Members and Administrative Officers Present:

Absent: Mark Kittleson, David Lightfoot, and Bethanie Morrissey.

Guests: John Haller, Vice President for Academic Services; Fred Isberner, Associate Dean, Applied Sciences and Arts; Fred Reneau, Chair, Workforce Education and Development, and John Washburn, Professor, Workforce Education and Development.

Prof. Shrock called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. in the Mississippi Room of the Student Center. Dean Wilson announced that Prof. Lewis Annette Carter was serving as proxy for Prof. John Benshoff. While not formally announced, Prof. Joan McDermott served as proxy for Prof. Rhys Williams.

1. Consideration of the Minutes of the February 1, 2001 Graduate Council Meeting.

   Mr. Hageman noted a correction to the bottom of page 65, top of page 66 regarding the sentence which reads, "However, due to the short turnaround time to forward these names, the members of the Expanded Executive Committee will serve as representatives to these focus groups." Mr. Hageman said that not all members of the Expanded Executive Committee were serving in that capacity.

   Hearing no further corrections, the February 1, 2001 Graduate Council Minutes stood approved as corrected.

2. Remarks-Chancellor Jackson, Provost Winters

   Chancellor Jackson

   The budget for higher education was announced on February 21. Of the original $144 million BHE recommendation for new money, $134 million has been confirmed, resulting in a loss of $10 million. Therefore, it is expected that SIU will share in that loss which, unfortunately, will most likely come from new programs monies. The capital budget picture is brighter with the University receiving money for the library and the School of Medicine's Cancer Institute building in Springfield. It also received the recommended deferred maintenance and capital renewal dollars. All budget recommendations, however, must still be approved by the General Assembly.

   The recent trip to Cuba by several SIU representatives may result in graduate-level exchanges, research exchanges, and possibly graduate students for SIU.

   Provost Winters

   The Chancellor's Planning and Budget Council is moving forward with RAMP 03 which will be presented to the Board in April and voted upon in May.

   The RAMP subcommittee of the Planning and Budget Council is preparing a document explaining the RAMP planning process so that the process can go forward in a more orderly and timely manner.

   The Provost attended the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture banquets recently. Several individuals in both colleges received awards at the banquets for teaching and research. The College of Engineering has established three new awards: the Dean Thomas Jefferson Award for Teaching and the Dean Juh Wah Chen and Dean Kenneth Tempelmeyer Awards for Research. Dr. Kumar in Engineering received both research awards and Dr. Kassimali received the teaching award. The Provost encouraged other colleges to recognize similar accomplishments in such a manner.

   For those departments who have not finished working on their operating papers, the Provost urged that they do so. She asked Council members to take this message back to their departments.

3. Announcements-Dean Wilson

   The graduate fellowship competition is underway. At this point, offer letters have been sent for the Morris fellows and the doctoral fellowship letters will be sent soon. The master's fellowships will be determined shortly. As mentioned previously, the number of master's fellowships awarded will increase next year, and both the master's and doctoral fellowships stipends will increase slightly.

   Interesting preliminary enrollment data from the Council of Graduate Schools are available. The anecdotal enrollment data discussed in December suggested that the decline was continuing in graduate enrollments across the country, and for domestic enrollments, that was the case. They are down again about 1%. However, there was a large increase in international enrollment, approximately 8%, leading to level enrollments. The University's international graduate student enrollment reflects this trend.

4. Announcements-Prof. Shrock

   President Walker will attend the April Graduate Council meeting. Prof. Shrock has asked that he address his vision for graduate education and research on the campus, the Research Park, and the Chancellor's search. Prof. Shrock asked Council members to bring questions for the President.

   Following up on the Provost's comments, the RAMP subcommittee of the Chancellor's Planning and Budget Council has been working diligently to develop a more coherent planning process. This has been difficult in the past because consideration of RAMP proposals by different constituency groups was occurring at the same time the RAMP document was being prepared. Just as important is the development of a bank of proposals which can be forwarded if non-RAMP dollars become available late in the budget process.

   The Chancellor's search continues to go forward. It is in the preliminary stages of working out criteria guidelines and scheduling issues.

   Several Graduate Council members including Profs. Shrock, Lightfoot, Vaux, Benshoff, and Steger, and Mr. Hageman attended a meeting at the Research Park. Dean Wilson and GPSC President Bill Peters were also in attendance. Associate Chancellor Ray Lenzi and his associate, Kyle Harfst, addressed some of our representatives' questions. Prof. Shrock felt the meeting was beneficial and there was a positive attitude from Dr. Lenzi and his staff concerning the integration of research faculty into the development of the Research Park. Dr. Lenzi noted that the research advisory committee to the Board of Directors of the Research Park would be involved in determining projects or organizations that are integrated into the park. In that regard, he discussed a list of criteria regarding selection and stated that organizations that join the Park must have an explicit relationship with the campus. Also discussed was a plan that integrates the role of the Business Incubator and the development of a multi-purpose building to house commercial enterprises coming out of faculty research. Dr. Lenzi said that an important benefit to the campus was the opportunity for faculty to profit from commercial spin-offs which could encourage more faculty to stay at the University.

