Minutes of the Meeting

March 21, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Dean Judith Walker de Felix. Members in attendance were: Kathleen Brown, Cody Ding, Yael Even, Clinton Greene, Alice Hall, Carol Peck, Eduardo Silva. Members absent were: John Blake (leave of absence), Ron Dotzel, Sally Ebest, Tom Eyssell, Terry Jones, Sandra Lindquist, Zuleyma Tang-Martinez, George McCall, Shiying Zhao.

I. Minutes

Dr. Silva requested a grammatical change in his committee report. The revised minutes of the February 21, 2003 Graduate Council meeting were approved.

Carol Peck reminded Council that if the doctoral faculty status is abolished, any notation about doctoral faculty would have to be eliminated in the rules and regulations.

II. Committee Reports

Admissions and Scholarship Committee – written report provided by Terry Jones

The Graduate School Admissions and Scholarship Committee met Friday, March 14. Attending were myself, Godfrey Bourne, Yael Even, and Laura Westhoff.

The Committee reviewed the draft changes in the Graduate School Rules and Regulations (Section 4) in the Appendix (p. 6). Discussion of recommended changes followed.

4.1, paragraph 7. The committee discussed whether the current requirement that applicants submit transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work be modified so that each program could select from among three options 1) transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work; 2) transcripts from any institution granting the applicant a degree; or 3) transcripts from any institution granting the applicant a degree as well as transcripts for all graduate work. The committee recommends that the current requirement (i.e. transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate work) remain in place.

4.2. Dr. Felix noted that she had asked the committee to review some suggested changes. One item was reducing the number of admission categories. Graduate School Staff had suggested that the categories ‘restricted’ and ‘provisional’ be kept as options on campus but not specified as admission categories to students. This would be a procedural item rather than a policy change.

4.2.1. Add the word ‘normally’ to the section on Ph.D. admissions. Some doctoral students may not be good test takers and therefore would be admitted restricted.

4.2.2. This change would allow a quick admit for non-degree students: This would make a generic admit by the graduate school and would not require departmental review/approval. It was assumed that most departments have pre-requisites that would stop generic students from getting into courses where they are not wanted. But discussion among the group provided other information. Dr. Silva said political science students are a cohesive, small groups and he would be leery of the Graduate School admitting students who probably wouldn’t have pre-requisites for courses.

One suggestion was to admit them as post-baccalaureate unclassified students but this would not be acceptable for graduate credit. Another mentioned a required signature of the advisor before registering in a graduate class. Non-degree students are not assigned advisors. Also, many students now get into classes without an advisor’s signature or without the required prerequisites
.
Dr. Silva said he wants control over non-degree admits to anyone who would take political science classes. Dr. Hall noted that some of their graduate courses are already close to capacity and their graduate students can’t get into courses because non-degree students are taking up spaces. Dr. Ding feared that once a student is admitted as non-degree, the student would think he/she could get into a degree program.

Dean Felix suggested that the policy remain the same but perhaps change the procedure of non-degree application in order to solve the issue. She will discuss this with the Graduate Admissions staff. She also thinks it would be a good idea to have a session with the Graduate Admissions staff and the Graduate Program Directors on procedures and streamlining our processes.

4.5. Council wondered why Lindbergh was singled out as a residence center. Dr. Felix will look into the matter.

4.7. TOEFL – Dr. Felix said we are out of sync with other institutions with a minimum score of 500 for acceptance into the Graduate School and recommended moving the minimum score to 550. We could also say “specific departments may have higher requirements” when mentioning the requirement for GTAs and GRAs.

In paragraph 2 of this section, it was suggested that the GRE cut off score be added.

Dr. Silva moved and Dr. Brown seconded that Council accept the committee’s report with those changes suggested by Council. Council approved the motion unanimously.

Dr. Felix said these items and those approved at the February Council meeting will be distributed electronically as well as placed on the Graduate School web site.

Council approved.

Curriculum and Instruction report - Electronic report from Sally Ebest; presented by Judith Walker de Felix

The committee reviewed and recommends approval of the following course proposals:

Number Title
JCE 363/4630 Design of Steel Structures (add)
Nrsg 404/6104 Values and Cultural Diversity in Advanced Nursing Practice (add)
Nrsg 405/6105 Values in Health Care Decision Making (drop)
Nrsg 406/6106 Policy, Organization and Financing in Health Care (change hours, description)
Nrsg 408/6108 Health and Society (cross-listed with Econ 365) (drop)
PPA 365/4650 Introduction to Econometrics (c/l with Econ 365)
PPA 410/6000 Introduction to Policy Analysis (cross-listed with PS 6410 –
(change #)
PPA 6190/419 Cases in Public Policy Analysis (cross-listed with PS 6419)
(drop)
PPA 6190/419 Cases in Public Policy Analysis (add)
BA 306/3843 Decision Support Systems (change prerequisite)
BA 313/3289 Practicum in International Business (add)
BA 314/3682 Managing the Global Workforce (change requisites;
description)
BA 317/3680 International Management (change prerequisites; description)
BA 327/3590 Practicum in Finance (change description)
BA 347/3441 Income Taxes (change prerequisite)
BA 393/4689 International Strategic Management (change description)
BA 499A/700 Doctoral Research (add)
BA 499B/7002 Dissertation Research (add)
BA 425/6831 Internship in Advanced MIS Applications (change title;
description)
LOM 486/5312 Advanced Statistical Methods for Management Decisions
(change prerequisite, description)
Mgt 472/5626 Leadership Through People Skills (add)
AdEd 494/6494 Directed Readings in Adult Learning (add)
EdAd 411/6101 Foundations of School Administration I (drop)
EdAd 412/6102 Foundations of School Administration II (drop)
EdAd 413/6103 Foundations of School Administration III (drop)
EdAd 421/6201 Knowledge Contexts of Education Administration and Policy
(change prerequisite)
EdAd 422/6202 Social Contexts of Education (change prerequisite)
EdAd 423/6203 Political Contexts of Education (change prerequisite)
EdAd 424/6204 Economic Contexts of Education (change prerequisite)
EdAd 425/6205 Legal Contexts of Education (change prerequisite)
EdAd 431/6301 Education Administration Policy Research (change
prerequisite)
EdAd 432/6302 Elementary School Administration (change prerequisite)
EdAd 433/6303 Middle School Administration (change prerequisite)
EdAd 434/6304 Secondary School Administration (change prerequisite)
EdAd 441/6401 School Staff Development and Supervision (change
prerequisite)
EdAd 462/6462 Technical System Implementations for Educational
Technology (add)
SpEd 342/4342 Transition Issues and Planning (change title, prerequisite;
description)
SpEd 452/6452 Social, Emotional, and Environmental Supports for Learners
with Disabilities (change prerequisite; description)

Dr. Silva moved to approve the report, Yael Even seconded, and Council unanimously approved the committee’s report.

Program Development Committee – Eduardo Silva

The committee reviewed and recommended approval of four proposals.

2+3 BA/MA in History: There was a representative from the History department at the meeting who suggested some editorial changes to the original submission. The Committee agreed with those suggestions and recommends approval.

Master of Public Policy Administration program: The committee recommends approval of changes in the MPPA program.

Master of Education in Special Education: The committee found this an excellent document recommends its approval.

Ed.S. in Educational Administration: This new program would change the existing program (ACS) into its own degree program in order to meet State requirements.

Council accepted the committee’s report.

Dean’s Report

Dr. Felix distributed information on the money available for tuition remission and graduate fellowships. For this coming fiscal year, we expect $1032,900 in rate money. Expected expenditures for tuition remission and graduate fellowships will amount to $1,066,000. That will leave us in deficit by about $66,000 next year. This does not include any money available for subsidizing the graduate insurance program for GTAs and GRAs. The Dean asked Council for suggestions. Dr. Brown suggested placing a 9-hour cap per student on tuition. Mary Ellen mentioned there might have to be an exception for Clinical Psychology and Social Work who are routinely required to take 12-15 hours per semester. Dr. Felix will check with the Graduate Program Directors.

Dr. Brown attended a University scholarship dinner and mentioned that many of the available scholarships had no recipients. This may be a source of funding.

Regarding the requirement that GTAs complete a FASFA form for financial aid: some students do not want to participate. If they are eligible to have their GTA appointment paid from work study, then that amount is deducted from their loan eligibility.

Dr. Felix may ask Andy Glassberg to help the Graduate School with budgeting issues.

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:19 pm.

Respectfully submitted ,

Carol Peck
Vice-Chairperson and Secretary

CP:meh

Appendix
Proposed Admissions Rules Change
4.1. Admissions

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers courses for graduate credit to qualified individuals to fulfill two kinds of student objectives: either (1) completion of complete academic and professional degrees and certificates, and (2) attainment of or for personal and professional development. Students with a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university may apply for admission to the Graduate School. Applications are reviewed by the departments or schools in which students propose to do graduate study and by the Graduate School. Within limitations, students may be admitted to the Graduate School if their previous academic records and background suggest reasonable likelihood for success in their proposed programs. Students are admitted by the Dean of the Graduate School only upon recommendation of the department or school or college involved.

The Graduate Admissions Office will notify the applicant of the admission decision. A graduate department may notify an applicant of admission, but only after official notification has been sent out by the Admissions Office the Admissions Office has sent its official notification. A copy of the departmental notification, including any offer of an assistantship or support, should be sent to the Admissions Office.

