Graduate Academic Council
2006 – 2007
Minutes of the Council meeting of March 19, 2007
Approved by the Council on April 20, 2007
In attendance:
S. Saleh, A. Pomerantz, F. Bolton (staff), G. Burke, J. Hayes, J. Gangolly, J. Bartow
(staff), L. Scoville, M. Pryse & S. Friedman (Chair)
Guests:
Istvan Kecskes, ETAP & Bob Sanders, Communication
Unable to attend: L. Kranich, J. Newman & L.-A. McNutt,
1.
Minutes of the GAC meeting of 3/5/07 were considered and approved without amendment (5-0-3).
2.
MS TESOL / MA Communication Dual-Degree Proposal
Professor Sanders introduced and summarized the proposal, explaining that 12 credits between the
programs would be shared, reducing the total credits from 69 if completed separately to 57 via the
integrated program approach. Professor Kecskes supplemented the remarks and both departmental
representatives highlighted the intellectual integration within the dual-degree program. Professor
Pomerantz noted that students currently in each of the stand-alone programs are already cross-enrolling
in the other department’s course offerings. After a period of brief discussion, the Council members
voted to approve the proposal (7-0-1) and introduce it to the Senate for further consideration and
action.
3.
Dean’s Report – M. Pryse
Dean Pryse noted that we are in the midst of the doctoral recruitment/admissions season (and
masters too). Applications to the Diversity Fellowship program have exceeded 275 which is a
very positive number, given this being a new program.
The NRC doctoral study data collection effort is completed.
The Academic Analytics study and report of faculty productivity is on its way to us. The Dean
highlighted the differences between the NRC and Academic Analytics studies.
Planning for the October 2007 Graduate Programs’ Fair is underway. Planning is also underway
for the Graduate Student Orientation program at the start of the Fall 2007 term.
J. Bartow reported on the new Dissertation Research Fellowship Program, noting that demand for
funding is healthy and heavy. It is anticipated that award funding for the annual cycle will be right
about on target ($50K).
Dean Pryse highlighted a looming issue of the lack of on-campus housing for graduate students. It
is anticipated that we are two years away from no such housing being available at all.
4.
Committee on Curriculum & Instruction Report – S. Saleh
Professor Saleh highlighted the matters detailed in the Committee’s written report (included at the end
of these minutes). After a brief discussion the Council voted to accept the report (8-0-0) and approve
the one action item contained therein for the French MA curriculum (including the note of concern for
non-native speakers).
5.
Chair’s Report – S. Friedman
Professor Friedman reported regarding the Graduate Ombuds Committee, that which she continues to
chair in principle by default. She mentioned an expectation that the Graduate Ombuds Committee
would solicit a report of activities and comments from the three Graduate Ombudspersons. Dean Pryse
suggested that unless something else on the topic comes forth from the Senate Executive Committee,
the Graduate Ombudspersons might be invited to come and meet with the GAC and provide a verbal
report and engage in discussion. The Dean subsequently made a motion to that effect, including the
possibility that the GAC might thereafter report on the matter to the Senate. The Council members
voted to approve the motion (8-0-0) and in doing so ask the GAC Chair to arrange for the meeting of
the Council with the Ombudspersons.
END OF GAC MINUTES OF 3/19/07
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To:
Graduate Academic Council
From:
Shadi Saleh, Chair
GAC Committee on Curriculum & Instruction (CC&I)
Date:
March 15, 2007
Subject:
Report and Recommendations
CC&I members: J. Gangolly; R. Irving; A. Pomerantz, J. Newman; J. Rivera-Wilson; S. Saleh; J. Bartow
(staff) and F. Bolton (staff). B. Thiel was unable to attend.
Two items of business were considered.
1.
College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
request for program revisions to the MA in French Studies degree requirements
The French Studies program requested that Fre 540, one of the courses included in its core requirements for
the degree, be dropped. The elimination of this requirement reduces the program’s 12 credit core to 9
credits. The Committee requested that French Studies explain the impact such a reduction had on the
strength of the program and asked if this reflected a change to the core needed for the field. Professor
Briere responded: “We found that requiring an advanced grammar course (AFRE 540) of all graduate
students made little sense, particularly since more and more of our students at that level are native or near-
native French speakers. As a result the course was often waived for most students with one or two graduate
students enrolled . . .”. She also stated that more and more students were interested in advanced courses in
translation. The elimination of a core requirement would enable students to have greater flexibility to
choose an additional elective and would allow them more options to shape their individual curriculums.
The Committee expressed concerns about those students in the program who were not as fluent as native
and near-native speakers and how such students would gain the information contained in Fre 540 as it was
no longer to be offered on a regular basis. It was felt that provision for these students should be considered
and made.
The Committee moved to accept the changes proposed to the French Studies program and to have the
CC&I’s concern that non-native speakers have opportunity to take Fre 540 or a course with equivalent
content communicated to French Studies (7-0-0 inclusive of B. Thiel’s vote received via email).
2.
School of Criminal Justice – Request for program revisions to the MA in Criminal Justice program
The present MA in Criminal Justice program requires the completion of a support sequence of statistics and
research design and the completion of area requirements in three of the four substantive areas of the
curriculum. In order to make the program more integrated Criminal Justice has now proposed to require the
completion of two foundation courses, Crj 607 and 640; the completion of the support statistics and
research design sequence, Crj 504 and 505 or equivalents; and the passing of a comprehensive examination.
The Committee wished to have more information provided about this proposed comprehensive exam and
whether students will have to engage in themes/tracks (or individualized) study after taking the core
courses. Action on the proposal was tabled pending further discussion.