   In the discussion that followed, a concern was raised that the Research Park endeavor might take money away from other areas in the University. The Chancellor responded to this concern by noting that all funding to date has come from specific grants targeted for this purpose. Plans are underway to get the organizational and legal structure in place, and to obtain funding to start on infrastructure and long-term planning. Prof. Shrock added that Dr. Lenzi pointed out that the University's funding commitment to the Research Park had not increased for at least five years. In addition, he was receptive to the idea of having an external review of the Office of Economic and Regional Development. Prof. Tyrrell expressed his concern that other universities, some much more research-oriented than SIUC, have started similar enterprises and have failed. We need to be realistic about potential success.

   Chancellor Jackson recently forwarded information regarding the cost of graduate student credit hours at SIUC. Examination of the data shows that SIUC does not appear to be out of line with other State schools. However, the importance of monitoring costs of graduate student credit hours as well as headcounts is clear. Prof. Vaux noted that one of the requirements of the new program review guidelines is inclusion of course enrollment information in the self-studies. This requirement would encourage chairs to plan courses carefully to enhance enrollment.

   The Expanded Executive Committee met with the Graduate Council representatives to the Computing Advisory Committee (CAC), Andrew Lumpe from the College of Education, and Don Rice from the College of Liberal Arts. The representatives met with the committee to gain a better understanding of issues of concern to the Graduate Council regarding computing. During the discussion, information about additional committees and focus groups established to provide computing information to the Provost caused some confusion. Therefore, Prof. Shrock asked the Provost to clarify issues surrounding the CAC and subcommittees.

   Provost Winters provided background on the CAC. The Committee, founded during the 1980s, currently reports jointly to the Office of Provost and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration. As a constituency-based group, the committee handles a wide range of issues originating from either Vice Chancellor or from the Chancellor. Examples include joining the National Organization on Computing at Universities, site licenses, dial-up connections, replacement policies, and Y2K preparation. Four years ago, CAC developed a strategic plan for campus computing, much of which has been approved since that time. This year, the Committee decided to review the plan and formed a subcommittee for the task. This subcommittee decided that additional members were needed and asked the Provost to find representatives for each college not represented. The subcommittee is now looking at the strategic plan. After making recommendations to the larger CAC, the subcommittee will disband. In the meantime, because of the wide mission of the CAC, the Provost felt that Academic Affairs needed additional advice. Therefore, she established an advisory group to the Provost to deal specifically with academic computing matters. This group will not be involved in policy-making; all policy issues would be forwarded to the CAC. What may have been missed in the previous discussion with the Graduate Council representatives was this group's interaction with CAC. At the conclusion of the Provost's comments, Prof. Shrock asked Council members to solicit academic computing concerns from their departments to pass along to the Graduate Council representatives to the CAC.

   At this point, Prof. Steger asked the Chancellor and Vice President Haller about the status of the Medical School strategic plan which has been developed without faculty input. Prof. Steger noted that this plan could have significant system-wide implications for graduate education and research if the Carbondale campus component is moved to Springfield. The Chancellor responded that the strategic plan had been developed by the School of Medicine and forwarded to the President who is considering it pending former President Frank Horton's report on the University's medical facilities. The Chancellor felt that after Dr. Horton's report is received and reviewed, faculty input will follow. Prof. Shrock encouraged the Council to ask President Walker about this issue at the April meeting.

5. Report from the Graduate Council representative on the Chancellor's Planning and Budget Council-Prof. Tyrrell

   Prof. Tyrrell said he was unable to attend the last meeting of the Chancellor's Planning and Budget Council. However, he echoed earlier comments made by Provost Winters and Prof. Shrock regarding the serious problem of trying to develop a RAMP proposal when many proposals are still under consideration by various constituency groups.

   Prof. Vaux remarked about the difficulty of preparing proposals without some insight into chances for being funded. The Provost noted that she had summary sheets of campus proposals that had been funded. She felt these sheets could provide helpful planning information. (See Appendix A.) The Chancellor added that the Illinois Commitment parameters are extremely important when proposals are considered by the State.

