Graduate CouncilMeeting

March 14, 2013 Meeting Minutes

(Room: York Room, Mansion)

Present: Cynthia Brennan, Kathy Burke, Lew Chakrin, Brian Chinni (Recorder), Eric Daffron, Mike DiBartolomeo, Beth Foster, Tim Landers, Hassan Nejad, Steven Perry, Emma Rainforth (ARC), Sam Rosenberg, Richard Russo, and Eddie Saiff

Dean Steve Perry opened meeting at 10:10 a.m., introduced the meeting agenda. The meeting agenda included the following:

  1. Approval of minutes of the February 14, 2013 meeting;
  2. Academic integrity resolution (Eric Daffron);
  3. Process of notification of Council’s decision in cases of appeal of dismissal (Steve)
  4. Manuel Contreras appeal/decision, and appeal of MALS director

The following provides a summative report of all activities and related actions:

  1. Steve Perry introduced Eric Daffron to discuss the current Resolution by the Academic Integrity Board. Eric addressed two specific highlights from the Resolution text that would require modification. He explained the proposed changes and a brief discussion ensued, specifically regarding the capstone thesis. A motion was presented to accept changes; all approved.
  1. Next, Steve presented the circumstances surrounding the “MC”case of appeal of dismissal from MALS program. He offered an explanation of the current protocols regarding communication of program dismissal to student. At present, the Program Director informs the student of programdismissal in writing. Kathy Burke suggested that the Program Director should remain to be responsible for the communication of such academic issues. Eric added that, out of courtesy, he informs Program Directors of any students who are on academic probation, have been dismissed from program, etc. Eric emphasized that he does not inform the student of their status. The Council decided that the Program Director will continue to be responsible for written notification of dismissal, with copy to the Dean and Vice Provost. Furthermore, should a student decide to appeal this dismissal, he/she will submitin writingsuch appeal to the GC Chair. The decision of the Council will then be rendered in writingto the student by the Chair on behalf of the Council, with copy to Dean and Program Director.
  1. Next, Steve introduced the MC case. He summarized the circumstances. First, the Council agreed that it need not form a sub-committee to address the case. Eric explained that there are two (2) distinct issues for consideration:
  • Does the GC wish to hear the appeal?
  • If yes, then what does the GC decide?

Steve offered some additional details regarding the case. He distributed related documentation, including a letter of appeal from MC, and requested that all review. A discussion ensued. The GC decided that MC will be given one last opportunity to increase his GPA by permitting him to take one (new) elective course for which he must earn a minimum grade of B+. An incomplete will not be permitted. Furthermore, the course must be taken in the 2013-2014 academic year. As GC Chair, Steve will draft a letter and notify Anthony Padovano, MALS Program Director. Hassan Nejad will overseethe situation.

  1. Next, Steve opened discussion for new business. Tim Landers distributed an executive summary and offered rationale regarding proposed draft language of the graduate manual pertaining to academic standing. Eric questioned if thesub-committee had discussed parametersand related criteria for program suspension and dismissal. Tim explained that such has not yet been discussed. Eric expressed that he wants to be sure that there consistent criteria for suspension and dismissal. A discussion ensued regarding specific scenarios of suspension, probation and dismissal. It was decided that Tim will work with Eric and the sub-committee members to modify the existing draft and present at the April GC meeting.

Finally, Eric requested that the Program Directors inform him in email of any additional satellite (off-site) locations.

Steve motioned to adjourn the meeting at 12:05 p.m.; all approved.

Minutes submitted by Dr. Brian P. Chinni

Next Graduate Council meeting: 4/4/13

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