University Council on Graduate Study
September 22, 1998
3:00-5:00
817 Cathedral of Learning
Attending: Elizabeth Baranger (Chair), L.F. Chaparro (Engineering), Robert Devaty (Physics & Astronomy/FAS), Kathleen DeWalt (FAS), Stephen Hirtle (SIS), Y.H. Ismail (Dental Medicine), Rainer Johnsen (FAS/Physics & Astronomy), Peter Karsten (FAS/History), Margaret Mahoney (Law), David Miller (GSPIA), Lou Pingel (Education), Evelyn Rawski (Interdisciplinary/FAS), Ian Reynolds (Medicine), Susan Sereika (Nursing, for Tina Hines), Gordon Spice (Education), John Stephens (GPSA/FAS), Roslyn Stone (GSPH/Biostatistics), Regis Vollmer (Pharmacy); Kit Ayars (Office of the Provost), Barbara Repasi (Office of the Registrar), Michael Malloy (Center for West European Studies)
I. Minutes Approval
Following welcoming remarks from Elizabeth Baranger, chair, and introductions by members of Council, the minutes of the May meeting were approved as written.
II. Role of University Council on Graduate Study
Baranger reviewed the role of UCGS in the governance of graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Council's attention was drawn to the organization of graduate study as outlined in Regulations Governing Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh.
III. Review of UCGS Activities 1997-98
Baranger summarized the activities of UCGS in the 1997-98 academic year, noting that most work occurred in subcommittees, though there was a general review by council of University Web pages related to graduate study. Baranger called attention to copies of various documents sponsored and distributed by UCGS. A sign-up sheet for committee assignments was distributed. Council will receive a draft of the annual report at the next UCGS meeting (October 20, 1998). UCGS subcommittees addressed issues as follows:
IV. Suggestions for UCGS Activities in 1998-99
Council has a number of activities to continue work on or to wrap up, including ongoing revisions of Regulations and Elements of Good Academic Advising, as well as issues arising from the reformatting of the TA/TF/GSA Policy Statement (e.g. agreement with the Council of Graduate Schools to respect an April 15 commitment deadline).
Other issues mentioned included graduate faculty status (Graduate Procedures had concluded that this should not be examined at this point but may be worth examining at future date), graduate student issues that could be brought to the attention of the Enrollment Management Committee (e.g. lack of graduate student housing and gathering spaces), and technology-related issues (e.g. online applications, grades, schedules).
A question was raised as to whether UCGS should look into complaints received that part-time graduate students were not granted free admission to the Carnegie and to Phipps, a new benefit extended to University students via Pitt Arts. It was clarified that part-time graduate students (and full-time graduate students) can receive free admission to these institutions as long as their primary affiliation with the University is as students. That is, faculty or staff taking some classes here are not entitled to this student benefit. But people whose primary affiliation with the University is that of student are entitled, no matter whether they are part-time or full-time, graduate or undergraduate.
V. Certificate for West European Studies
Michael Malloy explained the role of the Center for West European Studies, his role as graduate advisor, that this is a certificate which works with the student's degree, and differs from the undergraduate certificate. Stephen Hirtle noted that many members of UCGS see the certificate as something done in addition to a degree, not as part of a degree program, and expressed concern about the credit minimum.
Discussion followed, with questions and concerns regarding language and geopolitical limits of the current "western Europe" definition.
Kathleen DeWalt moved to approve the establishment of a graduate certificate in West European Studies pending an increase in the minimum credits to meet University guidelines (to 15), with the attending requirement that these credits are taken outside the student's department. The motion passed, with two abstentions.
VI. Regulations Governing Special Status
Council was asked to issue a variance to the University regulation on special status students so that such students in FAS can transfer 12 credits toward the graduate degree pending approval of the department. The current regulation provides this option only to students in professional programs.
Discussion included concern about this as possible back-door admissions practice. Some members of Council noted that this is considered an "advanced standing" issue in their schools and treated as such; the schools will accept six credits toward the degree.
Motion to charge the Graduate Procedures Committee with revising the Special Status Student section of Regulations (removing #2 and modifying #3 to put decision in control of all schools, not just professional schools) was passed. The FAS Bulletin should include language that notes that this policy (of accepting 12 credits with department approval toward the degree) is under review.
The meeting was adjourned.

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