Graduate Council Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2011
GBB 202, 12:10-1:00 p.m.
Members Present: A. Borgmann, L. Economides, M. Ehrman, D. Erickson, J. Hirstein,
J. Hodgin, R. Judd, N. Moisey, H. Naughton, M. Mayer J. Olson, C. Palmer, G. Quintero,
W. Shields, R. Shortbull
Members Absent/Excused:
Ex-officio members Present: S. Ross, S. Sprang
The meeting was called to order at 12:10 p.m.
The 2/15/11 minutes were approved.
Business Items

The Council discussed the program review document for English. Professor
Economides responding to some of the issues related to the pending American
Studies PhD.
The focus of the review should be on the strengths and weaknesses of current
programs. But may also include information about reinvigorating or growing
programs. A balance is needed between ambition and realism. Perhaps a
discussion regarding the programs focus is needed given the current reading
literacy crises and employment trends. Are the programs resources being used
to achieve the desired results?
Chair Hirstein will write a letter to English outlining the Council’s concerns.

Programs have inquired about Bertha Morton allocations. The allocation is
based on the aggregate number of graduate students. Associate Dean Ross
would like to understand the guiding principle for the distribution. Council
reviewed the numbers previously and made recommended changes.
Departments have the flexibility to determine how to distribute the eligibility
among its programs.
It was agreed that The Council will review the distribution this year after the
applications have been submitted. Associate Dean Ross will provide the
spreadsheet that includes the number of graduate and PhD students in
programs, the number of applications allowed and the distribution of
applications received.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.