The Graduate Council
The Graduate Council is an Advisory Committee whose purpose is to make policy recommendations to the Director of Graduate Education for the guidance of department chairs and program coordinators in the development and implementation of their program curricula. Policies must be consistent with overall institutional polices and accreditation standards of state, regional and national associations with which the institution or school holds membership. Policy recommendations requiring curricular changes must follow the university process.
- The Graduate Council is chaired by the Director of Graduate Education and is composed of the following individuals:
- Department Chairs from each department that offer a graduate degree and/or are planning to establish a graduate degree program;
- One faculty representative from each department that offers a graduate degree (Graduate Program Coordinator);
- One student from each department that offers a graduate degree;
- One representative from university support areas: Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Business and Finance, and Office of Admissions;
- Director of Library Services;
- One Alumnus (Rotate from each Department);
- Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs - Ex-officio; and
- Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs - Ex-officio.
Members are appointed by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, based on the recommendations by the Director of Graduate Education and The Graduate Council. The Graduate Council structure and membership will be reviewed every two years to determine whether changes in its composition would improve its functioning. The role of the Graduate Council is to serve in an advisory capacity to the Director of Graduate Education and to ensure that graduate education maintains high standards of excellence. The Council will meet a minimum of twice per semester to:
- Monitor program accreditation standards and program implementation;
- Encourage professional growth and scholarly productivity of the faculty;
- Take an active role in recruiting well-qualified students from diverse economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds;
- Recommend policies governing criteria for admission to graduate programs;
- Review applications for admission to candidacy, giving attention to both the design and the content of the proposed research;
- Make recommendations regarding requests from students to transfer in courses and to receive an extension of time to complete a program;
- Review student progress annually;
- Monitor and upgrade library holdings in the subject areas;
- Promote active student involvement in Graduate Education;
- Review and certify Graduate Faculty for Full, Associate, and Temporary Status and
- Oversee the follow-up of graduates for the expressed purpose of program improvement.
Standing Committees
The following standing committees are organized to advise the Council on matters relative to operational efficiency of Graduate Education Programs:
- Executive Committee;
- Graduate Grievance and Appeals Committee;
- Marketing and Publications Committee;
- Enrollment Management Committee; and
- Graduate Faculty Review Committee.