4/17/2017 DRAFT GAC minutes
Minutes of the Council meeting of April 17, 2017, 9:00 AM, UNH 105
Approved by the Council May 8, 2017 vote 7-0-1
In attendance: J. Fossett; K. Chan, M. Turan, A. Lizotte, J. Giboney, C. Malloch, M. Larson, S. Hogan, K.
Williams, J. Bartow (staff), C. Davis (Staff), J. Deden (Staff)
Guests: Michael Stessin (Chair – Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics), Kathleen Gersowitz
(Assistant Dean, CAS), Jason Lane (Chair – Dept. of Educational Policy and Leadership) Melissa
Powers (Registrar’s Office)
1.
Draft minutes from the April 3, 2017 meeting were approved by the Council, without amendment, by
a vote of 7-0-0.
2.
Chair’s Report – Professor Fossett related that there has been some movement on the Federal level
with regard to the immigration issues affecting the University and its international community. Efforts
are continuing to be made to keep the issue in the forefront.
3.
New Business –
a.
The School of Education requested the Council approve a new Advanced Graduate Certificate
Program in Community College Leadership. The presentation by Professor and EPL Chair Jason
Lane outlined the acute need for professionals particularly in the SUNY Community Colleges,
due to anticipated turnover, and how the Certificate program will address the need. The
credential will be “stackable” within other graduate programs offered by Ed Policy and
Leadership and as such may be a feeder program, in addition to a valuable standing alone add-
on credential. The program will consist of 4 courses (12 credits) already being offered at
University at Albany. The Council voted 7-0-0 to approve the proposal.
4.
Dean’s Report – Dean Williams updated the Council regarding the graduate student Satisfaction
Survey. Results will be coming soon and eventually available online.
He reported the University’s standings in the latest US News & World Report college rankings. Ranking
movement was mixed to which he expressed concern and promised vigilance.
He shared notes from the Strategic Planning meetings, specifically how the University needs to foster
more interdisciplinary graduate programs and expand and diversify the kinds of programs offered.
5.
Continuation of New Business -
b.
The College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Mathematics and Statistics requested the
Graduate Academic Council approve a new Master of Science program in Data Science.
Presentation given by Prof. and Chair Michael Stessin outlined the need for a degree program
in Data Science, focusing on what to compute, not just how to compute.
The Graduate Council recommended that marketing the program be given full attention upon
final approval and registration.
The GAC approved the Data Science Master of Science program by vote of 8-0-0
4/17/2017 Page 1 of 2
6.
Report from the GAC Committee on Curriculum & Instruction –
a.
Political Science MA Program – C & I Committee stated they have returned the proposal to the
Political Science Department for more clarification regarding the proposed amended program
capstone requirement. After a short discussion, the GAC motioned and voted (8-0-0) to
approve the request for program update, conditional upon CC&I acceptance.
b.
Request from Educational Policy and Leadership to approve a Global and Comparative
Education Policy concentration for both the Master’s (9 credits) and Ph.D. (15-18 credit)
programs. All the courses for the proposed concentration are currently active. C & I
recommended the proposal’s approval. The GAC approved the request by a vote of 8-0-0
No other business.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:46 AM.
End of 4/17/2017 GAC Minutes
4/17/2017 Page 2 of 2
