September Minutes

September 19th, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT

Voting: Professors V.P. Anand, N.D. Dennis, J. Gigantino, C. Hestekin, V. H. Hunt, J.B. Kerr, J.W. Murry, K.L. Needy, J.C. Rupe, A. Zajicek

Non-Voting: Professors A.E. Ellstrand, P.R. Koski, L.L. Lennertz, K. Mamiseishvili, L.J. Robertson

MEMBERS ABSENT

Voting: Professors P.C. Calleja, T.P. Cronan, A.G.P. Dowling; two representatives from the Graduate and Professional Student Congress

Non-Voting: Dr. L.M. Yingling

SECRETARY Cassie Franklin

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Chair Patricia Koski.

  1. Minutes for the August 22nd, 2019, Graduate Council meeting stand approved, as no changes were suggested. (Graduate Council Minutes)
  2. Dean Needy shared that
    • the Council of Graduate Schools will be conducting research on graduate student wellness and we will be involved as possible.
    • The Council of Graduate Schools has also asked the University of Arkansas to participate in a "mini study" to better understand the increase of students from sub-Saharan Africa.
    • The 3MT competition will be scheduled for later this fall.
    • We have eight SREB doctoral students.
    • Graduate enrollment at the 11th day census date has increased over last fall and international enrollment is down slightly.
  3. There was no old business.
  4. The Council approved a policy for transfer credit at the doctoral level, which will next be sent to the Faculty Senate for information only (Attachment A).
  5. A proposal on the use of copy editors in theses and dissertations was tabled for further consideration and editing. The revised proposal will be included with the October agenda.
  6. Council members reported from constituencies about this question: "what types of situations should result in the removal of graduate faculty status?" Following these reports, the proposed policy in Attachment B was drafted and will be considered at the next Graduate Council meeting in October.
  7. The graduate faculty recommendations contained in Attachment C were approved unanimously.
  8. An issue was raised about timely background checks for graduate assistants. The Provost is aware of this issue and has asked that a small committee be created to draft a plan for addressing the issue of adverse background checks for graduate assistants.

There being no other business, the Council adjourned at 3:15 p.m. The Council will meet next on October 17th at 2:00.