GSAS Meeting
October 13, 2010
6:30 PM, ASU Library Room 421
President Miriam Makhyoun called the meeting to order at 6:33pm. Secretary Brandy Hopkins began with rolle call. For those in attendance, please see the attached roster.
I. Presentation by the Quality Enhancement Plan Leadership Team
President Makhyoun introduced the Vice Provost of Faculty who spoke about the QEP committee. Our university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and we our scheduled for renewal of our accreditation status in 2013. Part of this process will include a site visit as well as the presentation of the QEP or Quality Enhancement Plan. The focus of the QEP assessment is on outcome measures. For more information, please visit http://qep.appstate.edu. An important quality of the QEP is that people on campus know about it and believe in it, at all levels. The QEP aims to significantly improve student learning through several elements including increased engagement, interdisciplinary studies, and globalization issues. The QEP must address issues that are important for our own students and university that focus on student learning outcomes. A learning outcome is something students must know or be able to do.
The current agenda for the committee is selecting an idea for the proposal. Right now, students can present a concept paper about an idea up to 2 pages in length to compete for a $500 award. The QEP does predominantly address undergraduate education but QEPs often reach research and other areas of learning beyond the classroom. Winners of the concept papers competition will be invited to submit full proposals. Next spring, the Chancellor will announce the chosen topic. We all need to be aware that all concept papers and proposals submitted will be made available publicly on the web. Concept papers should be linked to the university mission and strategic plan. These are being accepted for two more weeks.
A senator asked if a paper involving a process improvement would be too limited in scope. The response was that it would not be at all; the QEP needs to address learning outcomes as well as the learning environment. Another senator asked how important feasibility is for this idea. The response was that we do not need to worry about that right now. We can go with the assumption that money can be found for what is chosen. Senator Matt Hepler inquired about example QEPs. We were informed there were examples available on the website. Senator Kris Dearmin asked if the idea needs to be fresh. The response was that most ideas will be variations on some core idea; novelty is not required. Senator Alicia Andrjewski asked if there were past QEPs ASU has done that could be looked at. We were informed that each ten years we are reaccredited and this is the first time the process has involved a QEP and therefore, it is the first time ASU has done one. Senator Ethan inquired if labs would be examined during the SACS visit. Dr. Hirst informed the group that ASU writes a report first to accurately describe the current condition of the university. SACS then considers this report when making its onsite visit. Theoretically they could go to each and every lab but they do not typically visit every lab on campus. We were reminded that the QEP must apply to the majority of the student population. They will be holding a speed-dating event soon so those interested in the QEP process can meet others with similar ideas. The contact numbers shown on the PPT are incorrect, contact the website for accurate numbers.
President Makhyoun asked for volunteers to work on brainstorming ideas for a QEP concept paper sponsored by GSAS. Volunteers included:
· Vicki Lewis, Josh Ball, and Alicia Andrejewski
II. Atul Bhula, President of the UNC Association of Student Governments (ASG) for the UNC System
Atul Bhula described himself as being from Charlotte, receiving his undergraduate degree from ECU, and currently working on his MBA here at ASU. ASG is composed of members from the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of each university in the UNC system. Typically university delegations are made up of the SGA president, and three delegates. These delegations from each university come together once a month for 8 months. Atul currently sits on the Board of Governors (BOG) but does not have voting rights. The BOG is made of trustees from each campus.
The current issue is the budget cuts and shortfalls coming this year. 560% of the budget for NC goes directly back totowards education (which include DPI and NCCCS). In addition, private donations to the UNC campuses subsidize university funding. All chancellors have recently been told asked to prepare for a $500 tuition increase and 5%, 10%, and 15% budget cuts. A The four-year tuition plan was created in 2006, in which a 6.5% cap on increases in tuition was instituted for tuition and fees. This number was decided onrecommended under President Bowles’ leadership because as it was an average of the increases/decreases in tuition over the previous 37 years. However, tThere was a 14.4% average increase in tuition last year per the NC General Assembly action to allow for the Legislative Tuition Increase administered by the UNC President. The tuition plan is renewed every 4 years and is up for renewal nowat the end of this calendar year. The next BOG meeting is November 4th in Chapel Hill at the Spangler Center. They have considered tuition increase minimums as well but students oppose this as well.
In addition, tuition by credit hour has been discussed over the previous ten years. This is a big issue nowhas been in discussion this year. This will need toIn order to ensure that this is effective, it would possibly be piloted somewhere at one of the UNC institutions prior to a state-wide implementationfirst. Although many universities are interested in the idea, no one is willing to take the risk of piloting the program. The state view is that education dollars need to affect North Carolinians. Atul wonders if we arethe UNC-system is pushing away quality out-of-state students from other states with this such a view.
Another item of importance is a minimum standard of student representation on university committees. There are universities that do a great job with getting student input but there are those that do not as well. At NC State, there are 42 university committees that students sit onparticipate and are quite active. He is also fighting for required student input on referendums submitted to the BOG (IE: Charlotte football). Senator Ethan ?? asked where GSAS fits in with ASG? Do we elect a representative? Atul informed us that it is possible to gain representation through a member of GSAS serving as a delegate in ASG but this is an individual decision of each SGA president. Also, Atul represents each of us himself. As a graduate student himself, many of the issues important to graduate students are close to him as well. Senator Kyle Nelson pointed out that SGA does not seem to have an interest in the views of GSAS. We still pay $1 for ASG but have no direct representation. He inquired if ASG could make a stance that graduate students pay ASG dues and, therefore, deserve representation. He informed us that he cannot do that but with the numbers of graduate students in the UNC system, we can have a viable voice if we make an issue of not having representation. More specifically, we have a large graduate student population at ASU and should have a voice in ASG. Kyle Schermbeck, the SGA representative present, informed us that we can meet with him and PA Rowe to discuss the possibility of selecting a graduate representative for the next ASG meeting.
