Graduate Council Minutes
September 19, 2023
Present: Wissam Abou-Alaiwi for Youssef Sari, Marcelo Alvarado-Vargas, Brian Ashburner,
Tomer Avidor-Reiss, Larissa Barclay,
Sharon Barnes, Saurabh Chattopadhyay, Qian Chen, Mai Dao, Jim Ferris,
Timothy Fisher, Bashar Gammoh,
David Giovannucci, Noela Haughton, Andrea Kalinoski, Kristen Keith,
John Laux, Patrick Lawrence, Bindu Menon, Scott Molitor,
Holly Myers for Jennifer DeVries, Ling Na, Megan Petra, Patricia
Relue, Barbara Saltzman, Connie Schall, Rebecca Schneider,
Zahoor Shah, Snejana Slantcheva-Durst, Jason Su, Jami Taylor, Varun
Vaidya, Jerry Van Hoy, Eileen Walsh, Kandace Williams,
Maha Zeidan (GSA), Jianlong Zhu.
Absent: Halim Ayan.
Excused: Patricia Relue.
Guests: Teri Green, Scott Molitor.
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order and roll called. The Minutes of September 5, 2023
were approved.
Executive Reports
Report of the Executive Committee of the Graduate Council
On behalf of Graduate Council, Chair, Dr. Patrick Lawrence reported that Graduate Council Executive met September 12, 2023 and discussed:
- Creation of an Ad Hoc Committee on Parking
- Revised Academic Student Code of Conduct – misconduct/dishonesty
- Graduate Student Vacation Policy
Avidor-Reiss raised previously raised the question whether there is a need for such a policy. GC discussed and will receive input from graduate program directors, the Provost’s Office and others. Will update Council. - Dr. Scott Molitor will speak today about his transition to his current role as Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Report of the Acting Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs
Dr. Dan Hammel, Acting Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs, introduced himself stating
that he is pleased to serve in this role and to collaborate with Graduate Council.
He has always enjoyed Graduate Council and am pleased to return. He came to this position
from sabbatical. He arrived at UToledo in 2005 as an Associate Professor, and have
since served as a graduate director for about 10 years, chair of the Department of
Geography and Planning for about four years. The department has as master’s and Ph.D.
program. He also served as an associate dean for graduate education in the College
of Arts and Letters. He looks forward to working with the staff in COGS, a fantastic
group! It will be a challenging year.
Report of the Interim Vice President for Research
Dr. Connie Schall, serving as the Interim Vice President for Research provided the
following report:
Research Mixers
Co-Sponsored by the Office of Competitive Fellowships
A social get-together for researchers to meet in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Light food and beverages will be served with
a cash bar. The first mixer took place recently featuring the Humanities Council of
Ohio.
October 6, 2023 4-6 pm, Phoenicia Restaurant, Student Union 3rd floor. Will feature panelists from various disciplines:
- Jonathan Bossenbroek, PhD
- Youssef Sari, PhD
- Llew Gibbons, JD
- Jill Humphries, PhD (via video call from South Africa)
- Arwa Nouby, PhD
Report of the Graduate Student Association
Maha Zeidan, President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) reported:
Excited for this leadership position. Our focus is continuing to provide resources
despite budget cuts. Working with administration we have determined where we will
trim the budget. We are looking to bring back in-person events. Any advice and insight
to help the GSA help graduate students is appreciated. Hope to have meeting dates
arranged and shared at the next GC meeting. Chair Patrick Lawrence volunteered to
attend GSA General Assembly meeting.
Information and Discussion Items
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs — Dr. Scott Molitor
Chair Lawrence relayed that Dr. Scott Molitor, Interim Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs, has graciously agreed to continue to meet with GCEC President
and Vice President on a monthly basis. He will speak with Graduate Council today as
has done in meeting with Faculty Senate last week regarding changes to his role and
answer any questions specifically around graduate affairs.
Dr. Scott Molitor thanked Dr. Dan Hammel for accepting his offer to serve in the role of Acting Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs. The difference between acting and interim is that acting can mean you are serving in the place of the person who is coming back. It is my intention to help facilitate the transition to the new provost and then go back to my previous job. Dr. Molitor expressed appreciation to Dr. Hammel stating that it is comforting to have a person in place who can help move graduate education forward continuing the progress made over the past year.
