Minutes of the Graduate Council
March 7, 2006
As approved by the Graduate Council, April 4, 2006
Members present: K. Al-Khatib, K. Back, R. Clark, A. Featherstone, B. Fees, M. Hancock, M. Herman, W. Hsu, J. Hughey,
S. Hutchinson, S. Kovar, K. Kramer, T. Miller, D. Olds, M. O’Shea, J. Reese, B. Schenck-Hamlin, S. Siepl-Coates, S.
Smethers, D. Smit, R. Trewyn, B. Thiagarajan, P. Wangemann
Members absent: J. Fallin, D. Griffin, J. Guikema, D. Higgins, C. Holcomb, T. Keane, D. Meyer, P. Mudrack, J. Neill, A.
Pahwa, C. Polson, R. Slick, J.S. Smith, M. Wilkerson
Graduate School staff present: S. Fox, S. Schlender, C. Shanklin
Guests: Daryl Youngman (Library representative)
The meeting was called to order by Dean R.W. Trewyn at 3:35 p.m. in Room 213, Student Union.
1) Opening remarks.
Dean Trewyn congratulated the Graduate Student Council for the success of the Graduate Research
Forum (GRF) and announced that 8 of the participants from the GRF will also be presenting at the Topeka Capitol
Research Forum.
Carol Shanklin announced that Kansas Bio will be presenting awards to 4 top students at the Topeka Capital Research
Summit (TCRS). The awards will be distributed to one student of each of the 3 universities represented at the TCRS.
The recipient will receive a $500 scholarship. Judges will include: 2 PhD employees from BioLife Sciences Institute, 1
PhD employee from Bayer and 1 PhD employee from Cargill. These companies are responsible for funding of the
scholarships to be presented.
Dean Trewyn announced that beginning immediately (March 7, 2006), the Graduate School will be sending final ballots
electronically to the major professor for students earning a master's degree and to the outside chair for doctoral
candidates. The major professor or outside chair will print the ballot and take it with them to the student's defense.
2) Minutes. The minutes of the February 7, 2006 meeting were approved as presented.
3) Graduate School Actions and Announcements
a)
Appointments for Graduate Faculty Membership
Name
Darren Reynolds
Timothy J. Frey
James Teagarden
Department/Program
Architectural Engineering and Construction Science
Special Education
Special Education
b) Non-Graduate Faculty to teach Graduate Courses (Emergency Approval)
Name
Department/Program
Courses
Rhonda Wilkinson
Architectural Engr & Const Sc
ARE 740
1
2/10/06
2/16/06
2/16/06
Term
S06
4) Academic Affairs Committee
a)
The Academic Affairs Committee moved that the following faculty members be approved for Graduate Faculty
Membership. The motion passed.
i) for MEMBERSHIP ONLY
Name
Royce Ann Collins
Position
Assistant Professor
Department/Program
Educational Leadership
ii) for MEMBERSHIP AND CERTIFICATION
Name
Scott Hansen
James Clare Nelson
K.C. Olson
Kathy Voecks
Position
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Department/Program
SCTD/Theatre (22-25)
Plant Pathology (26-28)
Animal Sciences and Industry (29-31)
SCTD/Theatre
b) Course and curriculum changes: The Academic Affairs Committee moved to approve course and curriculum
changes, deletions, and additions. The motion passed.
i)CHANGE:
Current Course Description
AP 800. Advisory Physiology of Exercise. (3) II. Study of
the structure and function of the cardiovascular system as it
pertains to acute and chronic exercise. Topics include the
control of blood pressure, vascular volume and blood flow
during orthostasis and exercise. Pr.: KIN 250 and 335.
Cross-listed with Kinesiology; see KIN 603.
ART 611. Digital Photography and Advanced
Techniques. (3) I, II. Introduction to the principles and
aesthetics of digital image processing as well as continued
exploration of chemical photography techniques. May be
repeated for credit. Pr.: ART 400 and 572.
