Graduate Council Meeting Agenda

Coastal Carolina University

 

December 6, 2006

 

Change in Meeting Location:  ***Edwards Humanities

and Fine Arts Building Room 101 ***

 

 

I.                    Call to Order

II.                 Approval of minutes from the November 1, 2006, Graduate Council meeting

III.               Old Business

 

  1. Overview of MAT transcript information – Dr. Emory Helms

 

IV.              New Business

 

  1. College of Natural and Applied Sciences

 

Proposals for New Courses:

 

BIOL 780  Topics in Molecular Biology. (3)  The study of modern molecular biological methods emphasizing the methods and applications of recombinant DNA techniques.  Selected topics will include DNA sequencing, gene cloning, the polymerase chain reaction and the disruption of genes in microorganisms.

 

Rationale:  Modern molecular biological methods are developed and applied with great speed.  This course will present up to date information on the theory and applications of these methods.

 

BIOL 780L Topics in Molecular Biology Laboratory. (1)  A laboratory course to introduce commonly used molecular biology and recombinant DNA methods and their applications in biomedical research, agriculture and forensic science.

 

Rationale:  This course will introduce students to the methods of modern molecular biology with an emphasis on recombinant DNA technology and genomics.  The course will provide students with hands on experience in these rapidly developing fields.

 

BIOL 600  Advanced Placement Biology. (4)  Course designed for high school biology teachers who are preparing to teach AP Biology.  The course will review the format, schedule, and expectations of the AP course and AP exam.  Students will familiarize with required AP labs and build the conceptual framework.

 

Rationale:  To benefit local high school biology teachers; offering this course at CCU will cut down the financial burden on the school district and provide continuous support to local teachers from the Biology Department.

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Catalog Information (proposed changes are underlined)

 

Course Loads for Graduate Assistants, p. 197

 

Current catalog wording:

 

Graduate assistant applicants must be full-time students.  Graduate assistants are required to carry a minimum of six (6) hours and may carry up to twelve (12) hours combined during the fall and spring terms.  Assistants are expected to carry a minimum of three (3) credits each summer session.

 

Proposed catalog wording:

 

Graduate assistant applicants must be full-time students.  Graduate assistants are required to carry a minimum of six (6) hours and may carry up to twelve (12) hours combined during the fall and spring terms.  Assistants are expected to carry a minimum of three (3) credits each summer session, except in the CMWS graduate program.  Students in the CMWS graduate program must carry one (1) credit hour during the summer. 

 

Rationale for change:

 

Students must register for one credit of research, CMWS 700, during the summer when they are conducting their research.  No CMWS graduate courses are offered in the summer.

 

Change in Residence, p. 197

 

Current catalog wording:

 

Students may transfer a maximum of twelve credit hours into the University applicable to the completion of a degree program. Hours remaining beyond the maximum of twelve that may be transferred in must be completed in residence at the University.  Students studying in a degree program that requires a thesis must register for a minimum of three credit hours in the semester of the thesis defense.

 

Proposed catalog wording:

 

Students may transfer a maximum of twelve credit hours into the University applicable to the completion of a degree program.  Hours remaining beyond the maximum of twelve that may be transferred in must be completed in residence at the University.  Students studying in a degree program that requires a thesis must register for a minimum of one credit hour in the semester of the thesis defense.

 

Rationale for change:

 

Having completed all other required coursework, students must register for CMWS 699 (1 credit) in the semester in which they present their thesis.

 

 

 

 

 

Valid Period of Admission, p. 195

 

Current catalog wording:

 

Admission to a graduate program is valid for one year.

 

Proposed catalog wording:

 

Admission to a graduate program is valid for one year with the approval of the coordinator.

 

Rationale for change:

 

Acceptance within programs may be limited by the number of faculty and their workload/responsibilities, since they must oversee a student’s research and thesis.

 

Removal of Provisional Status, p. 210

 

Current catalog wording:

 

To remove provisional status the student must:

a. earn a B or better in each course in the first 9-12 hours of course work, which includes at least two core courses;

b. meet all requirements for regular admission, except for undergraduate GPA;

c. earn a B or better in all undergraduate prerequisites required as specified in the provisional acceptance letter; and

d. have the commitment from a faulty member to be the major professor.

 

Proposed catalog wording:

 

To remove provisional status the student must, within the first two academic semesters (either fall, spring, or spring, fall):

a. earn a B or better in two core courses;

b. maintain a 3.0 GPA in all graduate courses taken;

c. earn a B or better in all undergraduate prerequisites required as specified in the provisional acceptance letter; and

d. have the commitment from a faculty member to be the major professor.

 

Rationale for change: 

 

Clarification of the requirements for a provisional student to remove provisional status and be admitted as a regular student.

 

  1. College of Humanities and Fine Arts

 

Proposal for New Course:

 

POLI 560 Advanced American Government. (3) Graduate survey course in American government designed for secondary teachers teaching social studies. This is a content-based course that examines the fundamental principles and major institutions of American government as they relate to South Carolina social studies standards.

 

Rationale:  American government is a required course in all South Carolina schools and most American high schools.  POLI 560 will provide secondary teachers with the background necessary for teaching this course.

 

  1. Announcements