MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

February 2, 2006

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Susan Brandeis, Michael P. Carter, Jo-Ann Cohen, Kenneth L. Esbenshade, Lloyd N. Fleisher, George L. Hodge, David W. Johnston, Katherine A. Krawczyk, Duane K. Larick, Gary E. Moore,  John D. Morillo, John C. Park, Sarah A. Rajala, Rebeca C. Rufty, David M. Shafer, Heather Shay, Samuel S. Snyder, Robert S. Sowell, William H. Swallow, Daniel H. Willits, and Matthew T. Zingraff.

OTHERS PRESENT: Aixa Morales-Diaz, Kelly M. Lucey and Frances Brooks.

ABSENT:  Robert C. Abt  

GUESTS:  Adrianna Kirkman for Robert Abt    

  1. The minutes of the January 19, 2006 meeting of the Administrative Board of the Graduate School were approved.


  2. Introductions and Announcements

    Dean Sowell reported that total applications for Fall 2006 are up 20 percent over the same time last year.  He noted that if the trend continues we will end up with about 1,000 more applications than for the same time last year.  Total admissions are down 2.93 percent compared to the numbers  for the same time last year.  

    Next, Dean Sowell reported that enrollment for spring 2006 is 10 students ahead of spring 2005.  There are 42 fewer new students this spring over spring 2005.

    Dr. Shafer reported that a very successful Visit NC State Day was held on Wednesday, February 1, with 70 students participating from 38 institutions nationwide.  


  3. Update on recent University Graduate Student Association (UGSA) activities.

    Heather Shay, UGSA President,  reported that over 1,000 pounds of food was collected during the Food Bank collection on campus.  She announced that a call for Teaching Awards has been sent and the call for nominations is available online.


  4. Action on Proposal for Authorization to Establish Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife.

    On a motion by Dr. Esbenshade, seconded by Dr. Cohen, the edited version of the Proposal for Authorization to Establish Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife was unanimously approved.


  5. Proposal:  Combined DVM and MBA Degree Program.

    On a motion by Dr. Cohen, seconded by Dr. Hodge, the Proposal for a Combined DVM and MBA Degree Program was approved by a unanimous vote.


  6. UGSA Resolution on Research Ethics - Discussion.

    Dr. Carter presented a revised draft of the response by the Administrative Board to Bill #6, "Resolution of Support for Institution of a Requirement for Research Ethics Training for all University Doctoral Students."   Heather Shay, president of UGSA, reported that the UGSA discussed the draft response at their last meeting, the response was accepted, but the UGSA made two points for consideration: 1) recognize that NC State is one of the leaders in Research Ethics in the country, and 2) note that more and more national granting agencies are expecting a component of research ethics in grant proposals.  The UGSA also requested that, if the draft response is approved by the Board, the Graduate School broadly publicize and encourage research ethics education on campus.   

    On a motion by Dr. Rajala, seconded by Dr. Zingraff, the Board approved by a unanimous vote the draft proposed response (below) to the UGSA Resolution.   Dean Sowell said that after the minutes of this meeting are approved, the Graduate School will inform Directors of Graduate Programs, Department Heads, Deans and Associate Deans of this action.  

           "The Board supports the call for education in research ethics for all NC State doctoral students and recognizes the necessity for responsible conduct of research by graduate students and faculty throughout the university.  Therefore the Board strongly encourages graduate programs to provide training in research ethics for all of their doctoral students within their own curricula, through courses offered in related curricula, or by other appropriate experiences.  In addition, the Board recognizes the responsibility of graduate faculty to actively promote responsible conduct of research among graduate students and other faculty.  Because it is also the responsibility of graduate faculty to define requirements for their own programs, the Board does not endorse a university-wide requirement."


  7. Dropping of Courses by Career Level - Common Drop Deadline for Undergraduate and Graduate Students.

    Dr. Larick discussed the handout, which was distributed to the Board, reviewing the current course drop policy at NC State.   Dr. Larick requested that, if possible, the Administrative Board approve a recommendation today.  UGSA president, Heather Shay, stated that UGSA has no objection to an eight-weeks drop date but would not want the drop date to be earlier.  All agreed it would be beneficial to have a uniform policy for both graduate and undergraduate students.   Dr. Larick then noted the advantages for having a common drop date.  

    On a motion by Dr. Hodge, seconded by Dr. Snyder, the board adopted a course drop by career level approach with an eight-week drop date for all students.  Motion carried unanimously.


  8. Courses:

    ARC 532, ARC 533, ARC 534 and ARC 562:  Action  postponed. 

    ECG 701 Microeconomics I - Course revision in title, abbreviated title and description.  Approved with changes.

    ECG702 Microeconomics II - Course revision in title, abbreviated title and description.  Approved with changes.

    ECG 705 Macroeconomics II - Course revision in title, abbreviated title and description.  Approved with changes.

    ECG (ST) 751 - Econometric Methods - Course revision in title, abbreviated title, pre-corequisite and description.  Approved with changes.

    ECG (ST) 752 - Time Series Econometrics - Course revision in title, abbreviated title, pre-corequisites and description.  Approved with changes.

    ECG 785 - Monetary Economics - Course revision in title, abbreviated title, pre-corequisites and description.  Approved with changes.

    HI 42/552 - The Vietman War - New course, dual level.  Approved with changes.

    IE/PSY 540 - Human Factors in Systems Design - Course revision in prefix/number.  Approved with changes.

    IE 541 - Occupational Safety Engineering - Course revision in prefix/number and scheduling.  Approved with changes.

    VMC 962 - Ethics, Professional Development & Practice Management - New course.  Approved with changes.


  9. Other Business.


    There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned.

  10. Next scheduled meeting:

    February 16, 2006
    10:00 AM - 12 Noon
    Scott Hall, Room 216

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