   Prof. Shrock then read from a document provided at the last Chancellor's Planning and Budget Council listing programs currently in the queue for RAMP FY03. The new programs requests include an undergraduate program, and the Ph.D. in Computer Science. In the area of enhancing recruitment and retention is a proposal for the Center for Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching. The Council was also asked to look at the College of Education's multi-media center for teaching and learning. Under enhancing the quality of programs, the Center for Excellence in Soybean Research is listed because the program was not fully funded previously. This is in keeping with the Council's directive of a few years ago stating that if programs were only partially funded, they were not automatically dropped. This category also includes the Center for Archaeological Investigations Expanded Visiting Scholars program, and the program in Irish and Irish Immigration Studies. Under the enhancement of technology initiatives, the Emerging Technology Center is included. (See Appendix B.)

6. Report of the Educational Policies Committee-Prof. Ford

   Prof. Ford introduced the first announcement of resolution:

   RATIONALE: Many students have materials, such as large databases, programs, and special illustrative materials, that are either best viewed or only accessible through electronic media. University Microfilms, the national repository of most theses and dissertations including those from SIUC, now allow theses and dissertations to be submitted in electronic format. However, they do have specific requirements to assure that all formatting, software, etc., are included in the submission, and that printable portions are stored on microfilm for long-term accessibility and archival purposes. At this time, SIUC cannot absorb the cost of producing printed or microfilm versions of portions of theses and dissertations, so these costs must continue to be borne by the student.

   RESOLUTION: As of August 16, 2001, theses and dissertations may be submitted on a permanent, archivable electronic media (e.g., CD-ROM), provided that the materials in electronic format conform to the guidelines accepted by University Microfilms at the time of submission and that two print copies are submitted to the Graduate School of all text and essential summary materials (e.g., tables, figures) that conform to established university and departmental formatting requirements.

   Prof. Ford distributed a handout from University Microfilms with guidelines for submitting dissertations and theses in digital format. (See Appendix C.)

   Commenting on the resolution, Prof. Ford noted that a number of programs would like their students to have the ability to submit materials electronically. Students in some disciplines are creating large databases or other types of materials best viewed through electronic media. She added that, while not included in the resolution, another outgrowth of the proposal is the desire to make dissertations and theses readily accessible to other scholars.

   Dean Fox said the Library did not foresee any problem with receiving the materials as described in the resolution. Regarding whether these materials could be placed on its server, he noted the Library would give that a try and deal with technical issues as they arise.

   Dean Wilson supported the resolution, but noted that he was uncertain whether the date of August 16 was realistic considering that a search for a replacement for Barbara Meier was still underway, and implementing this new policy would be complex.

   In addition, Prof. Ford said another issue that still must be resolved regarding this procedure is that of intellectual properties. She hoped to provide more information on this topic next month.

   Prof. Ford then presented the second announcement of resolution.

   RATIONALE: Joint doctoral programs between SIUC and SIUE exist, and others are in the process of being formed. It appears both appropriate and advisable to allow SIUE faculty involved in these joint programs to chair dissertation committees as part of creating a truly joint and active program serving students from diverse locations in southern Illinois.

   RESOLUTION: The Graduate Council recommends to the Graduate Faculty as a whole that the Operating Paper of the Graduate School, Section Two, Part 1A: The Graduate Faculty shall be amended as follows (see attached copy of current section, Appendix D):

   A new section I.A.1.f., described below, shall be inserted, with the current section f becoming section g.

   I.A.1.f. Faculty at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville may be granted direct dissertation status subject to the following conditions:

   1. They have an appropriate terminal degree in the field in which they will perform graduate faculty functions.

   2. They are part of an approved joint SIUC/SIUE doctoral program, and they direct dissertations through that program.

   3. They are tenured with the rank of associate or full professor or they fulfill section I.A.1.e.

   4. If the committee chair is from SIUE, then the majority of the committee members must be SIUC faculty.

   5. The joint SIUC/SIUE doctoral program must undergo a Graduate Council sponsored review three years after the first SIUE faculty member is granted direct dissertation status for that program.

   6. Should the joint SIUC/SIUE doctoral program be discontinued, SIUE faculty would retain direct dissertation status only for as long as, and for the sole purpose of, "teaching out" students working under their direction in that program.

   Regarding this resolution, Prof. Ford said that the existing guidelines for graduate faculty status are found in the Graduate Council's Operating Paper. Any amendment to the Operating Paper must come forward from the Graduate Council as a recommendation and then forwarded to the entire graduate faculty for a vote.

   A concern was raised that Edwardsville faculty could be granted graduate faculty status without approval by the Carbondale faculty. In response to this concern, Dean Wilson said the Graduate School provides safeguards by assuring that faculty credentials, whether from the Carbondale or Edwardsville campus, meet established criteria.