Senator Alicia Andrejewski asked about tuition increases. She inquired if graduate and undergraduate tuition increases are made separate. Dr. Hirst informed the group that each campus handles this differently. At ASU there are five separate classes of tuition: on-campus, off-campus, undergraduate, graduate, and summer categories. At ASU, tuition for each of these is determined separately but tend to go up proportionately. The Fee and Tuition committee meets every other year to determine what increases are necessary. They will be meeting this year and Secretary Brandy Hopkins is serving on that committee. Another senator inquired about tuition by credit hour and if it applied to both graduate and undergraduate tuition. Dr. Hirst informed us that currently we pay tuition on a tiered system: 0-2 hrs, 3-5 hrs, 6-8 hrs, and 9+ hrs. It would be beneficial if it allowed for tuition by credit hour. However, once we reach full-time status we shouldn’t have to pay for additional credit hours up to 15 hrs. The 15 hr limit is not only in place to keep students from getting over their head, but also to keep students from taking advantage of ASU by taking to many classes essentially for free. Senator Richard Dodd inquired if Atul was requesting any action on our behalf. Atul informed us that he was only informing the group of issues that the students of the UNC-system are faced with. We really appreciate Atul taking the time to explain these important issues to our group.
III. Recycle at the Rock on October 30, 2010
President Makhyoun introduced Katie Cavert, a graduate student in the tech program. Part of Katie’s assistantship is recruiting people to help at Recycle at the Rock, ASU’s recycling program for tailgaters during home football games. Last year, the program collected a total of 17,000 lbs. Volunteers from GSAS are needed on Saturday, October 30, one of our last home games. There are two shifts available, 10:00am – 12:00pm and 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Volunteering involves passing out recycling bags and getting the word out. You get a free t-shirt made locally from organic cotton for volunteering. She will leave sign-up sheets with Miriam. For more information or to volunteer for other games, visit Recycle.appstate.edu and refer to Katie Cavert’s information. Katie informed us that Earth Fare donates snacks for volunteers and costumes are encouraged as well. Miriam said she will send an email to determine who and when we’ll be volunteering and then she will follow-up with Katie once she receives the results. Katie concluded with reminding us to encourage others to recycle even if we do or do not participate ourselves.
· Those interested in the 10:00am – 12:00pm shift were Crystal Woesnner, Heather Davis, Matt Hepler, and Carole Deans.
· Those interested in the 12:00pm – 2:00pm shift were Vicky Lewis, Erica Lowe, Audrey Dunham, and Brandy Hopkins.
IV. Update from Dr. Holly Hirst
Dr. Holly Hirst encourages the group to submit QEP concept papers. However, she warns us that they will have to disqualify plans that are too narrow in focus but there are appropriate issues that could involve grad students. It is fair to assume that the university will throw money at this project. We have to do it and it has to be done right. She also warned, “Don’t not do it because you think your idea is not good enough.” ASU likes to do things different. Typical broad categories include general education, study abroad, and research. Otherwise, there is not a lot to report from the graduate school. There are not many changes proposed to the graduate curriculum. The topic at hand for the Graduate Council is creating avenues for internships. We are also approaching another GSAS grant deadline, November 4th. Inform your departments and constituents.
V. Approval of minutes
There was one necessary amendment to the Minutes from the last GSAS meeting, held September 15, 2010. Matt Hepler made a motion to create a task force for endowment fundraising. Kyle Nelson made a motion to approve the amended minutes, Vicky Lewis seconded the motion, and the vote passed unanimously.
VI. University Committee Reports
President Makhyoun reminded senators to continue to volunteer for committees. We have several positions that remain vacant.
Matt Hepler serves on the University Forum committee. He informed us that they recently decided on the theme for next year, which is going to be “Borders.” Applicable topics could be any kind of border, geographic, those between sciences, cultural borders, etc. They are currently looking for speakers. The purpose of this committee is to bring speakers to the university that appeal to the vast majority of students and faculty.
Brandy Hopkins serves on the AP&P Committee, or Academic Policies & Procedures. She informed the group that this committee votes on all curriculum changes, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Though there have not been many relevant changes to curriculum, there is a new development that affects us. The university is currently in the process of implementing a graduation audit system in which students can perform graduation audits and what-if analysis for major changing through a tab in Appalnet. This will not be in place until next Fall but should prove very useful for both students and advisors. As last year’s bulletin is entered into this system, many issues regarding undocumented changes to curriculum are coming to light creating an unusual workload for the AP&P committee. Dr. Hirst expanded on this explaining that this is more of an undergraduate issue than a graduate issue as the graduate bulletin is already in check-sheet form. However, the implementation of this software will also benefit graduate students, as they will be able to keep up with their POS through Appalnet.
Miriam Makhyoun also serves on the Sustainability Council and the related Curriculum subcommittee. This subcommittee is a new body investigating current sustainable methods in curriculum and looking for ways to encourage additional sustainable measures in curriculum.
VII. Finance Committee Report
Treasurer Kyle Nelson reported that we received 21 grant applications and funded 6. In addition to awarding grants, the Finance Committee met and determined guidelines for grant applications. He explained that last year there were a few major issues. There were people that were given money that never spent it which caused us to have a surplus at the end of the year that we had to forfeit back to the state, which looks bad. We allocated all money but all was not spend. The Student Activity Fee Committee decides how much funding GSAS receives. The second problem was some people were awarded grants but did not travel until after the fiscal year so these expenses came out of our budget for this year. Based on these and related problems, the Finance Committee has proposed the following ideas: