January Minutes

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• 2023 Minutes
• January Minutes

January 19^th, 2023

1. Minutes for the December 20th, 2022 Graduate Council meeting stand approved, as no changes were suggested. (Please review Graduate Council Minutes)
2. Announcements: Professor C. Hestekin began by asking representatives to give their feedback regarding the new admission process to give programs earlier input about student applications. Professor C. Hestekin then informed the committee that a pilot program was currently underway to await program-specific materials before moving them into the program review bin in Slate. Professor C. Hestekin also stated that the option to ask students to defer is now available. Professor C. Hestekin also asked that the committee remind departments that Graduate Faculty Applications must be signed by a Graduate Council Faculty representative. Contingent applications are for committee members who are not affiliated with the U of A and require a faculty vote and Qualified are based on qualified experience. Renewals do not have to reapply. The Graduate School will run a query each year of those whose time limit is approaching and ask departments if any of them should be renewed.
   If so, they will be renewed without any new paperwork. If a faculty member leaves the U of A, they must fill out a form to remain on existing committees.
3. Dean’s Report: Professor C. Rom began by informing the council that leadership changes will begin occurring this spring. Professor C. Rom also informed the committee that as of the previous week, enrollment for the spring is at 3,661 students but expected to increase with late-enrolling students. The final enrollment data will be available after the 11th day. Professor C. Rom also added that Umer Rahman will begin work next week as the Associate Director of Graduate Student Support. Professor C. Rom also stated that two sections of GRSD 4104 Pathways to Graduate School are being taught this semester with approximately 20 students enrolled in each section. Professor C. Rom and Professor C. Hestekin are teaching the sections.
4. Proposed course additions and changes contained in Attachment A were approved unanimously.
5. The Council discussed and unanimously approved the Graduate Faculty recommendations for faculty, graduate faculty, and faculty renewals. (Attachment B).
6. Graduate Annual Course Review
   1. Inactive 3+ year to Delete (Attachment C)
   2. 4-5 yrs to inactivate (Attachment D)
   3. 6+ years to delete (Attachment E)
      Tabled until February 16, 2023, meeting so a representative from the Registrar's Office can attend the meeting and explain the process.
7. Other Business Professor K. Hall announced that he is bring up for discussion the possible need for the U of A to take a stance on the use of artificial intelligence. Professor C. Rom stated that he would take this topic to the GSIE AIM monitor.
   BISC Professor J. Lewis stated that Biological Sciences may do away with the GRE requirement and asked how this will affect the awarding of distinguished doctoral fellowships. Professor C. Rom stated that the gift agreement does not specify that students submit a GRE score, this is a Graduate School requirement. Professor C. Rom said the administration had asked that a GRE score continue to be a part of the evaluation process, but Professor C. Rom will bring this up for discussion with administration next year.
   There being no other business, the Council adjourned at 2:59 p.m. The Council will meet next in person on the 5th floor of Old Main and on Teams on February 16th, 2023.