Members and Administrative Officers Present:

Absent: Casey Deaton, Reed Nelson

Guests: Keith Hillkirk, Dean, College of Education and Human Services; Randy Hughes, Vice President, Faculty Senate; Fred Isberner, Associate Dean, College of Applied Sciences and Arts; Donna Post, President, Faculty Senate; Ratna Sinha, Graduate School, and Kevin Wise, Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The meeting was called to order by Prof. Tyrrell at 8:00 a.m. in the Mississippi Room of the Student Center. Dean Wilson announced the following proxies: Prof. Steve Esling for Prof. Jack Crelling, Prof. Vagner Whitehead for Prof. Susan Felleman, and Prof. Lyle White for Prof. Dennis Leitner.

1. Consideration of the minutes of the January 23, 2003 Special Meeting of the Graduate Council

   There being no modifications to the January 23, 2003 Graduate Council minutes, they stood approved as distributed.

2. Consideration of the minutes of the February 6, 2003 Graduate Council meeting

   There being no modifications to the February 6, 2003 Graduate Council minutes, they stood approved as distributed.

   At this point, Prof. Tyrrell announced that the Graduate Council and the Faculty Senate had agreed to exchange non-voting representatives at meetings. Prof. Tyrrell felt that this exchange would result in better communication and cooperation within the two faculty bodies. Prof. Randy Hughes, Vice President of the Faculty Senate, will serve as the Senate's representative to the Graduate Council. Prof. McDermott, Vice Chair of the Graduate Council, was willing to serve as the Council's representative to the Faculty Senate. However, due to a scheduling conflict, Prof. Tyrrell will serve in that capacity until the end of the semester. After the election of the new officers of the Graduate Council in May, the Vice Chair will represent the Council at Faculty Senate meetings and deliver a report to the Council on those meetings.

3. Remarks-Chancellor Wendler, Provost Dunn

   Chancellor Wendler

   The Chancellor applauded the Graduate Council and the Faculty Senate for their decision to exchange representatives at meetings.

   The Bureau of the Budget Office is talking about the possibility of a state-wide reduction of 8% in universities' budgets for FY 04. In addition, the Budget Office is considering a reduction to the FY03 budget. However, it is unclear whether the State wants 8% of what remains in the budget for FY03 or 8% of the entire year's budget. This amount would translate into an $18 million reduction for the SIU system, based on cuts to the entire fiscal year's budget. The administration is working diligently by using every means of communication at its disposal to communicate with key leaders on how devastating cuts like these would be on the University.

   A bill was filed recently in the Legislature to split the Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses. At this point, there is a great deal of discussion about this issue and SIU is trying to understand the implications so that it may devise an approach that makes sense for SIU.

   Provost Dunn

   The Task Force on Budget and Planning has met six times thus far on Tuesday from 7:00-9:00 a.m. The committee will now start a new format and meet on both Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time. Thus far, the group has examined some of budgets of the vice chancellor areas; namely, the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Dean and the Vice Chancellor for Administration. Currently, the committee is looking at the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs area. As this is being done, the committee is generating some preliminary recommendations. The Provost said that he has been pleased with the conduct of this committee. Their attendance at meetings and participation in discussions has been outstanding.

   There were 44 dossiers submitted for promotion and tenure this year. The Provost noted that some of these individuals had very impressive credentials, which collectively is a compliment to the institution as a whole. Letters to the deans and the candidates regarding decisions will be mailed later in the week.

   Due to the current budget climate, there will not be a national or interim search for a replacement for the Associate Vice Chancellor position held by Dr. Kyle Perkins. Dr. Perkins retired from SIUC and accepted a position at another university. Rather, the Provost will assume some of the responsibilities of that position and, in addition, use the opportunity to look at and understand the total structure of the Provost's Office. If a search is warranted after a review of the office, and if the budget climate improves, a national search would be undertaken.

   The University Women's Professional Advancement group has invited nominations for women of distinction. This is a great opportunity not only to acknowledge women formally, but also to say thanks to women in the roles that they perform daily, those that we work with, those that we report to, and those who might report to some of us.