When Dr. Postel first approached me about taking the interim provost role, he thought that satisfactory progress had been made and to ensure the success of a new permanent provost, he felt some additional progress was still needed in other areas.
Given where we were, it might be best for somebody who had considerable experience at the University to lead those changes, someone who is knowledgeable of the history and culture and most importantly, the people. At the time we had this initial conversation, Dr. Postel indicated that no decisions had been made, but that he wanted to make sure that I was aware that this was under consideration. Three weeks ago, the Board of Trustees held a retreat with Dr. Postel to discuss a vision for moving the University forward and to identify which strategic plan goals should be prioritized to achieve this vision. Dr. Postel is still working with the board to finalize the outcomes of this retreat. He will present this vision to our faculty and the rest of the university community once the board has had the opportunity to review and approve the final product of that retreat.
One of the outcomes of the retreat was that it reinforced Dr. Postel’s belief that someone with internal experiences was required to move the institution forward at this point, and to put the next provost in the best possible position to successfully implement the vision they had discussed. While the timing was not optimal given the start of the semester, he thought that aligning this change with the work he is doing on the vision and the search for a new provost was appropriate and necessary. Two weeks ago, he asked if I would accept the position, and the change was announced the following day. I admit this moved very quickly, but I certainly understand his desire to make sure the announcement was timely and in alignment with other institutional goals and priorities.
Going forward in the upcoming months, I want to focus on maintaining a level of continuity within Academic Affairs to ensure the next provost can hit the ground running and can be successful in this position. To that end, we are working on the organization of Academic Affairs, including the Office of the Provost itself, a reorganization of University College and the Jessup Scott Honors College, as well as reviewing other college merger proposals. The only proposal currently under consideration is a merger between the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Nursing. We are working with the faculty to review ideas in considering whether such a merger would be beneficial or not. There is also work occurring on implementing tactics and monitoring strategic plan goals assigned to Academic Affairs. With respect to the strategic plan, we have already embarked upon initiatives for student success, which is the first goal of the plan. Institutional Research has worked diligently to provide data and a new dashboard. A campus-wide working group is being established to review results of the dashboard and to identify by strategies, based on these data. A goal is to collaborate with various units on institutional efforts as well as with individual colleges and faculty on targeted data and informed efforts to improve student success. If you are interested in participating in a college level committee, please reach out to Dr. Angela Paprocki who will make sue your dean is aware of your interest.
Efforts are underway to deliver relevant and innovative academic programs, which is the second goal of the strategic plan. This includes supporting the development and approval of new and innovative programs, such as the BA and BS in Health Sciences and the online Master of Science in Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design. It also includes continuing our efforts in program prioritization to reduce our offerings to ensure that we utilize our existing resources to do what we need to do, and to focus on doing these things very well. We want to make sure that we have the resources to deliver high- quality, high-impact education to our students. I certainly appreciate Dr. Postel’s support in in his belief of my abilities to lead and to serve as the interim provost at this time. I am going to do everything possible to advance Academic Affairs in the months ahead.
Dr. Molitor relayed that when he asked Dr. Postel why he thought I was the best person for the position, he replied that that I have a long history of working with faculty and staff on a wide range of initiatives. And towards that end, I certainly plan to continue that approach. I look forward to working with all of you and many others outside this meeting to tackle the challenges in front of us and to make sure we are in the best possible position to ensure the success of our next provost. And finally, I really want to thank everyone who reached out to offer their congratulations and their good wishes. I am really humbled by all the support I have received, and will do everything in my power to earn your support.
Dr. Molitor again thanked Council and offered to answer questions.
Discussion:
Q: Dr. Tomer Avidor-Reiss asked whether the support for an out-of-state tuition
waiver would
continue.
A: Dr. Molitor indicated that he had met with Dr. Hammel and discussed this item
for his to do list,
the need to look at the effects of our pilot and try to convince Finance that
this make sense in
terms of bringing in revenue from international student populations.
Q: Dr. Avidor-Reiss also inquired whether there are any plans to cut programs.
A: Dr. Molitor replied that program prioritization is not about cost savings as
much as it is an issue of resources. We already do
not have enough faculty to do what we need to do. Unfortunately, budget realities
mean that we are not going to get more
faculty. We need to do is free up faculty to spend time on the things that
they really need to be spending time on. Spending
your time across and across multiple programs and multiple efforts results
in doing many things not as well as you could be
doing them. My goal is to work with colleges, departments and programs to figure
out what needs to emphasized, improved
upon, or added with new and innovative programs. To do that, we will have to
let some things go. We cannot do everything.
