Faculty Senate

Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

October 4, 2006

GBB 202, 12:10-1:00 p.m.

Members Present: A. Borgmann, D. Erickson, C. Fiore M. DeGrandpre, N. Hassanein L. Hayes, J. Hirstein, N. Moisey, T. Thibeau, G. Stanley

 
Members Absent/Excused: T. Herron, M. McClintock

Ex-officio members Present: Dean Strobel, Arlene Walker-Andrews

Chair Hayes called the meeting to order at 12:10p.m.

The minutes from 9/27/06 were approved.

Communications

• The curriculum proposals were disseminated. Professor DeGrandpre agreed to serve as chair of the science subcommittee. There will be no meeting next week so that subcommittees can meet regarding curriculum proposals and/or program review.

• One additional volunteer is needed for MIS Ad Hoc Committee. Chair Hayes requested that Dean Strobel review past student committees to come up with another volunteer.
  
  There is an average of 6 or 7 students per year in the program. The Rural Institute is using the program for students interested in Early Childhood Intervention. Dean Strobel is interested in revamping the program with a focus on integrative learning as an active pedagogy. A collaborative review of what the program is trying to accomplish will be beneficial prior to the scheduled review in 2009.
• The curriculum vitas for Educational Leadership and Counseling were provided to Professor Borgmann for review with regards to the committee's concerns.
• Associate Provost Walker-Andrews provided a brief update from the Board of Regents meeting. The Regents seem to be deferring to the recommendations of the Commissioner's Office on issues to speed up the meetings. There were concerns from Bozeman with regard to the Center for Advanced Supramolecular and Nano Systems and there was debate on the Restoration Ecology proposal. Both items will be on the agenda again in November.

Unfinished Business

• The Council discussed the proposed revision to the Bertha Morton Criteria. Members prefer to add social significance to the list of criteria rather than have secondary criteria that are dependent upon the program.
• 1. Honors and awards
• 2. Professional certifications and credentials
• 3. Evidence of research and other academic achievements
• 4. Evidence of professional and community achievements
• 5. Additional achievements and creative activities
• 6. Evidence of contribution to society

It was agreed that the award is based on the student's achievement rather than potential.  It is designed to recognize the top 2% of students.  There was some interest in changing the title from scholarship to award, but this could have tax implications.  Thus, Dean Strobel will look into the issue.