   As part of the Board of Trustees meeting next week, there will be student presentations by three of the University's Presidential Scholars. Last year was the first year of the Presidents' Scholars programs. The Provost provided some information regarding the inaugural class and next year's class. The average ACT score for the inaugural class was 31.33; the average class rank was 98.28, and the average grade point average for the first semester was 3.825, and 11 of those students had a perfect 4.0 gpa. For next year's class, the average ACT score is 32.82 and the average class rank is 98.63. The Provost congratulated the Presidential Scholars for their accomplishments, and the faculty for helping to recruit and retain students of this caliber.

4. Announcements-Dean Koropchak and Associate Deans

   Dean Koropchak

   In Dean Koropchak's absence, Dean Rice announced the following:

   The University has contracted with an external consultant for a review of the University's research mission. This is being done as a part of the Southern at 150 goals to help the University move toward the goal of being one of the top 75 public research institutions in the nation. Moreover, we want to develop a strategic research plan to replace the previous one under which the University has been operating. Research includes not only scientific research but also the social sciences, the arts, the humanities, and creative activities. This group is called the Washington Advisory Group and includes prominent former university presidents and science advisers. It is anticipated that they will be on campus in late April. Their visit is widely sponsored by the colleges, the Chancellor's Office, the School of Medicine, the Research Park, Southern Tech, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

   The RAMP for increasing graduate stipends is still pending and Dean Koropchak remains optimistic that it will be funded.

   An external search for the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Director of ORDA position has been initiated. The ad has been posted on the web and appears in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

   Dean Wilson

   The Morris doctoral fellowship panel has met and offer letters have been mailed. As a consequence of an additional commitment of $100,000 received from the Chancellor's Office for the next fellowship season, the Graduate School has been able to make four offers at the Morris level, rather than three as in the past. The goal is to reach the prior level of five or more Morris offers. Also, the doctoral panel has met and those offers will be in the mail today. Also, additional doctoral and master's fellowship offers have been made.

   Dean Wilson followed up on comments he made at the previous Council meeting regarding SEVIS, the new international student information system. He said that it is becoming clear that this mandated information required by the government will be a huge task not only for the Graduate School staff, but for the International Student Programs Office as well. It is hoped that the time involved reporting information for this system will improve, as staff becomes more familiar with SEVIS. However, even under the best of circumstances, it will slow down other operations in the Graduate School.

   Graduate School applications for the coming year have increased by 18-20%. This may, in part, have resulted from the new Peterson's Guides web presence or due to the current economy.

   Prof. Tyrrell added that Dr. Phillip Lindberg of the International Programs Office has been making presentations to colleges to clarify problems with regard to international students. He urged colleges to contact Dr. Lindberg if they are interested in such a presentation. Dean Wilson said that Lu Lyons in the Graduate School would be pleased to provide assistance as well.

   Dean Rice

   Dean Rice distributed copies of the most recent edition of Research Profile. The research totals for grants and contracts was $61.4 million compared to approximately $43 million when Dean Rice assumed the ORDA position which represents an increase of more than 40%. Dean Rice felt that the University was well on its way of reaching the goal of a higher-ranked research university.

   The undergraduate research poster session will be held on March 24 at the Student Center. Dean Rice encouraged individuals to attend.

   ORDA is in the process of negotiating the intellectual property and distance learning portions of the Faculty Association contract which will be ongoing for the remainder of the semester.

5. Announcements-Prof. Tyrrell

   Prof. Tyrrell attended the Board of Trustees meeting in Edwardsville on February 13. Items that were approved were the Southern at 150 document and the contract between the Board of Trustees and the Faculty Association. Additionally, there was an announcement of the pending retirement of Vice Chancellor Glenn Poshard. Prof. Tyrrell said he wanted to take the opportunity at today's Council meeting to recognize Dr. Poshard's enormous commitment to the institution and the positive work that he has done as Vice Chancellor for Administration. He will be missed.

   As Provost Dunn mentioned, the Budget and Planning Task Force is working hard and will begin meeting twice a week to continue consideration of budget matters on campus.

   Prof. Tyrrell, along with other constituency heads, met with Dr. Haller and Peter Ruger to modify/clarify some of the legal terminology found in the by-laws and regulations of the Board. It is Prof. Tyrrell's understanding that the revised document will come before the Board next week.

