Minutes Approval and Announcements
The minutes of the March meeting were approved as written.

In a follow-up to an issue raised at that meeting, Sam Conte distributed the results of a survey of other AAU institutions' practices regarding full-time masters' study credits. The purpose behind the practice is to allow students to register full-time for financial aid purposes. Conte noted that while it may be irrelevant, it is interesting to note that the schools which do make this available to masters students are private institutions. The Council agreed that this issue should be explored at the subcommittee level; a written report should be submitted to the Council.

Review of Proposal for Graduate Certificate Program in Film Studies
Lucy Fischer presented a brief overview of the Film Studies undergraduate program, noting that an informal collection of graduate-level courses has been part of Film Studies for some time. This proposal would formalize that set of courses.

Fischer then responded to questions from Council, particularly concerning the possibility of students who have already graduated being able to receive the certificate. Fischer agreed that eligible graduated students should register for independent study as special status students in order to be able to receive the certificate; this option will close after one year. Fischer also agreed to submit budgetary information not included in this proposal with the suggested revisions to the current proposal.

Council moved into a wide-ranging discussion of what guidelines for certificate programs require in terms of work beyond regular degree efforts. Baranger noted that while we say that certificates take extra work, they often don't. Council agreed that a subcommittee should look more closely at this and other certificate program issues. Certificate requirements detailed in Regulations Governing Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh may or may not need to be revised.

In preparation for the subcommittee's work, Kathleen DeWalt will poll the Council of Graduate Schools' distribution list and Elizabeth Baranger will look at other institutions, as well.

Council voted to approve the Film Studies proposal with the agreed upon revisions (budgetary information to be added; one-year limit to graduates' ability to return for certificate); 12 members in favor with 3 abstentions.

Changes in Health Insurance for Graduate Students
Baranger notified Council that the Board of Trustees had voted that the student health fee be increased to $65/term (from its current $46/term) to offset the deficit at the Student Health Center. The new rate will still be lower than most other AAU institutions' health fees. The Safety and Transportation fee will also be increased this year, from $30/term to $37.

Baranger also reported that the health insurance plan currently available to unfunded students (graduate and undergraduate) will be discontinued. Fewer students have been signing on to this plan (just 500 last year); these tend to be high-risk students, and Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield is no longer willing to underwrite the spiraling costs of the plan. Students subscribing to this plan will have to go on one of a number of community plans offered through Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Baranger and Council voiced their concerns about the impact of this on students currently enrolled in the plan, particularly students with pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancy, which will make them eligible only for the higher-cost community plans. It was also noted, however, that students who do not have pre-existing conditions may be able to find a cheaper and stronger insurance plan through the community groups.

Various expressions of outrage and suggestions regarding the role the University should play in softening the blow were followed by a decision that Baranger should send to deans a copy of the letter being sent from Highmark to students affected by this change.

Joint Programs with Foreign Institutions
Baranger called Council's attention to the agreement between Katz Graduate School of Business and the Fachhochschule Pforzheim as an example of a strong plan for a joint program with a foreign institution.

Grievance Procedures
Council was asked for comments and suggestions regarding improved grievance procedures for graduate students. What are ways in which these procedures could be clarified and/or made more efficient?

Lack of time prevented much discussion of this issue. Council members are asked to consider the question for future discussion.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5 pm.