PRESENT: Meyer, Cande, Cline, Sha, Kramer, Collins(sub for Linn), Zill, Babiarz, Bell

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS: 

Agenda Item #1: Graduate curriculum changes-modular system approach

Background: A proposal to adapt a modular system approach to teaching 
graduate curriculum was discussed at the GAC meeting, and Meyer asked 
that the idea be brought back to the divisions for further discussion. 

    * Modular format: 

-1st module focused on main/important principles within topic. First 
five weeks are not intended to be comprehensive, not a survey course 
and not superficial but to cover main concepts within field. Need to 
maintain graduate level rigor.

-2nd & 3rd modules are more detailed or in depth

-modular format provides flexibility to have an additional 5 week 
period for other applicable topics such as scientific writing, etc.

    * Teaching schedule: 

-Each modular course could be taught by 3 instructors with each 
instructor responsible for a 5 week period. This format should not 
increase the current teaching load on faculty.

-All divisions would offer first portion of modular course in the 
Fall semester. This plan would allow new students to have exposure to 
all aspects of the department within the first semester.

-Second and third modules would be taught during the Spring semester. 
If divisions desired, 15 week standard courses could be substituted 
for 2nd and 3rd modules.

    * Course requirements for students 

-3 modules would constitute one ‘whole’ course to count toward the 
departmental three-course requirement, which may be expanded to four courses

-The modules would be recorded on transcripts similarly to 
FERPs/SERPs/Ethics series(MCB 293A-C). Units for each portion of the 
module are given upon the completion of the entire series.

    * Possible modular topics: Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Genetics, 
Development, Genomics, Neurobiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, etc. 

 

Decision: Each division is responsible for drafting an outline of one 
course in the modular format (1st five weeks, 2nd five weeks and 3rd 
five week periods). This should be completed by mid November/early December.

 

 

Agenda Item #2: Graduate Student Organization elections

1) Admissions Committee representatives

    * The 2006 Admissions Committee has three second year students who 
were elected to serve as representatives by the GSO
    * The GAC felt that the eligibility requirements for these positions 
should be changed to reflect that students must be in their third year 
and beyond to serve
    * Justifications for this change: students need more experience in
 the program prior to serving in this capacity and need to pass 
Qualifying Exams
    * Suggestion made to ask Division Heads for student nominations 
from their division 

2) Discussion of nomination committee for GSO

    * Current election process: Student body can nominate any eligible 
graduate student to serve for an open position. Nominees’ names appear 
on the ballot and are voted upon by the student body. Those candidates 
who have self-nominated (via notification to the GSO President) are 
designated on the ballot as a self-nominee. The officials for each position 
are elected by a plurality of the vote. 

    * Some students are being elected to GSO positions and not wanting to serve
    * This concern was discussed at the last GSO meeting and it was decided 
that elected officials must serve unless it would pose a hardship to them. 
If an elected student wishes to decline their position, they must write a 
letter of declination with an explanation to the GSO. The GSO will vote on 
whether to accept or decline the request.
    * Suggestion made to create a central nominating committee within the 
GSO to alleviate individuals being nominated that do not want to serve
    * Nominating committee could consist of student divisional 
representatives in consultation with President and Vice President 

 

Decision: GAC to propose two changes in by-laws to the GSO: 1) Only 
students in their third year and beyond should be eligible to serve 
on the Admissions Committee. 2) Creation of a central nominating committee.