GRADUATE COUNCIL MINUTES

February 16, 2000

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Betz, Dr. Britt, Dr. Britton, Dr. Dixon (Chair), Dr. Hall, Dr. Knapp, Dr. McArthur, Dr. McMillan (Ex Officio), Dr. Mishco, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Moore, Dr. Oliver, and Mary Maurer (Student)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dr. Debra Haley and Tia Kelley (Student)

The Graduate Council Meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Dr. Diane Dixon, Chair, in the President's Conference Room (A-200).

The first item of discussion was committee approval for a time extension for graduate students ***** and *****. ***** requested a time extension through the Summer 2000 semester, and ***** requested a year to finish her graduate work. After discussing the requests, Dr. Britton made a motion to allow the time extension for both students, which was seconded by Dr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously.

The next item for discussion was for a new course request for the MBA program. The course, ACCT 5243, Accounting Controls for Managers, was accepted by the committee as a new graduate course for the Spring 2001 semester after a nomination by Dr. Britt, and a second by Dr. Knapp.

Three temporary graduate faculty nominations were next on the agenda to be discussed. One for the Spring 2000 semester for Amir Abbassi, and for the Fall 2000 semester, David Christy and Michael Miles. After discussing the nominations, Dr. Mitchell made a motion to accept the three graduate faculty nominations. A second motion was made by Dr. Britton, and the motion passed unanimously.

The Evaluation of Assessment Plans & Reports was scheduled next on the agenda, however, not all of the information had been submitted. Dr. Dixon informed the committee that when the remaining information was received, it would be sent to the committee members to be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting.

The council next reviewed and discussed the minutes from the previous meeting. Dr. Britton made a motion to accept the minutes as they were, which was seconded by Dr. Betz, and passed unanimously.

Dr. Dixon asked the committee if there was any new business to discuss. At this time, Dr. Mitchell stated that due to some problems with time limitations, there should be an "emergency clause" for graduate faculty members who don't know until the last minute whether or not they are going to teach that semester. This causes problems for students who need the course, which might end up being canceled that semester. Normally, the faculty nominations should be turned in at a specific time to allow the committee to view it before the semester begins. However, in certain situations an emergency approval can be made. Dr. McMillan stated that he, as graduate dean, could grant an emergency approval until such time that the graduate council can meet and discuss the nomination. He also stated that this should not be a problem with North Central or the Regents office. Dr. Dixon stated that she would send a memo to the faculty informing the faculty that they will need to submit their nominations by a specific time.

Dr. Mitchell made another suggestion that folders on newly admitted graduate students be sent to the graduate coordinators in order to help them know how many new students they have. This would also give the advisors transcripts and other background information a student may have that is normally kept in the graduate office. Dr. McMillan stated that the advisors would also receive a copy of the letter that is sent to the students informing them of what steps they need to take next for completing their folders in the graduate office. This would assist the advisors in knowing whether or not a student has completed their requirements, such as "Admission to Candidacy" forms and degree plans.

At this time, there was no more new business to discuss, so Dr. Britt made the motion to adjourn. Dr. Moore made a second motion, and the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.