Proposed Course Description
AP 800. Advanced Physiology of Exercise. (3) II. Study of
the structure and function of the cardiovascular system as it
pertains to acute and chronic exercise. Topics include the
control of blood pressure, vascular volume and blood flow
during orthostasis and exercise. Pr.: KIN 250 and 335.
Cross-listed with Kinesiology; see KIN 603.
ART 611. Digital Photography and Advanced
Techniques. (3) I, II. Introduction to the principles and
aesthetics of digital image processing as well as continued
exploration of chemical photography techniques. May be
repeated for credit. Pr.: ART 400 and 563.
ART 825. Seminar in Art. (3) I, II. Selected topics dealing
with career preparation skills such as developing a
professional and teaching portfolio, computer techniques for
promoting one's art, establishing relationships with
galleries/museums, basic techniques of exhibition design
and installation, techniques of critiquing works of art, etc.
Pr.: Graduate standing.
BIOL 696. Fisheries Management and Techniques. (4) I,
in even years. Historical and contemporary issues in the
management and conservation of exploited fishes. Methods
for managing fisheries resources in streams, lakes, and
ponds including estimating abundances, quantifying age and
growth, manipulating populations, modeling population
dynamics, culturing fishes, and improving aquatic habitat.
Three hours lec. and three hours lab per week. Pr.: BIOL
430
ART 825. Professional Practices (3) I, II. Selected topics
dealing with career preparation skills such as developing a
professional and teaching portfolio, computer techniques for
promoting one's art, establishing relationships with
galleries/museums, and agencies, basic techniques of
exhibition design and installation, techniques of critiquing
works of art, etc. Pr.: Graduate standing.
BIOL 696. Fisheries Management and Techniques. (4) I,
in even years. Historical and contemporary issues in the
management and conservation of exploited fishes. Methods
for managing fisheries resources in streams, lakes, and
ponds including estimating abundances, quantifying age and
growth, manipulating populations, modeling population
dynamics, culturing fishes, and improving aquatic habitat.
Three hours lec. and three hours lab per week. Pr.: BIOL
201
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Current Course Description
CHM 601. Safe Chemical Laboratory Practices. (1) I. A
general safety course for persons working or teaching in a
chemical laboratory. One hour of lecture per week. Pr.:
CHM 371 and 350 or equivalents.
CHM 650. History of Chemistry. (2) II, in even years.
Traces the beginnings of chemistry from 3500 B.C. to 1920
A.D. Early metallurgy, Greek thought about atoms, alchemy,
atomic theory, discovery of gases; definition of elements,
chemical bonds, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
Pr.: CHM 585.
CHM 657. Inorganic Techniques. (1-2) I. The preparation,
characterization, and study of transition metal, main group,
and organometallic compounds using techniques commonly
encountered in industrial and academic research. Three to
six hours lab a week. Pr.: CHM 585
CHM 700. Practicum in Teaching Chemistry. (1) I.
Principles and methods of instruction in laboratories and
recitation classes in chemistry, including one semester of
supervised experience as an instructor in a chemical
laboratory. This is a required course of all teaching assistants
in the Department of Chemistry. May be taken only once for
credit. Pr.: Senior standing in chemistry.
Proposed Course Description
CHM 601. Safe Chemical Laboratory Practices. (1) I. A
general safety course for persons working or teaching in a
chemical laboratory. One hour of lecture per week. Pr.:
Consent of instructor.
CHM 650. History of Chemistry. (2) II, in even years.
Traces the beginnings of chemistry from 3500 B.C. to 1920
A.D. Early metallurgy, Greek thought about atoms, alchemy,
atomic theory, discovery of gases; definition of elements,
chemical bonds, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
Pr.: CHM 230 or CHM 250.