Dr. Molitor indicated that while he cannot dictate from the top down, colleges
know where their time is spent and what they
need to focus on, so their input is necessary.
Q: Dr. Holly Myers circled back to a possible proposal for a merger between colleges
asking if there is
a draft proposal or timeline to review at this time.
A: Dr. Molitor replied that conversations are in the beginning stages and stated
that he has been
invited to meetings with both colleges, HHS and Nursing, and that he and would
outline a process
that faculty can review and consider. We have to see whether this makes sense
in terms of
synergy and whether it would enhance deliverance of academic programs. We have
to consider
whether this is going to enhance your ability for professional activities
and scholarship, and whether
this will help meet the service commitments as faculty? If there are no synergies,
there is no point in
doing this. In the end, it has to be driven by the faculty.
Q: Dr. Sharon Barnes questioned what the prioritization process would look like
in terms of letting
programs go and whether the President working with the Board of Trustees on
our mission would
be collaborative.
A: Dr. Molitor responded that he would speak to the President about how he wants
to present and
seek input on this vision. My understanding is that the BOT was looking at
the strategic plan, as
were many of us, and is saw that there are several goals and tactics that
come into conflict with one another. So this requires a prioritization of these
goals and tactics to
emphasize areas of the strategic plan that require immediate focus. The President
is working to
make sure the BOT has an understanding before presenting to the wider community.
Regarding program prioritization, I have not thought of a specific process or ask, but I would like to get in front of college councils and faculty meetings to talk about this idea in order to have a framework for start these conversations. I will get to work on that and I will share this framework with Faculty Senate and Graduate Council.
Q: Dr. Barnes inquired about the mission process. Her opinion is that this is one
of the roughest
times for UToledo in terms of coherence of leadership. There is a perception
that Finance is at
odds with the President. She stressed the importance for the head to be one
mind to move the
institution forward. We pine for good, effective, cooperative leadership. She
asked Dr. Molitor to
share that message.
A: Dr. Molitor responded that he is committed to continue working collaboratively
with senior
leadership, faculty, across units and colleges in a collegial and friendly
way. The University’s vision
needs to have an answer that everyone can communicate and articulate who we
are and who we
are serving. The Strategic Plan needs to drive that.
Q: Dr. Avidor-Reiss reminded Dr. Molitor that Faculty Senate had proposed a theme
of what is
unique and important about UToledo and hope it will be considered in discussions.
A: Dr. Molitor indicated that last year, BOT Chair, Stephen P. Ciucci, met with Faculty Senate.
Graduate Council is welcome to extend an invitation and I can mention to the
President.
Chair Lawrence noted that Faculty Senate planned to invite the BOT Chair to Faculty Senate and that he would follow up with them to see if that emerges and if GC would like to do the same.
Patrick Lawrence inquired whether the event has been planned or whether it will be arranged by Dr. Hammel. The GC Bylaws has a requirement that the Vice Provost of Graduate Affairs lead an address to the graduate faculty.
Dr. Dan Hammel indicated that the Annual Meeting of the Graduate Faculty will take place on October 11, 2023, 3-4:30 pm, via Webex. Will include items for discussion from GCEC and COGS staff and allow for questions from the faculty. Dr. Molitor suggested that Dr. Kalinoski, if available, present the changes to the Bylaws from Spring 2023.
Proposed Academic Misconduct Policy – Dr. Patrick Lawrence
Dr. Lawrence summarized the beginnings of the proposed student academic misconduct
policy. A previous Provost, Dr. Andrew Hsu had looked at range of student policies
in academic misconduct and policies to be cleaned up, brought together and/or mirror
some peer institutions.
We are looking at next steps. A committee that included members from Faculty Senate and Graduate Council worked through the iterations but was paused during pandemic. Dr. Mike Dowd had worked on this at the time and provided a summary this month of its importance and how we deal with issues that come forward in regard to various associated reviews to Faculty Senate . There has been a lot of change in leadership in the Provost Office since then. How GC should be involved and whether there is a need for an ad hoc committee of the two bodies to move forward has been discussed. FS will convene a committee, that also includes some members of GC, to review what the ad hoc committee has presented and make recommendations with a timeline to come to Faculty Senate this fall with a report, whether a recommendation of policy or revisions to a policy. That would be a good point to bring that draft report from FS to GC’s Academic Programs and Regulations Committee. If it is a broad policy that would impact undergraduate and graduate students. Currently, they are separate policies. They may stay separate or with consultation with the Provost’s Office, Faculty Senate and Graduate Council, whether it would be more effective to have a larger, uniform, more comprehensive policy.
