Arkansas Tech University
Graduate Council
Minutes of Meeting
April 15, 2014
The Graduate Council met in Doc Bryan, Room 242, on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. Graduate
Council members include the following:
Dr. Mary Gunter, Chair
Dr. Linda Bean, Vice Chair
Dr. Susan Underwood
Dr. Annette Holeyfield
Dr. Sid Womack
Dr. Nelson Ramirez
Dr. Deborah Wilson
Dr. Cheryl Smith
Dr. Thomas Nupp
Dr. Jan Jenkins
Dr. Mona Chadwick
Dr. Pat Buford
Dr. Sandy Smith
Mr. Trent DeWitt, Student Representative
Ms. Tammy Weaver, Secretary
Dr. Womack, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Cheryl Smith, and Dr. Buford were absent.
Guests included Dr. Chris Giroir, CSP; Ms. Michelle McMinn, Graduate College; Ms. Brandi Tripp,
Registrar’s Office; and Ms. Brandi Duvall, Registrar’s Office.
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 February 18, 2014. Motion by Dr. Susan Underwood,
seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the minutes. Motion approved.
DEAN’S REPORT
Dr. Gunter presented the new Graduate College web page outlining the Graduate College Vision,
Mission, and Commitment to Quality sections. She credited Ms. Courtney Mullen’s work on the page.
Dr. Giroir presented a new web page dedicated to improve the recruitment and application process for
graduate assistants. The web page details graduate assistant position openings including information
about the department, position description, contact information, how to apply, and renumeration.
Dr. Gunter reported Dr. Bean accompanied her at the Council of Southern Graduate College Annual
Meeting. She indicated this allowed attendance of six sessions. Dr. Gunter reported Tech is doing a
good job based on discussions in the open forum sessions. Dr. Bean reported Tech’s needed to expand
its graduate student association activities and placement endeavors. Dr. Gunter added that she felt
there is a need for financial counseling for graduate students.
Dr. Gunter reported Thomas Pennington was reviewing the Academic Dishonesty & Misconduct Policy.
Dr. Gunter reported the Graduate College Assessment Plan was presented and the Program Director’s
meeting. She referenced the changes in the plan and reporting deadlines.
APPROVAL OF NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP FOR GRADUATE FACULTY
Motion by Dr. Sandy Smith, seconded by Dr. Rameriz, to approve the following faculty to Non-Regular
Faculty: Dr. Sarah Chase, College Student Personnel – College of Education. Motion approved.
Motion by Dr. Holeyfield, seconded by Dr. Bean, to approve the following faculty to Non-Regular Faculty
to participate as a member of the project review committee: Ms. Judith Stewart-Abernathy, Museum –
College of Arts and Humanities. Motion approved.
Motion by Dr. Ramirez, seconded by Dr. Bean, to approve the following faculty to Non-Regular Faculty:
Ms. Lindsey Ingmire, College Student Personnel – College of Education; Ms. Linda Jackson, College
Student Personnel – College of Education; and Ms. Keri Rathbun, Center for Leadership & Learning –
Graduate College. Motion approved.
Motion by Dr. Underwood, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the following faculty to Regular Faculty:
Dr. Jack E. Tucci, Management & Marketing – College of Business; and Dr. Jason S. Ulsperger, Behavioral
Sciences – College of Arts and Humanities. Motion approved
Motion by Dr. Holeyfield, seconded by Dr. Sandy Smith, to approve the following faculty for renewal of
Regular Faculty: Dr. Christopher Giroir, College Student Personnel – College of Education. Motion
approved.
CURRICULAR ITEMS
Motion by Dr. Bean, seconded by Dr. Holeyfield, to approve the following proposals form the
Department of Health and Physical Education: (1) delete the Master of Education Degree in Physical
Education effective Fall, 2015; and (2) delete the following courses from the course descriptions
effective Fall, 2015: (a) PE 6013, Principles of Physical Education; (b) PE 6023, Curriculum Development
in Physical Education; (c) WS 6013, Wellness Concepts and Applications; and (d) WS 6023, Wellness and
Fitness Program Management (dormant course). Motion approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dr. Gunter reminded the council that the master’s commencement ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on
Friday, May 9.
Ms. Weaver reminded the council of the new July 1 curriculum proposal submission deadline.
Dr. Gunter reported the proposal to approve the doctoral program would be discussed at the April ADHE
Coordinating Board Meeting.
Dr. Gunter presented the Graduate Council Service Award to Dr. Rameriz, Dr. Underwood, and Mr.
DeWitt.
Dr. Gunter indicated that the council would not meet in May but should be prepared for an email vote if
any summer faculty needed approval.
Meeting adjourned at 4:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tammy Weaver