skip to main content ISU bar University Faculty Senate Approved April 14 2009 April 7, 2009 Minutes Indiana State University Faculty Senate 2008-09 GC#15 Present: W. Barratt, S. Barton-Bellessa, M. Boyer, B. Corcoran, B. El-Mansour, E. Hampton, M. Haque, L. O’Laughlin Absent: Stan Buchanan Speaking Seats: D. Collins (COE), J. Gatrell (SoGS Dean), S. Gick (Registrar), H. Hudson (CAS), D. Mallory (Nursing), R. McGiverin (Library), P. Terpelets (Graduate SGA) Guests: 1. Call to Order: M. Boyer called the meeting to order at 8:04 AM. 2. Agenda: The agenda was adopted by acclamation. 3. Minutes: W. Barratt moved approval of minutes from 03.24.09; M. Haque seconded. Minutes were approved. Vote: 6-0-1. 4. Old/Unfinished/Ongoing Business 5. New Business a. Items sent from Curriculum Committee i. MA/MS MATH ED: eliminate in response to program prioritization. ii. PhD Counselor Ed: suspend. iii. COUN534: editorial changes. iv. CHEM552 Medicinal Chemistry: paired with existing 400 to enable graduate enrollment. v. Minor Revision Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This revision was discussed during the name change process and the proposal is clearly linked to CACREP accreditation. The only edit involves a special topics course on substance abuse that is being required and is no longer an elective. However, there is no change in total credits. vi. COMM566,COMM630, CRIM630, CRIM635. The COMM courses were earlier associated with the revision and deletion of courses--no net change (likely a reduction in total courses). The CRIM courses were discussed in the CRIM revision. vii. ELED 580,591, 592, 578. These are revisions of existing courses. 6. Reports: a. Chairperson (M. Boyer): i. Last week, GC representatives met with Stratus Consultant (Peter Facione) and discussed the importance of a university commitment to graduate education. The consultant was asked about his view of the role of graduate education at ISU and he said that Stratus consultants were hired to do a general strategic plan including facilities and budgets that did not distinguish between undergraduate and graduate education. GC reps spoke of the complementary nature of graduate education for undergraduate programs, and he said that no one at ISU had mentioned this to the consultants. He noted that the consultants were hired to develop a strategic plan rather than an academic plan. GC reps noted that ISU has not had a single consistent academic plan. The consultant noted two types of graduate programs at ISU, the traditional research focused programs, such as those in A&S, and the professional programs with larger enrollments. Facione pointed to four things we might work on to facilitate greater focus on graduate study at ISU: 1. An academic plan. 2. Disaggregation of funding between undergrad and grad programs in order to better demonstrate the contributions of graduate programs. 3. A “one-stop-shop” for support services specific to graduate students. 4. Development of student learning goals for graduate programs. One main goal of these discussions should be to “educate up” (i.e., to continue providing information to campus administration about the roles and contributions of graduate education) Discussion of an academic plan: J. Gatrell mentions that an “outcome” framework or assessment program should come before the development of an academic plan. Reporting should be kept simple and sent to a GC body. L. O’Laughlin reminds that this might be a repackaging of what we have already done. M. Boyer reiterates that it needs to be kept simple. We might develop 4 reporting outcomes and a reporting framework. Many programs are already working on assessment plans, but focusing more on undergraduate programs. This could be put together quickly. B. Corcoran asks about a mechanism for maintenance or enforcement of the selected standards. H. Hudson says that all programs are carrying out assessment activities for NCA so if we carry through with that mechanism, there is not so much enforcement as recognition of good practices across the institution. The key is making something useful. The general learning outcomes could be readily agreed by all programs. R. McGiverin argues that for the first several years there should be a focus on a reporting system. M. Boyer suggests that a group pulls together to form some general statement. (H. Hudson, L. O’Lauglin, W. Barratt, and G. Maughan) b. Faculty Senate Liaison’s Report (T. Sawyer): i. No report. c. Administrative Report (J. Gatrell, SoGS Dean): i. Wed. April 8, 11:00-2:00, the student symposium of research and creativity will be held at the library and is open to all. ii. Sycamore Science, Technology and Business Scholarship Program: The School of Graduate Studies has been working closely with VP McKee to identify existing resources to support 15-17 student scholarships that will enhance and diversify enrollment in critical campus-based science, technology & business related programs. Indiana residents interested in pursuing a masters degree in a science, technology, or business related field are eligible to apply to receive a partial tuition scholarship. The goal of the scholarship program is to increase and diversify enrollment in critical science, technology and business fields. The scholarship provides new full-time students with $1500 per semester. New part-time students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours are eligible to receive $1000 per semester. Newly admitted students are eligible if they meet the following criteria: 1.) Indiana residency; 2.) A 3.0 undergraduate GPA; 3.) Enrollment in an on-campus program; and 4.) Enrollment in at least six credit hours per fall and spring semester. Renewal beyond the first semester requires satisfactory academic progress. Additionally, students will be responsible for all associated fees. Graduate assistants are not eligible. Students will be nominated by program coordinators, department chairpersons, or academic deans. New students who are interested should contact their program coordinator or the chairperson of the academic department. The deadline for departmental nominations is May 1. Please forward nominations to Pam Allison [pallison@isugw.indstate.edu] via email. Up to 50% of the awards may be awarded prior to the deadline. iii. Discussion of potential