Meeting Minutes,
Members Present:
Deborah Ballard-Reisch, Chair and HCS
Linda Brinkley, VP for Research and Dean of the
Jennifer Greer, Journalism and vice chair
Brent Bowman, Business
Rangesan Narayanan, Agriculture
Katharine DeBoer, A&S, Fine Arts
Robert Winzeler, A&S, Social Sciences
Jeff Thompson, A&S Science
Stacy Burton, A&S, Humanities
Chris Cheney, Education
Peter Krumpe, Medicine
Dean Adams, Engineering
Scott Tyler, Mines
Dana Edberg, Faculty Senate Representative
Susan Henthorne, GSA Advisor
Michael Peters, recorder
Guest:
Shirley Nelson, Graduate Student Instructional
Development
1. The Chair
called the meeting to order at
.
New Business
A. Draft of Minimum Web Page
Information for Graduate Programs: Read
distributed a list of important considerations, compiled by Dr. S.R. Burkett,
Associate Dean,
B. Definition
of and role of “outside” committee member for graduate student advisory
committees: In response to questions
from various faculty/graduate directors, Read explored refining the
University’s definition and role of the “outside” or university-at-large member
of student advisory committees. She
surveyed a variety of peer institutions and presented the Council with her
findings of statements regarding “outside” members as well as the current UNR
definition. Discussion ensued. The Chair proposed members forward their
views on particular aspects of the issue to the Chair/Associate Graduate Dean
for consolidation for discussion at next month’s meeting. Read would survey graduate directors
regarding current practices regarding the appointment and role of the “outside”
member.
C. Initiation
of election of new members to Graduate Council:
Peters identified that the following members would need to be replaced
next academic year and that he would notify the respective Deans that elections
should be held.
Robert Winzeler Arts&Science,
Social Sciences
Katharine DeBoer Arts
& Science, Fine Arts
Dean Adams Engineering
Deborah Ballard-Reisch Human
and Community Sciences
D. Continuous
Enrollment Registration Options: Peters
presented the rationale for a registration option for students who had
completed their coursework, were not completing a thesis or dissertation but
needed to be enrolled either to meet the University minimum enrollment
requirement of three graduate credits each fall and spring semester, or meet
registration requirement to hold an assistantship, or to meet financial aid
requirements. A proposed new course
proposal form for XXX-599, Faculty Consultation was distributed. Discussion ensued with a number of revisions
suggested in wording, etc. MOTION (Winzeler/Tyler): To approved adoption of
such a registration option with incorporation of proposed revisions. Motion passed unanimously.
E. In-Progress
Grade for Professional Paper (XXX-796):
Read presented rationale for changing grading option for Professional
Paper to allow for an “in-progress” grade to be assigned (akin to those
assigned to thesis and dissertation courses) instead of requiring instructors
to file an “Incomplete” due to the paper not being completed in the semester in
which the student registers for the course.
MOTION (Winzeler/ Narayanan) To approve a change to the General Catalog allowing for an
“in-progress” grade to be assigned to professional paper courses. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Standing
Reports: Dean, Graduate School: Shirley Nelson, Director, Graduate School
Instructional Development, presented information regarding the revised Speaking
Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) test, a passing score on which is
required of all non-native English speaking graduate students prior to serving
as a teaching assistant. Students
failing the test are required to enroll in appropriate
Brinkley
reported that the Regents had approved including health insurance for graduate
students and an increase in graduate assistantship stipends to $12,000 in the
state budget enhancement request. Also,
the University Planning Council (UPC) had endorsed the Interdisciplinary
Graduate Program guidelines worked out by an interdisciplinary graduate program
committee organized by Associate Graduate Dean Read.
3. GSA Report:
Henthorne reported that the GSA would be holding an election soon to select
a replacement for Carlos Ledon who had withdrawn from the University for an
employment opportunity.
4. C & C Report: Read reported that as there was a moratorium on
new graduate programs, the proposed master of arts degree in Social Psychology
and the master of arts degree in Teaching History are being held in abeyance.
Old Business
5. Approval of previous meeting’s minutes. MOTION (Greer/Krumpe) Minutes of previous
meeting be approved. Motion passed
unanimously.
6. At