Applicants are denied admission if (1) they do not meet admission standards, or (2) there are no available openings, or (3) applications are incomplete at the time of the decision.

4.2. Categories of Admission

Any student who receives To receive graduate credit for a course at the University of Missouri-St. Louis students must have been admitted to the Graduate School under one of the categories specified for admission:
1. Graduate Certificate or Degree-seeking
2. Non-degree seeking.

Matriculated Student
Regular
Restricted
Provisional

Non-Matriculated Student
Non-Degree
Graduate Certificate
Education Certification
Intercampus Exchange
Postdoctoral

4.2.1. Matriculated Graduate Certificate or Degree-Seeking Student

Students who wish to take courses to obtain a degree or graduate certificate must apply for status as matriculated graduate students.

Students may be are normally admitted as Regular graduate students if the undergraduate G.P.A. and major field G.P.A. are both 2.75 or above. A department or school may establish additional or more restrictive standards of admission for a particular program.

Because they follow an established curriculum, students in Graduate Certificate programs have the same admission requirements as Degree-seeking students. Graduate Certificate Students may transfer up to 18 hours of work on a Graduate Certificate Program Plan to a Master's or Doctoral Program Plan, if the department granting the degree approves the transfer.

Students who do not meet the standards may be with an undergraduate G.P.A. of 2.5 to 2.75 may be admitted as Restricted graduate students on a restricted basis if there is strong supporting evidence in other areas: test scores, work in major field, strongly supportive letters, sharp improvement in undergraduate work, previous successful graduate work, evidence of academic maturity following completion of the undergraduate degree, etc. The courses in which such a student enrolls will apply in the regular way to a degree or certificate program. However, a student may acquire no more than 12 credit hours on Restricted status. Shift from Restricted to Regular status requires (a) a "B" average on courses taken on Restricted status, (b) a positive recommendation from the department or school on the Petition for Transfer from Restricted to Regular Graduate Status form, and (c) approval from the Graduate School.

Students with G.P.A.'s below 2.5 will not normally be admitted to the Graduate School.

A department or school recommending an admission level which that is not commensurate with the academic record of a student must submit a Recommendation for Admission of a Student not Meeting Regular or Restricted Admissions Requirements form.

A Provisional student is one who seems qualified for admission to the Graduate School but who has not submitted all materials required for admission (official transcripts, test scores, etc.) may be admitted provisionally. The courses in which such a student enrolls will apply in the regular way to a degree or certificate program. A student may enroll provisionally for one semester or summer term only. When all admission materials have been received, the Admissions Office student will prepare a Request for Change from Provisional to Regular or Restricted Status form. The department or school will review the additional material before finally recommending Regular or Restricted admission or denial.

Because admission to doctoral-level studies is limited to people of demonstrably superior academic ability, the doctoral admission categories normally do not include Restricted status. Only two categories of admission to the doctoral level exist: Regular and Provisional.

Matriculated Degree-seeking students must supply transcripts showing all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate work. They must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude and advanced Applicants must provide scores from tests as required by the Department (see Appendix 1). All doctoral programs must normally require the general aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Doctoral programs which that require the advanced test are listed in Appendix 1. In the MBA program, the Graduate Management Admission Test is required. The TOEFL test is also required of applicants whose native language is not English, unless they have spent at least two of the last three years in an English-speaking country.

4.2.2. Non-Matriculated Degree-Seeking Student

Five categories of non-matriculated students are recognized: Non-Degree Students, Graduate Certificate Students, Education Certification Students, Intercampus Exchange Students, and Postdoctoral Students.

Students who wish to take courses solely for personal or professional development should apply for status as non-matriculated, non-degree-seeking graduate students. They must provide an official transcript showing completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree, with a G.P.A. of 2.5 or greater, and they must generally meet the same requirements for admission as a matriculated student with Restricted status. They do not need to submit GRE scores. Change from non-matriculant degree to matriculant degree-seeking requires the submission of a new graduate admission application, and it occurs only upon subsequent after review and recommendation by the department or school and approval by the Graduate School.

Students may be admitted as Non-Degree students if they are visiting students, they do not intend to pursue a degree, they intend to enter a program not yet established, or they are participants of graduate workshops or institutes. They must be accepted by the appropriate department or school. (including the department without an established program). A Non-Degree Student must maintain at least a 3.00 grade point average. A Non-Degree Student wishing to take more than 9 hours may be allowed to do so contingent upon departmental recommendation. However, course work completed by a Non-Degree Student is not regarded as completed within a degree program. If such work is later to be applied to a program, the department student must file an Incorporation of Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Work at UM-St. Louis into a Graduate Degree Program form. No more than nine semester hours will be approved. None of these credits may be counted as part of the residence requirement for a degree. A Non-Degree Student will not be permitted to pre-enroll and will not be mailed registration materials in advance.

