Graduate Council Meeting - Minutes
April 6, 2001

 

Graduate Council Members

Ken Bowers, College of Letters & Science (Mathematics)

Janice Bowman, College of Agriculture (Animal & Range Sciences)

Doug Cairns, College of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

Gretchen Iman, Graduate Students

Richard Helzer, College of Arts & Architecture (Architecture)

Bruce McLeod, Graduate Dean

Gretchen McNeely, College of Nursing

Craig Stewart, College of Education, Health & Human Development (HHD)

Kent Swift, College of Business

Present:   Ken Bowers, Doug Cairns, Ian Godwin, Richard Helzer, Gretchen Iman, Bruce McLeod, Craig Stewart, Lynn Taylor, and Becky Ward.

Item 1: Electronic These & Dissertations (ETDs) at MSU

Ian Godwin gave an overview of Electronic Theses & Dissertations (ETDs) that included the reasons institutions and MSU may be interested in allowing ETDs, the costs associated and where the international academic community currently stands in regards to ETDs. The following documents were distributed to the Graduate Council members: "Why Digital Theses and Dissertations? How can you get Started?", by John Eaton (Associate Provost for Graduate Studies at Virginia Tech), the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertation member list, and the NDLTD Steps to Implement an ETD Initiative on your Campus.

Item 2: Proving Currency of Coursework

The current policy of disallowing student credits after 10 years (for doctoral students) was debated.

Numerous students, particularly in the Ed.D. program, have 10+ year old coursework, that they wish to apply to their graduate program of study.

The questions arose: Should these students be allowed leniency to use these credits, since they are currently working in the field, and are working toward administrative certification? This is a departmental issue.

A concern arose regarding the issuing of individualized student-department contracts regarding coursework. Who would be responsible for monitoring the contracts? It would be a burden on the CGS and departments.

Decision: All parties agreed to keep the 10 year rule for coursework as stated, with no stipulations.

Agenda Items 3 and 4 were tabled at this meeting, and will be discussed at the next scheduled Graduate Council meeting.

* The next Graduate Council meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., March 2 in the President's Conference Room (Montana Hall).