This lingering proposal to revise current student miscount policies needs to move to a conclusion.
There are regular graduate policies that are also up for review, which includes a policy on academic dishonesty. Both reviews will move forward. These are important policies that do deserve full consideration to be clear concise of both the policy and what's covered. And even more important, in perhaps many ways, is the process in which the policies are implemented.
Dr. Hammel added that Graduate Council has the right to maintain a separate policy, should it wish to do so. There are significant differences between undergraduate and graduate students. This comm has done a lot of work and there may be some overlap.
Call for Volunteers GC Standing Committees – Dr. Barbara Saltzman, GC Vice Chair
Dr. Barbara Saltzman provided a summary of GC Standing Committees pointing out where
vacancies need to be filled.
Representatives are needed from various colleges on these committees:
Curriculum – Medicine and Life Sciences and Nursing
Membership – A few seats need to be filled, in progress
Graduate Student Affairs – Graduate Student Association
Graduate Program Review – not active individual group, GC rep included in process
Academic Standing – pending consultation with committee chair, Dr. Tim Mueser
GSA reps - Maha Zeidan and Addison Kittel plus two more reps, probably open
to college reps. Recommend representation
from grad student from HSC. Will also mention in General Assembly.
Fellowship Committee – VP Grad Affairs
Bylaws – leave as is, populate as needed.
Academic and Programs Regulations – to be populated
Fellowships and Scholarships –Dr. Dan Hammel will work with Terri Hayes
Bylaws and Constitution (ad hoc) – populate as needed
Research Council is populated with appropriate graduate faculty/Graduate Council
Ad hoc Parking – to be populated with duration of the current GC 2023-2024
If interested in serving, please notify Dr. Barbara Saltzman and Dr. Patrick Lawrence
know.
Standing Committee Reports
Report of the Curriculum Committee
None. Committee is presently reviewing proposals.
Report of the Membership Committee
On behalf of the Membership Committee, Dr. Svetlana Beltyukova, Chair, presented a
summary report for Graduate Faculty Membership applications for Summer 2023.
Summer 2023 Applications submitted April 11 – August 27, 2023 (27 applications)
We encounter a glitch with PDF where signatures were not showing and Terri Hayes was able to fix that. If an applicant is from academia, we would approve them for Adjunct membership over Special.
The membership review schedule is set and posted on Graduate Council website and indicated below with two review periods each semester, fall spring and summer.
Graduate Faculty Membership Application Review Schedule
2023 - 2024 |
||
|
Completed Applications |
Final Recommendations of committee sent to COGS |
Summary Report presented at Graduate Council |
|
August 27, 2023 (Summer 2023) |
September 15, 2023 |
September 19, 2023 |
|
October 9, 2023 (Fall I) |
October 27, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
|
November 21, 2023 (Fall II) |
December 12, 2023 |
December 12, 2023 |
|
January 29, 2024 (Spring I) |
February 16, 2024 |
February 20, 2024 |
|
April 8, 2024 (Spring II) |
April 26, 2024 |
April 30, 2024 |
|
June 3, 2024 (Summer I) |
June 21, 2024 |
Sept. 2024 - date tbd |
|
August 12, 2024 (Summer II) |
August 30, 2024 |
Sept. 2024 - date tbd |
Dr. Lawrence reminded Council that thesis and dissertation committee members must
have Graduate Faculty membership. It causes concern for graduate students if their
members if committee is not fully in place with membership.
Old Business
Ad hoc Committee on UT Parking Procedures
This was discussed in today’s Executive Report and Call for Volunteers to seat GC
Committees.
Graduate Student Vacation Policy
In response to a question raised previously at GC whether there is a need for a graduate
student vacation policy. In discussing with GCEC as well as with Dr. Molitor in his
former role as Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs, it became clear that varying programs
and needs are unique enough to be included in their specific college/program handbooks.
It is complex and requires further investigation.
New Business
Dr. Dan Hammel suggested specific issues with Slate or other should be addressed to
him.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 1:45 pm.