CHM 657. Inorganic Techniques. (1-2) I. The preparation,
characterization, and study of transition metal, main group,
and organometallic compounds using techniques commonly
encountered in industrial and academic research. One hour
lecture and three hours lab a week. Pr.: CHM 585
CHM 700. Practicum in Teaching Chemistry. (1) I.
Principles and methods of instruction in laboratories and
recitation classes in chemistry, including one semester of
supervised experience as an instructor in a chemical
laboratory. This is a required course of all teaching assistants
in the Department of Chemistry. May be taken only once for
credit. Pr.: Senior standing in chemistry or consent of
instructor.
CHM 752. Advanced Organic Chemistry. (3). I.
Advanced study of organic compounds and fundamental
types of reactions. Three hours lec. a week. Pr.: CHM 532,
CHM 550 and CHM 595.
KIN 655. Fitness Promotion. (3) II. The study of the
implementation and promotion of preventative health
programs for populations at work, hospitals, and community
fitness settings. Pr.: KIN 310 and KIN 335.
MUSIC 603. Percussion Pedagogy Workshop. (3) S.
Advanced study of percussion instruments and related
performance techniques, teaching methods and
responsibilities, organization, and literature. Pr.: MUSIC
235 or equiv.
PHYS 694. Particle Physics. (3) II, in alternate years. An
experimental and phenomenological introduction to high
energy physics. The course will emphasize understanding
the experimental basis of what is known about the
subnuclear domain. Students will be asked to design simple
conceptual experiments in addition to solving problems.
Three hours of lec. per week. Pr.: PHYS 325.
SPCH 780. Intercultural Communication. (3) I. A study
of the relationship between language and culture and its
impact on human communication. Examines how language
and culture differ among people and how differences are
handled through the process of communication. Pr.: SPCH
105 or 106.
CHM 752. Advanced Organic Chemistry. (3). I.
Advanced study of organic compounds and fundamental
types of reactions. Three hours lec. a week. Pr.: CHM 550
and 595.
KIN 655. Fitness Promotion. (3) II. The study of the
implementation and promotion of preventative health
programs for populations at worksites, hospitals, and
community fitness settings. Pr.: KIN 250 and KIN 335.
MUSIC 603. Percussion Pedagogy Workshop. (3) S.
Advanced study of percussion instruments and related
performance techniques, teaching methods and
responsibilities, organization, and literature.
PHYS 694. Particle Physics. (3) II, in alternate years. An
experimental and phenomenological introduction to high
energy physics. The course will emphasize understanding
the experimental basis of what is known about the
subnuclear domain. Students will be asked to design simple
conceptual experiments in addition to solving problems.
Three hours of lec. per week. Pr.: PHYS 662.
SPCH 480. Intercultural Communication. (3) I. A study
of the relationship between language and culture and its
impact on human communication. Examines how language
and culture differ among people and how differences are
handled through the process of communication. Pr.: SPCH
105 or 106.
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Current Course Description
STAT 745. Graphical Methods, Smoothing, and
Regression Analysis (3). II, in even years. Visual display of
quantitative information. Graphical techniques to portray
distributions of data, multivariate information, means
comparisons, and assessment of distributional assumptions.
Data smoothing techniques including loess, parametric,
robust, and nonparametric regression, and generalized
additive models. Graphical evaluation of smoothing
techniques including assessment of assumptions. Regression
diagnostics. Pr.: STAT 705
Proposed Course Description
STAT 745. Statistical Graphics (3). II, in even years.
Visual display of quantitative information. Statistical
graphics topics to include visual perception, basic graphics
construction, quantitative univariate to multivariate
statistical graphics, trellis displays, introduction to
smoothing and graphics, introduction to density estimation
and graphics, and categorical graphics. Modern graphics
software will be used. Pr.: STAT 705 or equivalent.
CURRICULUM CHANGES
Geoenvironmental Engineering Certificate Program
Geoenvironmental Certificate Program
Rationale: The incorrect title was submitted on the original
form.
No previous description.