   Regarding a representative from the Law School serving on the Graduate Council, Prof. Tyrrell did some research on the matter and found that there is no need for any specific action per se by the Council. The Operating Paper of the Graduate School, which also is the operating paper for the Council, states clearly the definitions of a constituency and a graduate faculty member. According to the Operating Paper, "constituencies shall consist of the colleges and schools (except schools within colleges) which offer approved graduate programs, whose primary administrative officer is a Dean." The Law School fulfills the latter requirement since its primary officer is a dean. On today's agenda, the Law School has submitted new program requests for the creation of graduate programs. Once these graduate programs have been approved, the Law School will then by definition, be a constituency. As far as a definition of a graduate faculty member is concerned, the Operating Paper states "all University faculty members who have an appropriate terminal degree in the field in which they will perform graduate faculty functions, and who have a continuing appointment in a department with an approved graduate program, shall be deemed qualified for regular membership in the graduate faculty." Prof. Tyrrell said the faculty in the Law School hold the appropriate terminal degree for their discipline and once graduate programs are approved for that area, they will become graduate faculty members. At that point in time, they will become a constituency and based on the rules of the Graduate School, will be allowed to elect a representative or representatives to the Graduate Council.

   Regarding input on the University Academic Calendar from the Graduate Council, the Provost said that the Council's representative to the Academic Calendar Committee would fulfill that role. Prof. Tyrrell asked Prof. McDermott to try to identify an individual willing to serve on the Academic Calendar Committee.

   Prof. Tyrrell said notification has been received that there is a new format for program review summaries forwarded to the IBHE.

   Prof. Tyrrell announced the following outstanding graduate student accomplishments:

   Polly Chandler, Cinema and Photography, had a nice photo spread in the "In Focus" section of the Southern Illinoisan.

   Lance Schuler, a graduate student in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Center, under the direction of Prof. Michael Lydy, received a $30,000 fellowship from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry provided by Proctor and Gamble as part of a global fellowship program. Kimberly Parks, also working with Prof. Lydy, received a $2,000 award from the same society.

   The following are faculty accomplishments:

   Prof. Elizabeth Reichert, School of Social Work, has a new book published by Columbia University Press: Social Work and Human Rights, a Foundation for Policy and Practice.

   Profs. Martha Henderson and Joan McDermott, Administration of Justice program, received a grant of approximately $70,000 from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

6. Committee Nominations-Prof. McDermott

   Prof. McDermott said that, as a result of earlier discussion at today's meeting, she would be seeking a nominee to represent the Graduate Council on the Academic Calendar Committee.

7. Report of the New Programs Committee-Prof. Muhlach

   Prof. Muhlach said there were eight resolutions to be announced at today's meeting. He noted that complete documentation for these resolutions would be posted online after the Council meeting. In addition, Prof. Muhlach would be happy to provide assistance to individuals who may have concerns with these resolutions.

   ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESOLUTIONS

   RATIONALE: The School of Law has submitted a Reasonable and Moderate Extension proposal to establish a Center for Health Law and Policy. This proposal expands upon the Law School's commitment, in conjunction with the School of Medicine's Department of Medical Humanities, to health law and policy. Although the RME does not request new resources, it is coupled with SIUC's 2004 RAMP request for funding to support the center.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the proposal from the School of Law to establish a Center for Health Law and Policy.

   There was no discussion regarding this resolution.

   RATIONALE: The School of Law has submitted a New Program Request to establish a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree program (two options: General, and Health Law and Policy). The M.L.S. program is a post-baccalaureate degree program designed for those who wish an advanced knowledge of the law and the legal system but who do not wish to become lawyers. The General M.L.S. program should be particularly relevant to educational administrators, law enforcement administrators, business persons, human resources managers, and government regulators who deal with a complex array of state and federal legal requirements. The Health Law and Policy M.L.S. is directed at physicians, hospital administrators, risk management specialists, human resources professionals in the health care field, employees of insurance companies dealing with health insurance, and other health care professionals. No new state resources are required for this program.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the proposal from the School of Law to establish a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree program (two options: General, and Health Law and Policy).

   There was no discussion of this resolution.

