courses to be used by current students enrolled in the MAS program (3000 level courses previously taken for graduate credit will count on the MAS degree; current students showing a 3000 level course on an approved degree plan would have the option of taking the course if taught by an approved graduate faculty member, or substituting a higher level course for the 3000 level course.) The motion carried.

The next item of business was to consider a request for two new courses from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. These courses are EDAD 5973, Internship for School Superintendent I, and EDAD 5933, Internship for School Superintendent II. In addition, a request was made to change the title of EDAD 5933 to Internship for School Principal. After a brief discussion, a motion by Connie Taylor, seconded by Sheila Barnes, was approved to recommend these courses to the Academic Council.

Other business relative to the GRE exam was tabled until the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.