Executive Committee Meeting Minutes: November 12, 1999


Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, room 162
2:00 P.M.

  1. The meeting was called to order at 2:05 P.M. Vice Provost Robert Smith presided.
  2. The minutes of the 9/3/99 meeting were considered. Two minor corrections were noted: (a) add the word and in the second bullet under item 5 [". . . academic year and will consider . . ."], and (b) delete the words for the computer in the fourth line of the fifth bullet under item 5.
    • Following discussion, it was moved, seconded, and passed without dissent on a voice vote to approve the minutes of the 9/3/99 meeting as corrected.
  3. It was moved, seconded, and passed without dissent on a voice vote to approve the list of Plans of Study and Dissertation Proposals.
  4. R. Smith reported on developments concerning central budget issues affecting graduate education.
  5. Having discussed the topic recently with the Chancellor, R. Smith led a discussion about developing entrepreneurial master's degree programs. It was noted that a call should go out to faculty to develop and propose such programs. L. Strausbaugh spoke in favor of insuring that percentage of any revenue generated is returned to the Graduate School. G. Epling suggested that a reasonable split be determined for returning revenues to appropriate units.
  6. R. Smith noted that there has been considerable growth in a fund established within the past few years to facilitate the receipt of certain forms of financial support by graduate students enrolled in the summer sessions.
  7. A revised proposal from the School of Business Administration to implement a Master of Science in Technology Management (M.S.T.M.) degree program was considered and discussed. The original proposal was discussed at the 10/2/98 meeting. J. Henkel explained the major differences between the original and the revised proposals.
    • While there was sympathy for the proposed program, there also were concerns. There was support for providing a program of this kind for students with backgrounds in various technological fields. It was thought, however, that some recasting of the proposal would be necessary if the target audience were to be prospective students with business backgrounds. There also were questions about the possibility of framing the curriculum of the proposed program more along the lines of programs offered by institutions which are considered currently to be peers of the University of Connecticut
    • It was recommended that a modified proposal be submitted for consideration at the December 1999 meeting.
  8. A proposal to create a new Area of Concentration to be called Italian Studies under the existing Field of Study of International Studies was considered. There was discussion. Two modifications were recommended:
    • Emphasize in the first full paragraph on page 4 of the proposal that the creation of the new Area of Concentration would have the potential to enhance the critical mass of students in Italian Studies and related areas.
    • Use as the name of the new Area of Concentration Italian History and Culture rather than Italian Studies. It was noted that the former clearly and accurately describes the proposed Area of Concentration within the existing Field of International Studies.
    • It was moved (S. Sacks), seconded (E. Pagoulatos), and passed without dissent on a voice vote to approve the
      proposal with the recommended modifications noted above.
  9. There was discussion about calling a meeting of the Graduate Faculty Council for early December. Several potential agenda items were identified:
    • discussion with the Chancellor about recent developments and issues which impact graduate education and research
    • discussion of parking issues and concerns (e.g., suitable parking for instructors who teach evening courses) with appropriate representatives from Parking and Transportation Services
    • discussion of the relationship between the Storrs campus and the Health Center (invite one or more speakers)
    • discussion of emerging issues and concerns to guide the Council's future work.
    • It was agreed to call a meeting of the Council for early December with one or more of the above as agenda items
      (depending upon the availability of speakers).
  10. Adjournment was at 4:17 PM.

Present:

  • Carmichael, G.
  • Epling, G.
  • Faghri, P.
  • Henkel, J. (Associate Vice Provost)
  • Pagoulatos, E.
  • Peters, T. (Assistant Dean)
  • Sacks, S.
  • Smith, R. (Vice Provost)
  • Strausbaugh, L.

Regrets:

  • Anderson, G.
  • Grasso, D.
  • Marsden, J.
  • Maxwell, G.


Respectfully submitted,

Thomas B. Peters
Secretary