The Microbiology Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 30
hrs course work, including 15 hours of courses at the 800
level.
I. Required core courses:
3 hrs BIOCH 755 Biochemistry I
3 hrs BIOCH 765 Biochemistry II
3 hrs BIOL 862 Professional Skills in Biology
II. Suggested courses for the specialization in Ecological
Microbiology:
BIOL 604 Biology of fungi
BIOL 632 Ecology Lab
BIOL 687 Microbial Ecology
BIOL 690 Microbial physiology and metabolism
AGRON 645 Soil microbiology
BIOCH 766 DNA manipulation
BIOCH 767 RNA manipulation
STAT 703 Statistical methods for natural scientists
STAT 704 Analysis of Variance
STAT 705 Regression and correlation analysis
BIOL 805 Advanced mycology
BIOL 818 Advanced aquatic ecology
BIOL 823 Demographic methods
BIOL 826 Nutrient dynamics
BIOL 860 Modern molecular approaches
BIOL 865 Advanced plant ecology
BIOL 870 Advanced plant systematics
BIOL 886 Confocal fluorescence and light microscopy
BIOL 888 Electron microscopy techniques
PLPTH 835 Plant virology
PLPTH 840 Plant pathogenic bacteria
PLPTH 845 Plant pathogenic fungi
III Suggested courses for the specialization in Molecular
Microbiology
BIOL 625 Animal Parasitology
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BIOL 670 Immunology
BIOL 671 Immunology lab
BIOL 676 Genetics of microorganisms
BIOL 690 Microbial physiology and metabolism
BIOL 705 Eukaryotic genetics
BIOL 707 Advanced cell biology
BIOL 730 General virology
BIOL 731 Virology Lab
BIOCH 766 DNA manipulation
BIOCH 767 RNA manipulation
BIOL 830 Advanced virology
BIOL 835 Cellular and molecular parasitology
BIOL 840 Molecular and cellular immunology
BIOL 850 Advanced topics in immunology
BIOL 860 Modern molecular approaches
BIOL 886 Confocal fluorescence and light microscopy
BIOL 888 Electron microscopy techniques
BIOCH 911 Molecular signal transduction
BIOCH 920 Nucleic acids
BIOCH 930 Proteins
BIOCH 950 Enzyme chemistry
DMP 860 Pathogenic mechanisms
DMP 871 Molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases
DMP 878 Applications of flow cytometry
ii) DROP:
SOCIO 709. Development of Social Thought. (3) On sufficient demand. Development of social thought from ancient
civilization to the middle of the nineteenth century; approaches to the study of society; ideas on human origins and human
nature, character and results of associative life, social trends, and social betterment. Pr.: SOCIO 211.
5) Other: The Academic Affairs Committee moved to request the following prerequisite definitions be
used by all graduate programs beginning Fall 2006. The motion passed.
Course prerequisite (Pr.): a requirement that a student must satisfy before he/she is permitted to enroll in that course.
This requirement can be one or any combination of the following: complete one or more lower level courses (if no grade
specified, earn at least a P, CR, or D grade in the prerequisite course); complete a lower level course with a grade
specified (C,B,A); a specified class rank for the student (sophomore, junior, senior), or instructor’s permission.*
Course recommended prerequisite (Rec. Pr.): a requirement a student need not satisfy before enrolling in the course,
but recommended in order to enhance the student’s learning of the course material.*
Corequisite (Coreq): a concurrent requirement (course, practicum, etc.), which must be completed at the same time,
during the same session, as the course with which it is listed as a corequisite.*
Course prerequisite or corequisite (Pr. Or Coreq.): a requirement of one of more courses in which a student should
either complete with the appropriate grade prior to enrolling in this course, or take concurrently with this course.*
6) Graduate Student Affairs Committee
Suzanne Siepl-Coates shared feedback from the survey distributed to graduate program coordinators and department
heads regarding the institution of an annual progress review for graduate students. Based on responses and discussion,
the committee has decided not to require mandatory reviews, however, the work group strongly recommends programs
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complete student annual progress reviews. The feedback provides student accountability as well as recognizes more
formalized feedback between the student and the graduate program. Examples will also be made available for any
department or program wanting to develop an annual review and the handbook template and samples will be posted on
the secure section of the Graduate School website.
