Arkansas Tech University
Graduate Council
Minutes of Meeting
February 21, 2012
The Graduate Council met in TOM 102 on Tuesday, February 21, at 3 p.m. Graduate
Council members include the following:
Dr. Mary Gunter, Chair
Dr. Mary Ann Rollans
Dr. Cheryl Smith
Ms. Connie Zimmer
Dr. John Jackson
Dr. Linda Bean, Vice Chair
Dr. Nelson Ramirez
Dr. Richard Ihde
Dr. Susan Underwood
Dr. Deborah Wilson
Dr. Matt Brown
Dr. Sean Huss
Dr. Annette Holeyfield
Mr. Donald Minster, Student
Representative
Ms. Tammy Rhodes, Secretary
Dr. Bean and Dr. Jackson were absent.
CALL TO ORDER/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dr. Gunter called the meeting to order and indicated a quorum was present for the meeting
and business could be conducted.
Dr. Gunter asked for approval of the minutes from January 17, 2012. Dr. Holeyfield made
a motion, seconded by Dr. Underwood. Motion carried.
DEAN’S REPORT
• Graduation for Graduate College (May 11, 7:00 p.m.) – Deans are currently working
to find faculty participants. Those who participate in Friday ceremony are exempt
from the Saturday ceremony; although, they may do both if they would like. No
decision has been made as to whether or not the August and December
graduations will have a separate ceremony for graduate students.
• Role & Scope visit update - A visiting team has been identified. The team should be
here on either March 12 or 19. If the visit takes place when it is supposed to, the
Role & Scope will be on the ADHE April agenda.
• Conference of Southern Graduate Schools - Dr. Gunter and Courtney are traveling
to the national meeting for CSGS this week. This will help them learn how to better
serve students and the university.
ACTION ITEMS
Dr. Underwood made a motion, seconded by Mr. Minster, to approve the following
nominations for membership on Graduate Faculty:
Regular Faculty:
Dr. Carolyn Neel, Department of History and Political Science – College of Arts
& Humanities
Motion to accept the approval of the following regular and non-regular faculty renewal for
membership of Graduate Faculty as a whole made by Dr. Wilson, seconded by Dr. Ihde.
Motion carried.
Regular Faculty:
Dr. Robin Lasey, Department of Physical Science – College of Natural &
Health Sciences
Non-Regular Faculty:
Dr. Byra Ramsey, Department of Curriculum & Instruction – College of
Education
Ms. Diane Hughes, Department of Curriculum & Instruction – College of
Education
Ms. Jamie Earls, Department of Emergency Management – College of Applied
Sciences
Dr. Holeyfield made a motion to approve the GA Handbook as presented, seconded by Dr.
Wilson. Motion carried. The handbook will be sent to Mr. Thomas Pennington for final
review. Dr. Gunter asked that letters of appreciation to the faculty who helped be sent.
Dr. Wilson made a motion to approve Graduate Council Representation from
Supernumerary Group, seconded by Dr. Underwood. Motion carried.
OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Electronic Thesis update – The website is now built. Courtney will go through the training,
piloting the site this semester with the anticipation it will become fully electronic Fall 2012.
Mr. Donald Minster volunteered to be the first to submit his thesis electronically.
TOFEL - Dr. Gunter sent information to Dr. Fang and Yasu. She would like to defer
decision to April meeting so she may meet with each and discuss the item. The
anticipated implementation date is July 1, 2012.
Jim Ed McGee Award - Dr. Gunter presented new outline and gave overview. Dr.
Holeyfield recommended the Graduate College pilot new guidelines this term. Dr. Brown
and Dr. Huss volunteered to serve on the committee along with the Director of Graduate
Support Services, and the previous year’s recipient. The committee will meet to discuss
applicants after the April 1 submission deadline. Courtney will send out a correspondence
to eligible students.
Other Items - Due date for GA renewals is May 1. Any slot not filled by August 1 will be
reallocated.
Dr. Rollans made a motion to adjourn meeting at 3:27 p.m., seconded by Dr. Wilson.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle McMinn