   RATIONALE: The School of Law has submitted a New Program Request to establish a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree program (two options: General, and Health Law and Policy). The LL.M. degree is recognized in legal education as the first advanced degree beyond the Juris Doctor. This degree program responds to the educational and vocational needs of lawyers who desire graduate-level training, as well as those who wish advanced education in the field of health law and policy. No new state resources are required for this program.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the proposal from the School of Law to establish a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree program (two options: General, and Health Law and Policy).

   There was no discussion of this resolution.

   RATIONALE: The College of Education and Human Services has submitted a New Program Request to establish a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching. This new program was developed in response to state and national concerns about public school teacher shortages. This initiative has already received federal seed money from the Library of Congress's Hands across America educational program. SIU plans to implement similar programs at both the SIUC and SIUE campuses. This is a non-thesis master's program which is intended for persons who have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts or Science at an NCATE approved institution and who desire to pursue certification for teaching at the secondary level. This program is being considered as part of the FY05 RAMP budget submission.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the New Program Request for the College of Education and Human Services to establish a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching. This approval is contingent upon the acquisition of $678,000 in recurring new state funding to support the program.

   Prof. Muhlach noted that the policy of the Graduate Council has been to include dollar amounts in resolutions which request funding. The dean of the College of Education and Human Services has indicated that a major component of this program can be implemented without having all of the funding resources in place at the onset. However, for the program to be totally effective as it continues, it is hoped the requested funding resources will become available in the future.

   Prof. Tyrrell noted that Dean Hillkirk and Prof. Post from the College of Education and Human Services were present for questions.

   Regarding funding for the program, Dean Hillkirk said $750,000 in federal funding had been received to date from the Library of Congress for a program called The Adventure of the American Mind. Also, an additional $600,000 is forthcoming, a portion of which would be used to help support the proposed MAT. There is a significant technology piece from The Adventure of the American Mind, Library of Congress program that is being infused into the proposed MAT.

   Dean Scott said she had concerns regarding this proposal. Approximately 18 months ago, she and Dean Parker met with Dean Hillkirk to draw up a first proposal for the MAT degree with an emphasis in teaching. Subsequently, she has not been involved in development of the curriculum. The program proposal which evolved did not reflect the concerns that were brought to the original discussion. She felt that one of the most glaring needs for teachers is the need for more richness in their academic discipline and this component has not been met in the proposal by offering two courses in the discipline. However, Dean Scott said she still would like an opportunity to work with the College of Education and Human Services to develop a program that both colleges could support.

   Dean Hillkirk commented that the proposal for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree was modeled after MAT degrees offered across the country. In Illinois, there are 11 new teacher standards for teacher certification. Of those 11 new standards, the first is that prospective teachers be deeply prepared in the content they will be teaching. The other 10 standards speak to understandings and sensitivities related to student development, human development, and being grounded and skilled in a repertoire of pedagogies. Students admitted to this program would receive the preparation they have not had in those other 10 areas. In order to be eligible for certification, we have to show the Illinois State Board of Education that these students have achieved those standards and demonstrated their competence in all of those areas. We have also, where possible, included two electives that the student would be able to take in their academic content area. MAT degrees are intended not only to prepare students at the graduate level, but also for certification. Moreover, this degree was developed in response to State and national expectations to address teacher shortages, particularly in math and science. In addition, the program has been framed around the five core propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards with the expectation that students would seek National Board certification after completing the three required years of teaching. It is the expectation of the State Board and the Board of Higher Education that SIUC, along with other universities, will take steps to increase the number of teachers that are being prepared and provide an alternative route to certification that is of high quality.

   Responding to comments regarding the appropriateness of the title for the proposed degree, Dean Hillkirk said the MAT is the name of the degree that has developed over the last couple of decades that is focused on certification and master's-level preparation for teaching. It is widely used at several institutions across the country.

   Prof. Tyrrell asked if a certificate program instead of a master's degree program would meet the requirement for state certification. Dean Hillkirk responded that we are asking to offer a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Students would earn a master's at the same time that they are completing the educational requirements and earn additional credits at the graduate level in the academic discipline that they would be teaching.

   Dean Scott had a concern that the certification issue had overtaken the program proposal; it was not the curriculum that she had envisioned at the meeting with Dean Hillkirk. She felt that the proposal should not primarily emphasize state certification, but rather more emphasis given to disciplinary richness.

