GRADUATE COUNCIL MINUTES

February 7, 2023

Present: Wissam AbouAlaiwi, Marcelo Alvarado-Vargas, Arun Anantharam, Brian Ashburner, Tomer Avidor-Reiss, Sharon Barnes, Larissa Barclay, Frank Calzonetti, Saurabh Chattopadhyay, Madeline Clark, Jim Ferris, Bashar Gammoh, David Giovannucci, Noela Haughton, Gary Insch, Ahmad Javaid, Andrea Kalinoski, Kristen Keith John Laux, Patrick Lawrence, Linda Lewin, Mark Mason, Scott Molitor, Patrick Naranjo (GSA), Jeanine Refsnider-Streby, Patricia Relue, Barbara Saltzman, Youssef Sari, Connie Schall, Joseph Schmidt, Rebecca Schneider, Zahoor Shah, Snejana Slantcheva-Durst, Jami Taylor, Weiqing Sun, Jerry Van Hoy, Eileen Walsh, Kandace Williams.

Absent: Joseph Slater, Rebecca Zietlow.

Excused: Bindu Menon, Ling Na.

Guests: Svetlana Beltyukova, Anne Fulkerson, Jason Huntley, Teri Green (COGS), Yasmeen Hamdah (COGS), Timothy Mueser.

Call to Order, Roll Call, and Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order and roll called. The Minutes of November 8, 2022 were approved.

Executive Reports
Report of the Executive Committee of the Graduate Council
On behalf of Graduate Council, Chair, Dr. Wissam AbouAlaiwi reported:

Search Committee for Provost
The GCEC will communicate to the President the need for representation from Graduate Council on the search committee.
Graduate Student Recognition – Spring Semester 2023
Graduate student excellence will be recognized this semester as it was in fall semester 2022. Details will be forthcoming including creation of webform with criteria for submissions such as the following types of accomplishments:
- Major fellowship or scholarship award
- First Author Publication in high impact journal
- Recognition or travel award at a major national or international conference
- Distinct recognition in student’s subject field
- Featured in a local, regional, or national media outlets including UTNews, The Toledo Blade, etc.

Report of the Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies
Dr. Scott Molitor, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Acting Dean, College of Graduate Studies provided the following report:

Admission Application Deadlines
To avoid issues with having to reopen applications, we would prefer to eliminate hard application deadlines and treat application deadlines as priority deadlines. We can retain hard deadlines for any programs that require hard deadlines upon request.
Highly Selective Programs admission rejections
When candidates are declined admission from highly selective programs, we would like to send a response to the applicant suggesting that they look at consider other related programs at UToledo rather than losing the candidate outright. We will try to develop a list of related programs for applicants to consider.
I-20 processing
COGS is working with the College of Business and Innovation to expedite the I-20 process, whereby the colleges collect information from their international admits to demonstrate financial means to meet the cost of attendance. We will see how this works and whether to expand.
Course Expiration and Recertification
We are looking at the relationship between readmission after a leave, extending matriculations and course recertification. Since course recertification can be costly, we are trying to remove any barriers that may prevent students from being readmitted. Course recertification processes should be strictly related to time limits on the original courses and should be independent of any intervening readmission or extension requests.
Enrollment Deposits
Those interested in serving on the following groups to be convened, contact Dean Molitor. GCEC has been asked to provide suggestions as well.
- Enrollment Deposits, primarily professional programs
- Graduate Policies
- Out-of-State Surcharge for externally funded students
- Graduate Student Success and Mental Health initiatives
CCGS Graduate Program Guidelines
CCGS is updating its academic program guidelines. Dean Molitor asked Council to let him know of any guidelines that cause confusion and he will include in the review.
University Strategic Planning
Dean Molitor expressed his thanks and appreciation to Strategic Planning Committee co-chairs, Drs. Anne Fulkerson and Jason Huntley for their work on this endeavor, practically another full-time job. Please see https://www.utoledo.edu/strategicplan/ for the results of this work.

