ICC Grad Section Minutes for 11 30 2001

ICC - Graduate and Professional Section

Minutes for November 30, 2001 Meeting at U.M.C.P.

 

Members in Attendance:

Betty Bickell

Angela Crank

Betty Douglas

Gary Grodzicki

Jerry Isaac

Trudy Lindsey

Lisa Nickle

Patricia Spiker

Angela Tripp

Angela Walton-Raji

Jeffrey Zavrotny

 

After a short welcome, we separated into the various sub-groups with the exception of Admissions, Financial Aid and Records & Registration. At the request of the System, these groups met as a single entity to discuss "Collaborative/Joint Degree Programs."

Following a brief discussion of the proposed bylaws for the newly forming Maryland Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (MD-GAP), it was determined that this topic was inappropriate for this ICC- Graduate gathering. The dialogue then changed to a discussion of the similarities and differences between these groups. The concern was that one of these groups might be seen as negating the need of the other; while the expectation was that they would compliment each other's function. It was decided that we would need to clearly define the roles of each of these organizations.

At this point, the group decided to forgo the written agenda items to discuss how we could use our ICC gatherings to best benefit the individual programs and the System at large.

Point 1. Graduate program directors must consider items that spread across the spectrum of the other ICC groups, such as costs, admissions, recruitment, financial aid, etc. Therefore, when the System determines that it is necessary to assemble certain groups for a collaborative discussion of a particular topic (such as "Collaborative/Joint Degree Programs"), we believe the Graduate Section should be included unless the subject matter is specifically determined to apply only to undergraduate issues.

We asked Elizabeth Murray to join us to consider this issue. Liz said they felt the "Collaborative/Joint Degree" topic was primarily aimed at undergraduate issues, but if we think we should be involved in such discussions, we could be included. If not formally invited to a discussion we feel important to our group, we can "just join in". We will make a formal request to be included in appropriate joint discussions.

Point 2. The Graduate Group also felt it would be beneficial to join other ICC groups when they were considering topics of particular interest to graduate programs. Our group concluded, however, that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to determine the agenda being considered by other ICC groups until it was too late to request a formal invitation to join in a topic discussion. Hence, once the agendas are posted by the System, we will determine if another group is discussing a topic important to us and upon arrival at the meeting, request the opportunity to join their discussion.

Point 3. The group determined that in the time remaining, we would be better served by reassessing agenda items to identify those areas that are most visible and problematic on our campuses. A decision was made to concentrate on issues of a more practical and less theoretical nature. The following topics were determined to be of immediate interest:

1. Distinguishing the Differences Between MD-GAP and ICC-Grad

It is important that we demonstrate the differences in objective and function between these two organizations, or they will be perceived as competing agencies to the detriment of both.

2. Collaborative Graduate Level Programs

Most graduate schools in the Maryland System have a number of collaborative programs; some of which involve more than two institutions. Questions arose regarding System policies and regulations for collaborative programs. Does formal written policy exist and if so, how can we obtain written copies? How much latitude do collaborating institutions have in formulating joint program and what requirements exist for notifying the System and/or our sister institutions?

The individual graduate program directors also seek the opportunity to discuss collaboration problems and conflicts with program colleagues in order to tap resources from our individual experiences. Directors who have developed solutions to complicated issues may provide invaluable information to those just beginning to create a collaborative program.

3. Financial Aid Resources Available to Graduate Students

This is a topic that will require advanced research through the individual Financial Aid offices, searching the web, contacting professional organizations, searching professional literature and periodicals, etc. Information acquired and resources located can be shared at meetings.

Question: Is the Hope scholarship available to graduate students? The answer is "Yes", but we need to obtain the specific eligibility criterion.

Since certain graduate students may be eligible to receive scholarship money if they graduated in the top 10% of their class, should Maryland colleges rank graduate student within their graduating class?

Question: How does one determine the graduation rank of a graduate student?

How do we determine the appropriate cohort?

Given a seven year window for most graduate programs, how do we compare a seven-year graduate with a two-year graduate?

Do we rank by program or by graduating class?

4. Newly Proposed Legislation for International Students

Many Maryland institutions admit a large number of international graduate students. If legislation is passed that restricts INS issuance of student visas or produces a visa process that is excessively burdensome:

How are we to counter the reduction in international students enrolling in our graduate programs?

How will this reduction alter the social environment of our campuses and how do we react to this change?

How will this new legislation affect our international exchange programs?

We need to invite NAFSA and INS speakers to discuss the implications and impact of current international issues (both at home and abroad).

5. On-Line Application

Which institutions are using the on-line application for graduate admissions and how is it being downloaded? Do any UMS institutions require additional steps from students submitting an on-line application? Have any institutions created their own on-line graduate application?

Information provided:

There is a free service (subsidized by AllFirst Bank) that will produce an on-line application that can match our software. This service can be found on the web at: www.pheaamentor.org

6. Proposing and Enforcing Academic Policies for Graduate Students?

What are the institutional policies involving academic "good standing"?

What are the institutional policies involving academic probation?

What are the institutional policies involving academic dismissal?

 

 

The committee meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Gary Grodzicki

December 4, 2001