7) Graduate School Committee on Planning
David Smit (chair), reported the committee proposes for a second reading the following item. On behalf of the
Committee on Planning, he moved approval of the following changes in the Handbook.
Graduate Handbook:
Graduate Handbook changes to Chapter 1-Admissions to Graduate School, Section E: Graduate Assistant (Page
1-4)
E. GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
The principal objective of a graduate student is to pursue a concerted program of study that will normally lead to an
advanced degree in the chosen academic discipline. To assist students to pursue their studies full-time, the University
makes available financial assistance through a limited number of graduate teaching assistantships, graduate research
assistantships and graduate assistantships. These assistantship appointments carry with them a nominal service
requirement, typically directed at improving professional skills in their academic fields. To fulfill the obligation that
students pursue studies full-time, graduate assistants must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) semester hours of
graduate credit.
Tuition responsibilities for students appointed as graduate assistants for 0.4 full-time equivalent (FTE) or greater depends
on the nature of the appointment. Students holding 0.4 FTE appointments as graduate teaching assistants have their
tuition waived. Students holding 0.4 FTE appointments as graduate research assistants or graduate assistants (or any
combination of graduate assistant appointments) pay reduced tuition at the staff rate according to an established
schedule. Students who receive stipend checks from September 1 through November 17 receive tuition benefits for the
fall semester, and students who receive stipend checks from February 1 through April 17 receive tuition benefits for the
spring semester. For information regarding summer school waivers, please contact the Enrollment Center for details
regarding employment requirements. Students holding 0.4 FTE appointments as graduate assistants with only partial
appointments as graduate teaching assistants are eligible for a pro-rata waiver of tuition. Graduate students who are both
enrolled and have at least a 0.4 teaching appointment during the summer semester are eligible to receive a full tuition
waiver. Graduate students who hold at least a 0.4 total appointment during the summer semester but only a partial
appointment as a teaching assistant are eligible to receive the employee tuition rate and a partial tuition waiver based on
the amount of the teaching appointment.
Following discussion, the motion was passed.
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Dave Smit (chair) reported the committee proposes for a first reading for the following items as presented at the
February 23, 2006 meeting; after discussion the motions were seconded.
Addition to the Graduate Handbook regarding a Committee on Assessment and Review, Chapter 6, Section C:
Policy Committees
Add after The Graduate Council Committee on Planning, page 6-5:
The Graduate Council Assessment and Review Committee.
Membership: at least one representative from each of the Academic Area Caucuses, as appointed by each Caucus, and
additional members from the Graduate Faculty as appointed by the Graduate Dean to fulfill the responsibilities of the
committee.
Charge: Matters of reviewing, evaluating, and approving the assessment plans and annual assessment reports submitted
by various graduate units throughout the university. The GCARC will regularly review the current procedures for
graduate program review, identify how to incorporate feedback data from the assessment process, determine the
feedback mechanism to the graduate programs and the Graduate Deans, and submit recommendations to the Graduate
Council's Committee on Planning to update the Graduate Handbook. Annually the GCARC will review and approve the
graduate programs' annual assessment reports within the timeline designated by the Provost's Office. This committee
will also be responsible for the review of the graduate program reports to the Board of Regents.
Following discussion, the motion was passed to move in this direction.
Graduate Handbook changes regarding Application Procedure for a New Certificate Program, Chapter 4,
Section C: C.4 Application Procedure for a New Certificate Program (Page 4-3)
For consideration by the Graduate Council, proposed new graduate certificate programs must contain the following
information:
a.
