Graduate Council Minutes
April 29, 2025
Webex
PART I — FINAL MEETING OF THE 2024–2025 COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
The final meeting of the academic year was called to order.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chair’s Report — Dr. Barbara Saltzman
Dr. Saltzman thanked Council members for their service throughout the year and provided updates from her recent meeting with Interim Provost Molitor. These updates focused on ongoing academic planning efforts, anticipated timelines for institutional initiatives, and continuing work related to graduate education. She also delivered resolutions of appreciation acknowledging the significant service contributions of Dr. Dan Hammel, Dr. Connie Schall, Teresa “Terry” Hayes, Saad Andalib, and incoming Chair Dr. Dan Boden. Dr. Saltzman reminded Council members of the May 2 commencement ceremony and encouraged faculty participation.
Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs — Dr. Dan Hammel
Dr. Hammel reported strong graduate enrollment activity, noting that registration numbers were trending ahead of the previous year and that continuing student enrollment remained steady. He discussed recent SEVIS removals affecting international students nationwide, confirming that two of the three UT students who had been impacted were reinstated. OISS continues to monitor national developments and support affected students.
Vice President for Research — Dr. Connie Schall (remarks conveyed by Dr. Scott Hall)
Dr. Hall emphasized the importance of early-career faculty engagement in the NSF CAREER program and encouraged participation in the internal review process. He also announced Dr. Schall’s planned retirement on May 9 and informed Council that he would be serving as Interim Vice President for Research following her departure.
Graduate Student Association — VP Saad Andalib
Mr. Andalib presented a comprehensive year-end report summarizing GSA activities. Highlights included high levels of engagement in Graduate Appreciation Week, continued demand for travel reimbursement programs, and successful execution of the Midwest Graduate Research Symposium. He noted strong participation from UT students as well as attendees from regional institutions. He introduced the 2025–2026 GSA Executive Board and outlined continuing advocacy priorities for the coming academic year.
Report of the Membership Committee — Dr. Svetlana Beltyukova
On behalf of the Membership Committee, Dr. Svetlana Beltyukova, Chair, presented a summary report for Graduate Faculty Membership. The report included the Spring II 2025 review cycle, during which 46 applications were reviewed, as well as an annual summary reflecting a total of 183 applications reviewed across the full cycle. The majority of applications were renewals, with additional new and change applications also considered. The committee noted recurring issues related to application category selection and indicated that potential clarifications to membership categories may be explored in the future. No graduate faculty membership items required Council vote at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT OF 2024–2025 COUNCIL
A motion to adjourn the 2024–2025 Council carried.
PART II — FIRST MEETING OF THE 2025–2026 COUNCIL
ROLL CALL
New and returning members were identified, and quorum was confirmed.
OFFICER ELECTIONS FOR 2025–2026
Elections were conducted for Executive Committee positions with the following results recorded:
|
Position |
Elected Individual |
|
Chair (Ascending) |
Dr. Dan Boden |
|
Vice Chair |
Dr. Michael Weintraub |
|
Executive Committee – At-Large Seat 1 (HSC) |
Dr. David Giovannucci |
|
Executive Committee – At-Large Seat 2 (HSC) |
Dr. Andrea Kalinoski |
|
Executive Committee – At-Large Seat 3 (Either Campus) |
Dr. Nagalakshmi Nadaminty |
Campus representation requirements were confirmed as satisfied.
MEETING MODALITY DISCUSSION
Council members discussed the format of Graduate Council meetings for the upcoming academic year. Members expressed strong support for continuing virtual Webex meetings due to the convenience and accessibility they provide. A motion to maintain Webex as the meeting modality passed by majority vote.
CURRICULUM AND MEMBERSHIP VOTES
Curriculum proposals requiring Council affirmation were confirmed as approved, consistent with prior discussions and committee recommendations. No graduate faculty membership actions required a vote during this meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Boden informed Council that Fall 2025 meeting dates would be circulated in advance of the academic year. Committee assignments for 2025–2026 will be confirmed and communicated over the summer.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn carried. The meeting concluded.