1 GRADUATE COUNCIL MEETING 18 January 2012 102 Kern ...

Minutes of the Meeting
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
102 Kern Graduate Building GC – 4 (2011–12)
THE GRADUATE COUNCIL
The Graduate Council met on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at 3:30 p.m. in 102 Kern Graduate
Building. Dr. Henry Foley, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, chaired the meeting.
The minutes of the meeting of November 16, 2011, were approved.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND DEAN OF
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee on Academic Standards
Dr. Foley recognized Dr. Mary Beth Oliver, Chair, Committee on Academic Standards.
Dr. Oliver reported that the Committee had met earlier in the day and considered a request from an
associate dean for graduate education for additional interpretation of the recently revised policy on doctoral
committee composition (specifically regarding the outside field member); the Committee’s further interpretation
and guidance will be finalized and distributed by The Graduate School on the Committee’s behalf. She indicated
that the Committee is also reviewing the definitions of 500- and 800-level courses and will be proposing
revisions to the definitions to ensure consistency and compliance with Federal guidelines that affect students’
eligibility to receive federal financial aid.
She then introduced Dr. Jon Nussbaum, representing the Committee, to present the updates and
clarifications to the language related to the Graduate Council policy on transfer credit (Appendix A).
Dr. Nussbaum noted that no change in the policy was recommended; rather, language has been added to clarify
the current policy. He then moved that Council approve the editorial changes proposed. The motion was
seconded and the floor opened for discussion.
A question was raised regarding the need to incorporate verbiage to describe transfer of credits earned
while a student is in non-degree status; it was reported that up to 15 credits may be applied to a graduate degree
program from non-degree or certificate credit coursework.
The recommendation was made that the Committee review the question of non-degree credits separately
and that Council vote on the language changes in Appendix A “as is.”
There being no further discussion, the question was called on the motion to approve the editorial
changes to the policy. The motion was approved unanimously.
Committee on Fellowships and Awards
Dr. Foley recognized Dr. Andras Hajnal, Chair, Committee on Fellowships and Awards.