Graduate Faculty Council Meeting Minuts: September 29, 1999

Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, Konover Auditorium
3:00 P.M.

  1. The meeting was called to order at 3:09 P.M. Vice Provost Robert Smith presided.
  2. The minutes of the April 28, 1999 meeting were considered. E. Schultz recommended that the words "at least" be added to the last paragraph of item #4. There was agreement that the addition is appropriate. The revised wording follows: "A recurring theme throughout the discussion was
    the importance of maintaining at least current levels of doctoral and research master's degree enrollment . . . ".
    • It was moved, seconded, and passed without dissent on a voice vote to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 28, 1999 as revised.
  3. The Council considered a proposed design for custom academic regalia for holders of University of Connecticut doctoral degrees conferred by the Graduate School. Sample regalia (created and provided by Oak Hall Industries of Roanoke, Virginia) was displayed.
    • A brief description follows:
      • Robe -- Navy blue wool-blend fabric with deep navy blue velvet or velveteen front panels and sleeve bars piped in antique gold. The University's oak leaf and acorn emblem is sewn into each of the two front panels.
      • Hood -- Standard doctoral design four feet in length. The navy blue wool-blend fabric of the robe is used rather than black. The velvet or velveteen binding or edging is five inches in width and of the color appropriate color for the degree (Ph.D. - blue; D.M.A. - pink). The lining is national flag blue with a five-inch white chevron, point down.
      • Cap -- Six-point tam of deep navy blue velvet or velveteen with an antique gold tassel.
    • Following brief discussion, it was moved (G. Anderson), seconded (E. Iwanicki), and passed without dissent on a voice vote to adopt the design as presented.
  4. J. Henkel demonstrated the newly-designed Web page for Research and Graduate Education, which includes a link to a new restricted-access database for GRE score reporting and retrieval. He spoke also about the new on-line approval process for graduate assistant payroll authorizations, which has resulted in significantly reduced processing time.
  5. Vice Provost Robert V. Smith addressed the Council. Topics included:
    • Graduate School programs and services with emphasis on quality assurance, assessment, and
      diversity.
    • Goals and objectives for 1999-2000
      • PeopleSoft project
      • Best Practices Task Force
      • Quality of Student Life Task Force
    • Trends in graduate enrollment
    • National Research Council evaluation of doctoral programs (2003)
    • Whetten Graduate Center renovation
    • There was discussion related to these and to other matters. Specifically:
      • It was noted that J. Henkel has received an award from the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) in recognition of his work with NEBHE in the area of best practices.
      • G. Anderson suggested that recommendations be sought (via e-mail) from members of the faculty concerning possible revenue generating and cost savings measures.
  6. Adjournment was at 4:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas B. Peters
Secretary

Present:

  • Anderson, G.
  • Biggs, S.
  • Blank, T.
  • Boškovic, Z. (Ling.)
  • Cajka, K.
  • Chinn, P.
  • Cormier, V.
  • Craig, J.
  • Epling, G.
  • Frogley, A.
  • Giné, E. (alt)
  • Haller, K.
  • Hamilton, M.
  • Herzberger, D.
  • Hiskes, R.
  • Iwanicki, E.
  • Kuo, L.
  • Lipsky, L.
  • Maresh, C.
  • McBride, K.
  • McNeal, R.
  • Miller, D.
  • Pagoulatos, E.
  • Rodriguez, N.
  • Sacks, S.
  • Salamone, J.
  • Schultz, E.
  • Strausbaugh, L.
  • Troyer, J.
  • Warner, G.
  • Westberg, K.

Graduate School:

  • Henkel, J.
  • Peters, T.
  • Smith, R.

Regrets:

  • Allen, J.
  • Crow, L.
  • Enderle, J.
  • Hand, A.
  • Marsden, J.
  • Pikal, M.
  • Ratneshwar, S.
  • Tanzer, J.