Report of the Vice President for Research
Dr. Frank Calzonetti reported:

Staffing Update
Our contract specialist, who was on medical leave for about five weeks, has returned and we have added a second position through reinvestment. Another IRB position has been filled and we are getting close to full staffing. Although the individuals are qualified, it takes some time to learn our processes. We appreciate your understanding.
URFO
During the Research Council meeting of February 24, 2023, proposals will be evaluated and notify applicants by mid-March.
- University Research Awards and Fellowships Program (24)
- DeArce/Koch (5)
- Research and Innovation and Interdisciplinary proposals will receive external review for a total of three quality reviews each. Dr Rick Francis and the University Libraries have identified the reviewers. Thanks to Research Council for their hard work.

Report of the Graduate Student Association
Patrick Naranjo, President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) provided a brief report:

General Assembly meeting – January 23, 2023
Well attended with 63 students.
Events
- Intramural Sports tournament in March, likely badminton and soccer.
- Co-tabling with Colleges of Law, Engineering and COMLS and COGS to create better outreach. Details forthcoming.
- Midwest Graduate Research Symposium to be scheduled in April 2023.

Information and Discussion Items
Updates on Strategic Planning Development and Implications on Graduate Programs and Studies
Anne Fulkerson, PhD., Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Research and Jason Huntley Ph.D., Professor, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development presented an overview of the Strategic Plan which includes graduate education. The plan is posted on the University’s Strategic Plan website which also includes a dashboard to track progress. Graduate Council members Dr. Jonathan Bossenbroek, Dr. Jami Taylor and Patrick Naranjo, GSA President, have been active participants. The Board of Trustees will vote on this tomorrow. Following you will see a redesign of UToledo’s website. The work of implementation will be the next step which requires volunteers to lead and be a part of the strategies.

Below are highlights of the Strategic Plan for July 2023-July 2028, which represents a one and half year’s worth of work.

The task of reimagining The University of Toledo has borne challenges and opportunities but has resulted in “UToledo Reimagined: Strategic Plan 2023-2028” with a goal to be a stronger, sustainable public research institution with a redesigned brand to better emphasize the value of our education, research and patient care.

The committee comprised 22 members from across the university. The process was kicked off with a university-wide survey with input from 3600 people followed by open forums with broad agreement that the Mission/Vision/Values needed an overhaul.

Goal 1: Ensure Student Success From Recruitment Through Graduation

Strategies

Implement an Enrollment Management Plan That Prioritizes Student Success
Enhance Recruitment, Outreach and Communication to Prospective Students
Elevate Student Success Through Learning Support and Timely Degree Completion
Invigorate Campus Life and Student Experiences

Goal 2: Deliver Relevant and Innovative Academic Programs

Strategies

Identify and Prioritize Relevant and Strategic Academic Programs
Enhance Student Learning, Access and Opportunities Through Multiple Curricula Delivery Modalities
Better Utilize Academic Structure for Programmatic and Financial Efficiencies
Emphasize Healthcare-Related Academic Programs that Build on UTMC Strengths

Goal 3: Set the Standard for Health Education and Patient Care

Strategies

Provide Students With Nationally Recognized Academic and Research Experiences
Increase Healthcare Quality, Safety and Patient Satisfaction
Integrate the Clinical Enterprise to Drive Efficiency and Healthcare Excellence

Goal 4: Distinguish UToledo Regionally, Nationally and Internationally

Strategies

Develop and Promote Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
Invest in and Support Research and Innovation
Continue Upward Trajectory in National Rankings
Highlight Unique Strengths and Advantages of a UToledo Education
Continue to Elevate UToledo in Areas of Sustainability

Goal 5: Foster a People-Centered Culture

Strategies

Promote a Culture of Respect, Inclusion and Belonging
Attract and Retain the Best and the Brightest
Provide Opportunities to Connect Students, Faculty and Staff with our Community, Alumni and Donors

Goal 6: Position UToledo for Future Success Through Financial and Operational Effectiveness

Strategies

Implement and Assess the Incentive-based Budget Model
Strengthen Alumni and Donor Engagement
Increase Fundraising Opportunities and Major Investments
Align UToledo’s Physical Footprint With Current and Future Utilization Needs
Invest in Strategic Capital Improvement Projects
Increase Sustainable Operations

Drs. Huntley and Fulkerson noted additional points within the strategies:

Identify programs where there is demand and need, career placement.
Enhance and expansion of online programs.
For programmatic and financial efficiencies. Simplifying core curriculum to align with best practices.
Enhance collaboration across colleges to reduce duplication of effort.
Leverage UTMC as an experiential learning resource and allow UTMC to fill needed positions from our own pool of graduates.
Despite merger we need to do better job of integrating campuses.
Leverage our human capital. Faculty and Staff success.
Promoting leaders and recognize with merit and professional development.
Respect diversity of thought. Civility.
We need to be good stewards of our resources including divesting of properties underutilized and using current assets to full capacity and sustainable campus operations.

