Meeting Date: 
February 8, 2017
Date: 
02/08/2017 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: 
128 Kidder Hall
Event Description: 

A PDF of the agenda can be found here.

A PDF of the minutes can be found here.

Agenda: 
  1. Crop Science Graduate Program Review

Continued discussion of the Crop Science graduate program action plan and 10-year review report.

  1. Curricular Proposals – Ryan Contreras

 

  • Rangeland Ecology and Management – MS, PhD

 

  1. Graduate Catalog Update – Jim Coakley

Discussion of an update to the graduate catalog from Jim Coakley (with help from Stephanie Bernell and Rosemary Garagnani). The exam policy for PhD exams allows for a limited number of retakes and outcomes. No similar guidance is provided in the catalog on exam policies for Masters’ students. Graduate Council archives from 1980 state that the Council intended to have PhD and Master’s exam policies be the same. If--37 years later--we feel the same, we need to get it entered into the catalog.

 

Minutes: 

Voting members present: Sourabh Apte, Ryan Contreras, Rebekah Elliott, Theresa Filtz, David Finch, Lisa Ganio, Anita Grunder, Marie Harvey, Lisa Price
Voting members absent: Pat Chappell, Jim Coakley

 

Crop Science Graduate Program Review

Continued discussion of the Crop Science graduate program action plan and 10-year review report.

 

  • A revised version of the Action Plan, based on the discussion last week, has not yet been received.
  • Theresa requested Jay Noller to write a paragraph indicating why there is a need for separation between Crop Science and Soil Science. Theresa will follow-up with a written request to Jay.
  • One stated they would like to see metrics of what the unit indicated they’re going to do. Another suggested that the absence of measurable metrics over a long period is very problematic, and felt it was important to ensure that the metrics are actually included in the Action Plan prior to receipt by the Sr. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

Action: Theresa will request a paragraph addressing the continuing recommendations related to combining the Crop Science and Soil Science units, and will request inclusion of measureable metrics.

 

Curricular Proposals – Ryan Contreras

 

  • Ryan noted that the Masters of Ag would be terminated upon approval of the two above proposals. The requirements are basically the same for both proposals: understands the need for a non-thesis MS option – the transcript will indicate a MS without a thesis; will require 48 credits including 9 credits of non-thesis research – why are additional research credits needed for a non-thesis degree? Students will do more work than a thesis MS due to the increased didactic credits, and there will be a final exam followed by questions from the committee. Why would students present on something other than what is germane to their research? It appears that the student is required to forward their seminar outline to the Program Committee three months in advance – this seems unclear.
  • The proposal reads as if all students are required to have a minor. The Program Committee composition needs to be clarified to include, if a minor is declared, a representative from the minor area shall be included.
  • Needs literature integration. How are they meeting the Graduate Learning Outcomes, and which relate specifically to their research? The intended audience is unclear.
  • How does the final exam relate to the research?
  • Need to indicate core courses or a list of electives for evaluation by prospective students.

Action: Ryan will reject proposal and comments from Ryan and Theresa, based on the above discussion, will be sent to the proposers for a response.

 

Graduate Catalog Update – Jim Coakley

Discussion of an update to the graduate catalog from Jim Coakley (with help from Stephanie Bernell and Rosemary Garagnani). The exam policy for PhD exams allows for a limited number of retakes and outcomes. No similar guidance is provided in the catalog on exam policies for Masters’ students. Graduate Council archives from 1980 state that the Council intended to have PhD and Master’s exam policies be the same. If--37 years later--we feel the same, we need to get it entered into the catalog.

  • Council members noted that, in their experience, typical practice is to treat this issue for MS in a similar way as for PhD students.

Action: Ryan Contreras moved that the Graduate Council vote to change the language in the catalog to reflect the same limited number of retakes for MS and PhD exams. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

 

Matters Arising

Dorthe Wildenschild is now an associate dean for graduate programs in the College of Engineering, and is no longer associated with the Graduate School. She advised Sourabh that her current position requires her to participate on the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council Standing Rules do not support replacing an appointed member with an associate dean, but the chair may invite anyone to attend meetings. Theresa and Sourabh will discuss this issue via email.

 

Minutes prepared by Vickie Nunnemaker, Faculty Senate staff