   Prof. Post offered the following comments. She noted that there are five-year teacher preparation programs across the nation that lead to a master's degree by taking only undergraduate coursework. These programs typically are such whereby the student takes the first four years in the content area and the last year toward a fifth year degree before finishing the bachelor's and the master's degrees. There is no bachelor's degree actually given; it is a master's degree. Another point made by Prof. Post was that inquiries are being received now from students expressing interest in the program. For example, students at the University of Illinois are interested in this program because they want to be teachers now, having completed their content area. They learned about this program and it is a degree program rather than a certificate program. Prof. Post also noted that in order to meet certification requirements for the State of Illinois, a person needs 36 credits.

   The Master of Arts in Teaching was designed on the basis of 36 credits, which is the same as required for a master's degree for certified teachers. It was decided to add some content at the master's level, thus 6 credits of electives were included. Regarding an earlier question about a having a thesis requirement for the program, Prof. Post said that a thesis is not required for their master's programs for certified teachers. It is an option and to add a thesis to the MAT program would add several credits to the required 45 credits and 15 months of intense work to meet the certification requirements in the State.

   Other questions and concerns were raised including the issues of the time limit allowed for students to enter the program after receiving a bachelor's degree; whether the program would attract students ten years from now, and how funding would be used in the program. Dean Hillkirk responded that the Master of Arts in Teaching degree has been in existence for at least two decades and is a very attractive degree. A number of these degrees currently exist in the State. This degree will make SIUC more competitive in recruiting prospective teachers and will provide a quality alternative that is more attractive and defensible in terms of the kinds of people needed in secondary classrooms. Regarding the time limit issue, Dean Hillkirk said that before students could be admitted to the program, they would have to pass both the basic skills test and the content test in their academic area which are State requirements. Regarding the question on funding, Dean Hillkirk said that funding for the program would be used for faculty lines in the Colleges of Education, Liberal Arts, and Science.

   The Chancellor suggested that individuals send their concerns about this proposal by e-mail to Dean Hillkirk and/or Prof. Post. Prof. Muhlach added that he would like to be copied on such e-mail messages.

   Prof. Tyrrell said that obviously this proposal is of great interest to many members of the Council. There will be an opportunity for further discussion at the next Council meeting at which time it will be voted upon.

   RATIONALE: The College of Engineering has submitted a Reasonable and Moderate Extension proposing changing the name of the Department of Civil Engineering to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. This name change will more accurately reflect the department's strengths and will enhance recruitment potential. No new resources are required for this change.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the proposal to change the name of the Department of Civil Engineering to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

   Prof. Tyrrell said that, due to a breakdown in communication in routing the proposal through the appropriate administrative channels, this item fell between the cracks. Prof. Tyrrell felt there should be a better process for transfer of this type of information and suggested that, in the future, proposals should be sent from the Associate Provost's Office directly to the Graduate School. The Graduate School should then forward the information to the Chair of the New Programs Committee with a copy to the Chair of the Council.

   RATIONALE: In the Fall of 2000, faculty from the Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program and the Communication Disorders Sciences Program, both in the Rehabilitation Institute of the College of Education and Human Services, collaborated to offer a program of graduate student training, research and evaluation, and community outreach to children with autism and their families. This group has submitted a Reasonable and Moderate Extension proposal to build on this collaborative effort by establishing a Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. No new resources are required to establish the center.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the proposal from the Rehabilitation Institute to establish a Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

   Prof. Benshoff noted that this is an existing collaboration between two divisions in the Rehabilitation Institute-Communication Disorders and Sciences and Behavioral Analysis programs. Thus far, funding has been received in the amount of approximately $100,000 and it is anticipated that an additional funding of approximately $300,000 will be received in grants. Prof. Benshoff said that autism is one of the most significantly growing and most perplexing of childhood disorders. He felt this proposal would have significant implications for teaching, research, and service in southern Illinois.

   RATIONALE: The School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts has submitted a Reasonable and Moderate Extension proposing the addition of a non-thesis option for the Master of Music Degree in Opera/Music Theater. This change is in response to a recommendation from the National Association of Schools of Music, the school's accrediting agency. No new resources are required for this program change.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the addition of a Non-Thesis option for the Master of Music Degree in Opera/Music Theater.