Discussion:

Experiential Learning
Dr. Tomer Avidor-Reiss inquired how 60% students partaking of one experiential learning could be accomplished in the current financial climate.

Dr. Anne Fulkerson responded that all goals have associated metrics and targets and have baseline data. With the number at 50% present, 60% is attainable in a five-year period. The first goal is to ensure programs offer these and encourage students to take advantage it. The goals are not a wish list since the work aligns with the financial plan. The BOT has ensured there are dollars to match.

Dr. Jason Huntley added that experiential learning does not depend on faculty alone. Alumni, community and others have been asking for opportunities to work with our students. Some key pieces toward achieving this goal is web redesign and communications through the Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships office led by Valerie Simmons Walston. We have a wealth of resources in the area.

Dr. Tomer Avidor-Reiss expressed concern of limitations for a department to coordinate faculty time.

Dr. Jason Huntley responded that Engineering is a great model for conducting internships/co-ops that could be applicable to other colleges.

Dr. Wissam AbouAlaiwi asked whether international experiences are included.

Dr. Jason Huntley indicated that they are not excluded. We are thinking about and moving forward with what is reasonable and expanding over time.

Dr. Anne Fulkerson that note that Dr. Sammy Spann, UToledo vice president for student affairs and dean of students has recently received an $11.5 million grant through the Department of Defense that will fund 200+ students to go abroad each summer to provide quality child development and care at U.S. Army bases in Germany, Italy and Belgium through the new Rocket Kids program. College students earn 15 credit hours while helping children of active-duty service members.

Dr. Fulkerson indicated that champions will be identified for each strategy and volunteers sought especially where there is expertise,

Dr. Sharon Barnes volunteered to serve on the next phase of this strategy.

Dr. Huntley stressed that expertise across university is needed to implement these strategies. We have the talent and need the commitment to do so.

Dr. Patty Relue added that Engineering has an entire staff dedicated to co-op, the work is not inconsequential. Making experiential connections requires people dedicated to finding opportunities. Existing staff have their own responsibilities. Would Career Services expand to encompass?

Dr. Huntley replied that was discussed, however, colleges may have the best options to make those connections.

Student Health Insurance
Dr. Wissam AbouAlaiwi noted that graduate students always indicated having a financial struggle with health insurance.

Dr. Jason Huntley replied that the Strategic Planning process was tactical in what it was focusing on. HR should be evaluating student health insurance. Nationwide, college debt and health insurance are struggles.

In regard to financial stability for graduate students, Dr. AbouAlaiwi also inquired about graduate assistantship stipends not increasing much in 20 years.

Dean Molitor added that in regard to goals for graduate students enrollment, he submitted a plan on increasing the population. Considering that 1/3 of our graduate students come are our undergraduate students, and because undergraduate enrollment has been declining, we have to look at other populations to stabilize and grow graduate student enrollment. This requires an investment in marketing to fill programs to capacity and meet our goals with respect to research and reputation. Funding for graduate students is one of these.

Standing Committee Reports
Report of the Curriculum Committee
On behalf of the Curriculum Committee, Dr. Timothy Mueser, Chair, presented the committee’s reports giving a brief overview of the requests for each proposal. This review short, however, over 80 proposals have been submitted since. Council approved unanimously.

The following proposals were reviewed by the members of the GCCC and have been approved.

Report of the Membership Committee
Committee chair, Dr. Svetlana Beltyukova presented the Fall II 2022 and Spring I 2023 summary reports of applications for graduate faculty membership.

Fall II 2022: 41 applications. Added a comments column to the summary
External applicants from academia or research institutions are generally approved at the Adjunct level. You have to be tenured, tenure-track, and with full-time employment to obtain Associate and Full memberships.

Spring I 2023: 15 applications
In the absence of a terminal degree with lack of evidence for experience equal to a terminal degree, we approve as Special membership with limited privileges. Adjunct Membership would have provided a set of blanket privileges that would not have prevent teaching at a higher level.

Old Business
None.

New Business
None.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 1:49 pm.