name change for the School of Graduate Studies: The proposed name is the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. J. Gatrell notes (via email) that specific enrollment patterns have changed considerably over the past 15-years. Whereas more "traditional" programs in CAS accounted for 36% of all graduate students in 1996--CAS accounts for only 24% of all students today. Additionally, the mix of students in CAS has changed since 1996 too. Specifically, professional programs like the MPA and Criminology MS have more than doubled. Indeed, these two programs accounted for 36% of all CAS grad students in 2008 compared to 20% in 1996. Outside of CAS, those programs that don't require a thesis per se may be viewed as professional--although some students do complete the thesis option. Examples of such programs include the M.Ed. in CIMT, M.B.A., M.S. in nursing and HRD programs, all of which have seen significant enrollment growth. For example, Nursing went from 36 graduate students in 1996 to 262 in 2008. All of the clinical/practice based programs--as well as significant amount of non-degree professional development enrollment (about 175-200 students per semester) may be classified as “professional.” 1. M. Boyer argues this name change would allow graduate faculty to take greater ownership of graduate education. H. Hudson speaks of CAAC’s ongoing examination of the definition of “Schools” and “Colleges.” She suggests that this is an opportune time to begin this shift. L. O’Laughlin states that this fits the effort to come up with common goals for the program. 2. A formal proposal will be discussed at the next GC meeting. iv. There is a need for a Graduate School banner carrier at graduation on May 9, 2009. L. O’Laughlin was nominated and approved as banner carrier. v. The Graduate School needs admission decisions from program coordinators as soon as possible to make offers. vi. Announcements previously forwarded to GC: 1. Thank You. I would like to personally thank each of you who participated in the Strategic Planning Retreat. While I was unable to attend, I am confident based on my discussion with Dr. Boyer that graduate education and the Graduate Council were well represented. For your efforts last week--and on going activities--I am truly appreciative. 2. Statement. I would like to thank the Graduate Council--and the specific efforts of Dr. Maughan and leadership of Dr. Boyer--for developing a written statement that clearly articulates the benefits and multiple contributions of graduate education to the ISU campus. To that end, I would encourage the Council formally adopt the (a) statement for official transmittal to the President, Provost, Deans and the Faculty Senate. Given the on-going strategic planning activities, I believe it would be in our collective interests to proceed as soon as possible with such a statement. 3. Learning Outcomes. As a result of the strategic planning retreat, my own participation in NCA2010 activities, and the leadership of a small group of faculty with respect to assessment, I would request that the Graduate Council consider identifying 5-6 shared learning outcomes that could be used to provide a framework for the assessment of all graduate programs at ISU. Additionally, I would ask that the Graduate Council and other interested participants consider developing a simple framework for "reporting out" annually (or bi-annually...perhaps a rotation based on college) via a brief written summary to the full Council. In addition to providing an overview of the evidence that supports the shared outcomes, the reporting out activity should include summary 5-yr enrollment/degrees granted data (fall or fiscal year) for each program from OSPIRE. In an effort to avoid/limit duplicated effort, I would encourage the Graduate Council to focus on programs--not individual specializations--and base the shared outcomes on outcomes associated with current assessment plans/accreditation activities. With respect to potential outcomes, I assume most members of the graduate faculty would agree that all programs assure the following learning outcomes: "discipline-based or professional knowledge/expertise", "communication skills--written/oral"; "learning experiences that support community engagement and/or experiential learning" , and "the capacity to work/lead in complex multicultural professional environments". In terms of necessary action, I suspect the Council will need to approve learning outcomes, require "reporting out" activities (including development of a template), and provide a basic time line for implementation. To see an example of learning outcomes identified by Dr. Barratt (thanks Will), please visit: http://www.seattleu.edu/assessment/learning_outcomes/grad_goals_outcomes.htm Please note, the Seattle program is linked to specific strategic planning elements that do not necessarily correspond with ISU's current planning activities per se. 4. Dual Bachelors/Masters Programs Update. Dale Varble is beginning the process of identifying the first cohort for FA09 focused on accounting given the credit hour requirements of the CPA. 5. Professional MBA. The College of Business has developed a proposal for the off-site delivery of the MBA that utilizes the existing and approved curriculum--as well as the same admissions standards. The CoB proposal will be submitted to the Indiana CHE for formal approval soon. The proposed off site delivery is similar to the 1990s "Conseco" program in Indy. d. Registrar’s Report (S. Gick): i. S. Gick mentions regular trainings on IRA (formerly known as OSPIRE), a program that will allow for greater ability to manage specific data. e. Graduate Student Report: (P. Terpelets) i. April 20, 2009, SoGS and GC will host a reception for graduate students. 7. Upcoming Business a. The next meeting will be April 14, 2009. b. Midterm Grades for Graduate Students - report expected April 14. c. Discussion of possible name change for the School of Graduate Studies. d. Joint BA/MA programs e. Wait listing for graduate classes - future discussion with Registrar - please forward questions/concerns to S. Gick who is exploring this possibility for us. 8. Adjournment – 9:02 AM Respectfully submitted, Brendan Corcoran Secretary Last modified: April 27, 2009 Copyright © 2007 by Indiana State University.