   As a final comment, Prof. Ford said that in the coming months, the Committee would be looking at issues and policies surrounding graduate fellowships. She encouraged individuals to contact her with concerns regarding these programs.

7. Report of the Programs Committee-Prof. Muhlach

   Prof. Muhlach read the first announcement of resolution:

   RATIONALE: The ecology faculty of the Department of Plant Biology have submitted a proposal to establish a certificate program in Wetland Delineation. The proposal is in response to the fact that many agencies are looking for graduates with training in wetland delineation, a technique by which wetland determination is made by observing plant, soil, and hydrologic indicators of a site as set out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manual.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approve the Department of Plant Biology's proposal for a Certificate in Wetland Delineation.

   There was no discussion of this resolution.

   The next announcement of resolution was read:

   RATIONALE: The Department of Workforce Education and Development has prepared a reasonable and moderate extension which proposes the establishment of a Center for Workforce Development. The goal of the Center is to create a research, education and training group to provide students and faculty with the opportunity to collaborate on research and development, education and training, and information and product dissemination. No new budget resources are requested.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approve the Department of Workforce Education and Development's proposal to establish a Center for Workforce Development.

   Prof. Shrock noted that Profs. John Washburn and Fred Reneau from the Department of Workforce Education and Development were present to speak to the proposal.

   Prof. Washburn stated that WED developed a proposal to create a Center for Workforce Development which is a priority of both the Governor and local area businesses. WED desires to take advantage of the sizable investment in workforce development in this region and throughout the State.

   Prof. Muhlach read the third announcement of resolution from the Committee:

   RATIONALE: The Department of Geology has submitted a proposal to add a Non-Thesis Option for the Master of Arts Degree in Earth Science with Specialization in Remote Sensing and/or Environmental Geology. This option has been proposed at the request of state and federal agencies (e.g., Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the National Imaging and Mapping Agency in St. Louis) to provide post graduate training and courses in geologic subjects for their professional employees. No new budget resources are requested.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approve the Department of Geology's proposal to add a Non-Thesis Option for the Master of Arts Degree in Earth Science with Specialization in Remote Sensing and/or Environmental Geology.

   Prof. Muhlach said a significant point to make about this resolution was that state and federal agencies had requested the non-thesis option.

   Discussion about this resolution again raised the long-standing concern that standards for a non-thesis option would be less than for a master's program which included a thesis. In this regard, Prof. Johnson commented that there was a non-thesis program in his college, but non-thesis did not mean less rigorous, it was only different. Students in that particular program are enrolled in the non-thesis option because it will advance their careers; it is not the easy way out.

   The next announcement of resolution was introduced:

   RATIONALE: The Educational Administration and Higher Education Department at SIUC and the Division of Educational Leadership at SIUE have submitted a proposal to establish the Cooperative Ph.D. Program in Educational Administration.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approve the proposal from the Educational Administration and Higher Education Department at SIUC and the Division of Educational Leadership at SIUE to establish the Cooperative Ph.D. Program in Educational Administration. Approval of this proposal is contingent upon approval of direct dissertation status for participating SIUE faculty.

   Because there was some urgency to approve this resolution at today's meeting so the program could begin in the Fall, and because the Educational Policies Committee was simultaneously considering graduate faculty status for Edwardsville faculty, a friendly amendment was made to delete the last sentence of the resolution regarding graduate faculty status for SIUE faculty.

   Prof. Ford moved to suspend the rules to vote on the resolution as amended. This motion was seconded and approved.

   The amended resolution which deleted the last sentence was then voted upon. The resolution carried.

   Ms. Sileven moved to reinstate the rules and this motion passed in a voice vote.

   Prof. Muhlach introduced the final announcement of resolution for a Center for Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching. (See Appendix E.) This proposal comes from Associate Dean Wilson in the Graduate School.

   Center for Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching:

   On behalf of the Graduate School, Associate Dean David Wilson has submitted a new program request to establish a Center for Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching. SIUC needs substantial resources to enhance significantly the training and support provided to both new and continuing TAs to make them more effective in their interactions with undergraduate students. This proposal also calls for the development of an interdisciplinary "Certificate of Teaching Excellence" component that will be a valuable credential for the career advancement of our graduates.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approve the New Program Request to establish a Center for Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching. This approval is contingent upon the acquisition of $440,000 per year of new state funding to support this program.

8. Report of the Program Review Committee-Prof. Vaux

   No report.

9. Report of the Research Committee-Prof. Steger for Prof. Lightfoot

   No report.

10. Old Business

    There was no Old Business to bring before the Council.

11. New Business

    There was no New Business to bring before the Council.

    Prof. Shrock adjourned the meeting at 9:40 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sandra L. Ballestro
Recording Secretary

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