(moved to 4.2.1) Graduate Certificate Students are students enrolled in established UM-St. Louis certificate programs. Admission requirements for students in these programs are the same as for matriculated students. They do not need specific departmental approval to take more than 9 hours. Graduate Certificate Students may transfer up to 18 hours of work which appears on a Graduate Certificate Program Plan to a Master's or Doctoral Program Plan, if such a transfer is approved by the department granting the degree.

Education Certification Students are students who are taking take courses for state Department of Education certification. They and do not need specific departmental approval to take more than 9 hours. All other conditions regarding admission and registration that apply to Non-Degree Students apply to Education Certification Students.

Intercampus Exchange Students are students who have been admitted to an accredited graduate school and who wish to take courses at UM-St. Louis for later transfer to the degree-granting university. Such students should may apply for admission as non-degree matriculated students.

Individuals with doctoral degrees wishing to pursue special studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis may be appointed postdoctoral fellows by the Dean of the Graduate School on the recommendation of the appropriate University division.

4.3. Traveling Scholars and Inter-University Graduate Exchange Students

There are two categories of students who may take graduate courses at UM-St. Louis without applying for admission to UM-St. Louis.

(a) Traveling Scholars are graduate students at one of the other UM campuses. Traveling Scholars register on their own UM campus to take courses at UM-St. Louis, using a University of Missouri Traveling Scholar Program Course Request form to register for each course, and they report to the UM-St. Louis campus when classes begin.

(b) Inter-University Graduate Exchange students are Washington University and St. Louis University students who enroll by special arrangement through the Registrar on the home campus for courses not offered on their own campus.

4.4. Unclassified Students

Students who are not qualified for admission to the Graduate School may request admission to UM-St. Louis as Unclassified Students. Students so admitted are not admitted to the Graduate School, do may not take 400-level courses, and do not receive graduate credit. Credits earned by an Unclassified Student cannot later become graduate credits should the student subsequently be admitted to the Graduate School.

4.5. Enrollment in Off-Campus and Continuing Education Courses

Students may enroll in off-campus graduate courses on one of two bases:

(a) Students who have been admitted to the Graduate School may enroll without further application. Courses they complete satisfactorily may be included as part of a graduate program, subject to departmental and Graduate School approval.

(b) Students holding a baccalaureate degree who have not been admitted to the Graduate School must simultaneously apply for admission as a non-matriculated degree graduate student. If admission is not obtained by the end of the semester, graduate credit will not be received awarded.

Specific courses offered off-campus may be designated as taken in residence. Courses taken at the UM-St. Louis Lindbergh satellite center are considered as taken in residence. Unless otherwise specified, all other off-campus and continuing education courses are considered non-resident courses.

Non-resident courses may make up no more than one-third of a master's program. Non-resident courses are not normally included in the final two-thirds of a program, but under special circumstances they may be included. Such requests are made on a Petition for Waiver of Residence Requirement form.

4.6. Undergraduate Enrollment in 400-Level Courses - No Change

4.7. Admission of International Students (Revised 3/95)

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following special provisions apply to international students.

International students whose native language is not English and who have spent less than two of the last three years in an English-speaking country are required to submit scores on the TOEFL examination before a decision is made on admission. A student with a total score below 500 550 will not be admitted to the Graduate School. Normally, Tteaching assistantships will not be awarded to students whose TOEFL scores are below 570.

A score in the 30th percentile or above on the verbal portion of the GMAT may substitute for the score of 500 550 or above on the TOEFL examination and qualify the student for admission. A score of ___ or above on the verbal portion of the GRE may substitute for the score of 550 or above on the TOEFL examination and qualify the student for admission.

When it is not possible for a student to take the TOEFL examination for reasons more fundamental than personal convenience, the department to which the student has applied may develop alternate ways for that particular student to demonstrate English language competence prior to admission. Such alternative metrics must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

Applicants from other countries will be asked to provide a special summary of their educational experience to help provide a basis of comparison of their backgrounds with those of U.S. applicants. They will be asked to provide a statement of their financial situation and of the anticipated form of support for the period of graduate study.

Once enrolled in the Graduate School, international students holding a student visa must enroll full-time, as defined in Section 3.4.

4.8. Enrollment in Relation to Admission – No Change

4.9.Time Limitation

The maximum amount of time allowed for completion of a master's degree will be is six years after the first course enrollment. The maximum amount of time allowed for completion of a doctoral degree will be is eight years after the first course enrollment. Graduate work completed outside these time periods may not be included in the degree program, except under extraordinary circumstances, and then only after petition to, and approval by, the Graduate School. In connection with an authorized leave of absence, an exception to the time limitation may be approved in advance.

4.10. Leave of Absence – No Change