   Dean Wilson asked if the non-thesis option in the proposal actually meant a non-paper option? Prof. Muhlach responded in the affirmative.

   RATIONALE: The interdisciplinary Women's Studies Program has submitted a proposal to establish a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies. In response to program review recommendations, this proposal will formalize the Women's Studies graduate concentration into a Graduate Certificate Program. No new resources are required to establish this program.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council approves the Graduate Certificate Program in Women's Studies.

   Prof. Dettmar questioned whether departments had faculty available to teach courses such as Women's Studies. He noted that he was prepared to teach a women's course in his department but had thus far not been able to do so. Prof. McDermott noted that she was in the group that developed the proposal and that Beverly Stitt from Women's Studies would certainly be interested in adding a Women's Literature course to the proposal. She also noted that Women's Studies checked with departments to verify their course offerings when the proposal was developed. Prof. Muhlach responded that this proposal is an interdisciplinary effort in which a solid core of individuals have been involved and who have the capacity to deliver a quality certificate program in this area.

   Returning to the previous resolution regarding a non-thesis option for Opera/Music Theater, Prof. Vaux asked if a non-thesis option usually requires a paper, does this proposal imply that there will be a performance? Dean Wilson provided an example of the MFA in Art and Design program. The Graduate School is provided a statement from that program in lieu of a thesis in terms of a final show. If that is the intention of this proposal, that would be acceptable by the Graduate School and it would be called a non-thesis option.

   Mr. Gray asked whether departments have faculty available to teach courses in programs such as the proposed Certificate program in Women's Studies. He felt the upper administration should address this serious issue when considering such proposals.

8. Report of the Educational Policies Committee-Prof. Pineau

   ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESOLUTION

   RATIONALE: There has been some concern that graduate committee members are given insufficient time to read and respond to dissertations and theses; this seems particularly true for committee members outside the student's discipline. Further, graduate students may be unaware of formal or informal guidelines regarding a requisite response period. In the spirit of professionalism and courtesy to all committee members, the Educational Policies committee recommends that each graduate director or department state clear and enforceable guidelines governing the time frame for committee response as appropriate for that discipline or department.

   RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council recommends that each graduate director or department state clear guidelines, as appropriate for their discipline, governing the time period between submission to all committee members of a student's dissertation, thesis, or paper required for degree and the date of its defense.

   There was a brief discussion of this resolution as to whether the resolution implied that the onus of a timeframe was on the department rather than the student.

9. Report of Program Review Committee-Professor Vaux

   No report.

10. Report of Research Committee-Professor Steger

    ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESOLUTION

    RATIONALE: It is important to recognize outstanding scholarly activity at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One mechanism of doing this is the annual selection of an SIUC Outstanding Scholar. However, this annual award confers no long-term title and therefore is little used outside of the year it was conferred. It would be possible for the recipient of this award to also be given the title of Distinguished Professor, a title already established at SIUC. There may well be other mechanisms and reasons for awarding this title and the following resolution is not meant to be restrictive.

    WHEREAS, Academic Affairs has established the Distinguished Professor rank and title and has outlined the qualifications for this position (1996 Employee Handbook, pg 13-14); and,

    WHEREAS, the Graduate School annually selects an SIUC Outstanding Scholar.

    RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Graduate Council recommends that the title "Distinguished Professor" be bestowed upon each qualified recipient of the SIUC Outstanding Scholar Award, past, present and future.

    Prof. Steger noted that a reason the word "qualified" is used in the resolution is because the Outstanding Scholar does not necessarily have to be a full professor. To be a distinguished professor, however, full professor rank is required. The other qualifications are more subjective. The Faculty Handbook says, "this individual has to clearly be recognized as one of the leaders in the field." Prof. Steger said that to be awarded the Outstanding Scholar is clearly the case.

    In the discussion that followed, issues that were raised included the need for a clearer definition of the word "qualified" in the resolution and, in addition, the possibility of over-use of the distinguished professor title thus resulting in devaluation.

11. Old Business

    None.

12. New Business

    None.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra L. Ballestro
Recording Secretary

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