Graduate Council
October 16, 2015
Minutes
Voting members present: Stephanie Bernell, Jim Coakley, Ryan Contreras, Theresa Filtz, David Finch, Lisa Ganio, Drew Hatlen, Kokmun Ng, Lisa Price, Andreas Schmittner, Stacy Semevolos
Voting members absent: Sourabh Apte
Ex-officio members present: Graduate School – Jennifer Dennis
Guests: Tori Byington, Dorthe Wildenschild
Epigeum Online Mentoring Module – Dorthe Wildenschild
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Message from Dorthe Wildenschild
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Dorthe explained the Epigeum background and implementation, and presented a PowerPoint.
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This program would be required for all new faculty – does this include new faculty who have experience with advising? They are suggesting that faculty must complete all modules by their second term at OSU.
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Need to consider whether units/programs have PhD components. There may be a subset relevant to Masters programs.
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There is no mention of distance learning.
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Faculty are already overwhelmed – the program is very long.
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Think about intrinsic motivation.
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How to involve administrators?
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Important to take into consideration different cultures.
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What are the motivators for faculty to do this?
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Data from the US system is important.
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There is no evidence that the modules will be of value; but felt that the need is there. Difficult to require of faculty if no evidence of achievement.
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Is there a possibility of an abbreviated module?
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This is about best practices, and may not help those who are unethical.
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Suggested to have 10 newer faculty and 10 who have been at OSU for a longer period of time determine whether they feel the program is valuable. Ask those participating in the pilot whether they felt it was useful.
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It could come with appointment or reappointment to graduate faculty.
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Request a plan past assessment.
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Pull survey data from multiple units to determine what areas have been successful – completion to degree, are faculty lives easier?
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Is it time to determine whether the exit survey is serving a useful purpose?
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Better information comes at two-three years out of the institution.
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Dorthe hopes to mention that the modules are available and may poll faculty during the new faculty orientation. Dorthe and Theresa will determine a follow-up.
Guidelines for Review of New Degree Programs – Jim Coakley
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The Graduate Council and Graduate School developed an assessment plan which is part of the new degree program – what are the learning outcomes and how will they be assessed?
Review of Course Proposals – Jim Coakley
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Proposals must meet minimum syllabus requirements, address the number of credits assigned, learning outcomes, and work appropriate to each level, undergraduate and graduate, in slash courses.
2015-2016 Council Assignments – Theresa Filtz
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Contact Theresa Filtz if anyone has concerns with the Council assignments.
Reviewing Options and Minors
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What are separate specified outcomes?
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Minimum of 12 credits of specialized course work for an option.
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No assessment of options.
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Can be 15 dedicated credits for a minor (Masters), or faculty and students can agree on 15 credits. A PhD requires 18 credits.
The Graduate Council will not meet on October 30.
Minutes recorded by Vickie Nunnemaker, Faculty Senate staff