Graduate Studies Senate Committee Minutes
January 15, 2008
105 Hullihen Hall; 8:45 a.m.
Members present:
Charles Mason, Chair; Darwin
Davis, Matthew Kinservik),
Minutes of January 8th were deferred for approval until the January 22nd meeting.
Old Business: A) The Chair reported that the Program Policy Statement for the M.S.
in Fashion Studies was complete and called for a vote on the approval of the new major.
The program was approved with two abstentions.
New Business: A) Revision of course requirements for the Ph.D. in Physics: The change in the program requirements is to change the requirement of 18 credits from among the 800-level Physics courses on the current list to 12 credits must come from the list. This will permit the students to select other courses in sub-discipline areas that are
more specifically related to their specializations. The Committee approved the change with one
clarification: How many credits of PS
868 may be applied to the Ph.D. in Physics?
B) Revisions of course requirements in the three concentrations for the M.F.A. degree in Theatre: 1) Acting concentration--change from 62 to 60 credits; Stage Management--change from 61 to 56 credits; Production--change from 60 to 57 credits.) The Committee requested that a report be sent as to the effect of these changes on students and faculty.
Matthew Kinservik pointed out the course in Theatre Literacy was reduced in credits which causes some concern based on current trends in theatre training. Vote on the changes was tabled to next meeting.
C) New M.S. degree in Biotechnology: The Committee tabled approval of the program as the documentation was not complete. Information on the following is needed: 1) expected student matriculation and impact on other programs on campus; 2) documentation on funding options for students; 3) faculty resources needed; & 4) library support statement. The Committee recommended that we invite Dr. Simmons and Duncan to the next meeting for clarification.
D) Change in the major name for the Ph.D. in Climatology to Ph.D. in Geography including the addition of a concentration in Land Surface Processes and Climatology:
The Committee requested clarification on whether this is a name change or whether it is
the disestablishment of the major Climatology. There are not concentrations in the current program in Climatology. In addition, a full program policy statement is needed from Geography. The Committee tabled the proposal.
Next meeting: January 22, 2008 at 8:45 in 230 Purnell Hall
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