A statement of the educational objectives of the certificate program;
b.
A list of the courses associated with the certificate, including titles and course descriptions both for
existing courses and any new courses that may be developed (course approval by normal channels may
follow at a later date, as long as the resources are committed);
c.
A statement of how the courses associated with the certificate will meet the stated educational objectives;
d.
A statement of the need for the proposed certificate and the basis for such a need, supported by either
externally or internally derived data;
e.
A description of the certificate program's administration, including coordinating/governing committees,
additional requirements for membership on student supervisory committees if the certificate is linked
with graduate degree programs, etc.;
f.
Estimated budget to support the certificate program;
f g.
g
The names of the faculty associated with or contributing to the certificate program, either by teaching one
or more of' the courses associated with the program or participating in the design of the curriculum.
Adjunct faculty members associated with the program should provide a current curriculum vitae;
h.
The name and address of the faculty member designated as the coordinator of the program and;
i.
Student learning outcomes and assessment plan for the program;
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h. j.
Endorsements from those academic units (including extension) whose students, courses, or programs
could be impacted by the creation of the new graduate certificate.
Following discussion, the motion was passed to move in this direction.
8) Graduate School Committee on Assessment and Review
Carol Shanklin reported that the committee is preparing to review the annual progress reports on assessment of student
learning. In the upcoming March meeting, the reports will be distributed to committee members to review by using a
slightly modified rubric provided in the Submission of Annual Progress Reports on Assessment of Student Learning.
After review, feedback will be provided to the department. The report is due to the provost office June 1, 2006.
9) Graduate Student Council Information
Bala Thiagarajan (president) reported that the seminar Dr. Jorge Cham, author of PHD: Piled Higher and Deeper
presented on February 10, 2006 was a huge success. The Graduate Student Council hope to present similar seminars in
the future.
The Graduate Research Forum (GRF) (March 3rd) was also a huge success. 12 posters, 34 oral presentations, and 10
undergraduate student presentations were presented. The Collegian covered the event. Suggestions from faculty, judges
and students will be taken into consideration to improve next year’s event.
Nine students will be attending the Topeka Capitol Research Forum (March 8th) to present posters.
The Graduate Student Council is presenting a Presentation on Professional Development for Graduate Students for
support in the following areas: writing a teaching philosophy, conflict resolution, how to write scientific papers, writing
statement of research interests, what to expect in professional interviews and what to expect in academic interviews. The
presentation sessions will be held in the Big 12 room, 4:00-6:00 pm on the following dates:
o
o
o
o
o
o
March 6, 2006 –Teaching Philosophy
March 16, 2006 – Conflict Resolution
March 28, 2006 – How to Write Scientific Papers
March 30, 2006 – Research Interests
April 4, 2006 – Professional Interviews
April 13, 2006 – Academic Interviews
Thirty students attended the teaching philosophy presentation. Five faculty members served on the panel following the
presentation by Dr. Vicki Clegg. The session was very informative.
Faculty participation was still needed for the research interests presentation, Graduate Council members were highly
encouraged to participate.
In the last travel period 59 students were awarded travel grants for a total of $5,060. A backup list of 39 students has
been established. These students will be awarded travel grants if any of the initial recipients do not submit
reimbursement requests or decide not to travel. A $0 balance will be ensured at the end of the travel grant period.
This committee is discussing a policy change for travel grants that would incorporate a statement articulating that if a
student does not use the travel fund or notify the Graduate Student Council by the date of the anticipated travel that they
are not planning to make the travel, the student will be disqualified for the next travel period.
The deadline for the July 1 – October 31, 2006 travel period is April 15th.
The Graduate Student Council is currently working to develop a GRA survey. The goal is to administer the survey prior
to spring break. They are also working on developing a GRA/GTA website.
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Nominations for the positions of President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer are being accepted for 2006-2007 term.
Deadline for nominating candidates is March 20, 2006.
Council was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
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