skip to main content ISU bar University Faculty Senate Approved February 24 2009 February 17, 2009 Minutes Indiana State University Faculty Senate 2008-09 GC#11 Present: W. Barratt, S. Barton-Bellessa, M. Boyer, B. El-Mansour, E. Hampton, M. Haque, L. O’Laughlin Absent: Stan Buchanan, B. Corcoran Speaking Seats: D. Collins (COE), S. Gick (Registrar), H. Hudson (CAS), D. Mallory (Nursing), G. Maugham (Technology), R. McGiverin (Library) Guests: 1. Call to Order: M. Boyer called the meeting to order at 8:05 AM. 2. Agenda: The agenda, with modifications, was adopted by acclamation. 3. Minutes: W. Barratt moved approval of minutes from 02.03.09; M. Haque seconded. Minutes were approved. Vote: 6-0-1. 4. Old/Unfinished/Ongoing Business a. Graduate Catalog "Front Matter” review of qualifying (preliminary) exams i. L. O’Laughlin distributed possible revised language. Several members noted that the current language does not seem consistent with the wide range of procedures used in different departments when scheduling preliminary exams (i.e. exams are offered only once if repeat administration not needed, or they have been offered on a student by student basis vs. cohort) ii. M. Boyer noted that the 2nd sentence of the current language (“The department with approval of the School of Graduate Studies, will set dates for the administration of the examinations.”) may suffice to ensure that exams are offered with sufficient frequency not to delay student progress. iii. D. Collins moved to remove the 3rd sentence: “Each department must offer the examination at least twice during the calendar year.” L. O’Laughlin seconded. Vote: 6-0-0. Current Catalogue Copy: The student must satisfactorily pass both written and oral examinations in his or her field of study. The department, with the approval of the School of Graduate Studies, will set dates for the administration of the examinations. Each department must offer the examination at least twice during the calendar year. Approved Change in Catalogue Copy: The student must satisfactorily pass both written and oral examinations in his or her field of study. The department, with the approval of the School of Graduate Studies, will set dates for the administration of the examinations. Each department must offer the examination at least twice during the calendar year. b. Admission language inconsistency (J. Gatrell) i. J. Gatrell noted that the current criteria for admission for international students differs from the language used for regular admission, as the criteria for international admission uses the language of a 4-year bachelor's degree. Further, this wording is not consistent with discussion that occurred in Graduate Council last year related to the Bologna agreement. J. Gatrell proposed a change in catalogue copy (see below) removing “four year bachelor degree program” and replacing this with “baccalaureate degree granted by a recognized institution” as noted in a parenthetical statement under regular admission. ii. S. Barton-Bellessa moved to accept the change in wording, seconded by E. Hampton. Vote 6-0-0. Rationale: The proposed catalog copy aligns the “regular admission” (admission to master’s degree programs) and “admission of international students” language. Additionally, the proposed revision will provide programs the flexibility to accept (at their discretion) appropriate baccalaureate degrees that may not corresponded with the traditional U.S. model, but for which applicants may demonstrate the capacity, skill, and knowledge necessary to complete a graduate program at ISU. Further, the proposed revision will enable programs to accept so-called Bologna degrees, account for the varied academic structures found at the secondary & post-secondary levels abroad, and potentially enhance enrollment. CURRENT CATALOG COPY: I. Admission to Master’s Degree Programs Regular Admission Regular admission status, upon the recommendation of an academic unit, may be granted to an applicant who meets the minimum admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or other admission requirements. For regular admission status in the School of Graduate Studies, an applicant must, as a minimum: 1. Hold a baccalaureate degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution). V. Admission of International Students International applicants, in addition to meeting the appropriate admission requirements in the respective admission categories as described in other sections of this Catalog, must submit the following: 1. Submit official academic records (transcripts) and official diploma or certificate demonstrating successful completion of a four-year bachelor degree program. Academic records from all universities attended must be received in English and the native language. PROPOSED CATALOG COPY: V. Admission of International Students International applicants, in addition to meeting the appropriate admission requirements in the respective admission categories as described in other sections of this Catalog, must submit the following: 1. Submit official academic records (transcripts) and official diploma or certificate demonstrating successful completion of a baccalaureate degree granted by a recognized institution. Academic records from all universities attended must be received in English and the native language. 5. New Business a. Curriculum Items from Program Development Committee. i. The following fast track course proposals have been approved: HIST 596, HIST 534, HIST 535, HIST 543. ii. M. Boyer noted that several items are coming up for approval, as programs make changes to the graduate catalogue. b. Degree Concentration appearing on Transcripts (S. Gick) i. S. Gick distributed a handout (contents attached below) detailing how a program may choose to have student concentration or certificate completion noted on the student transcript. ii. S. Gick suggested that students declare a pursuit of a certification program just as they would a regular degree program, near the start of the program, so that progress can be tracked via DARS. iii. In response to a question, S. Gick noted that the department/program must decide if a student can concurrently earn both a graduate degree and certificate when the certificate requirements are the same as the requirements towards the graduate degree. iv. J. Gatrell asked if more generic codes could be used for admissions applications as many applicants chose the wrong concentration codes when applying. S. Gick stated that it is possible to turn off codes on the web application, so applicants see only the codes programs wish them to see. v. W. Barratt asked if “concentration” is the official ISU language. S. Gick noted that this is the official term if the concentration is meant to appear on the student transcript. vi. M. Boyer requested that members share this information with their departments. 6. Reports: a. Chairperson (M. Boyer): i. No report b. Faculty Senate Liaison’s Report (T. Sawyer): i. No Report c. Administrative Report (J. Gatrell, SoGS Dean): i. SoGS is working on change to the graduate catalogue ii. Deadlines for changes to Graduate Catalogue have been forwarded to chairs and deans. iii. J. Gatrell would like to invite President Bradley to meet with the GC sometime in March in order to heighten awareness of the importance of graduate education in strategic planning. iv. J. Gatrell will attempt to schedule the meeting with the President at the GC regular meeting time (Tuesday AM) and in our regular meeting room (COE). d. Registrar’s Report (S. Gick): i. Registrar’s office has hired 2 new staff members to work on trending aggregate data. ii. Registrar’s office is considering the potential of wait listing for classes and would like to know what interest/concerns GC members may have regarding graduate level courses. iii. S. Barton-Bellessa noted that distance education courses may present a challenge as capstone is set to zero. S. Gick noted that the potential process would not automatically put a student in a course. iv. M. Boyer will add this item for an upcoming agenda. S. Gick asked that GC members send any comments or concerns that they have to her. 7. Upcoming Business a. Next meeting scheduled for Feb. 24th. b. Master’s thesis incomplete grading challenges: report from Task Group c. Graduate Assistant Compensation Issues d. Multiple Graduate Careers (Registrar) e. Midterm Grades for Graduate Students f. Joint BA/MA programs 8. Adjournment – 9:03 AM Respectfully submitted, Liz O’Laughlin for Brendan Corcoran Secretary Last modified: March 03, 2009 Copyright © 2007 by Indiana State University.