Date: October 18, 2021
To: Members of the UAMS Graduate Council From: Dr. Melanie MacNicol, Chair
Subject: Graduate Council Meeting Minutes – October 18, 2021
Members Present: Drs. Boris Zybaylov, Antino Allen, Melanie MacNicol, Lin-Xi Li, Patricia Cowan, Clare Brown, Frank Simmen, David Ussery, and Andrew James
Members Absent: Drs. William Fantegrossi, Melda Onal, Joshua Phelps, Mohammed Elfaramawi and Gunnar Boysen
Non-voting Members Present: Drs. Robert McGehee, Latrina Prince, and Allyson Douglass (Recorder) Non-voting Members Absent: Ashley Pike (GSA President)
Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting
Dr. Melanie MacNicol started the meeting by asking for approval of the June minutes. The June Graduate Council minutes were approved.
Administrative Items
Dr. Robert McGehee
Dr. McGehee shared that last year elections were postponed for seats for new council members because of the pandemic. He shared that this could be discussed at the next meeting as there are two seats that should be filled, Drs. William Fantegrossi and Joshua Phelps, for this year. Dr. McGehee shared that September’s Research Induction Ceremony was a success. There were 50 people in attendance at the Spine Institute’s Auditorium and 51 students qualified for this year’s event. Zoom was incorporated which allowed more people to attend. Dr.
McGehee encouraged everyone to incorporate Zoom into events as this helps those who can’t attend in person to be able to be involved in events on campus.
Dr. McGehee announced there would be a Program Directors meeting at the end of the year. He also shared that there was a new Implementation Science Certificate that has been approved to be available in Spring and will be accepting students in the Fall. Dr. Jeff Curran is involved in this Certificate program and can be reached for any questions. This is a stand alone program separate from GPIBS. There is also another program being developed around Addiction and Behavioral Sciences but it will not be offered until Fall 2023 and is being spearheaded by Drs. Andrew James and Mark Mennemeier.
Dr. McGehee shared that Research Day will not be happening because of the date and that the Provost has canceled that, but that the colleges and the Medical School will be hosting the heats for the 3 Minute Thesis and
will have the final on March 2nd. The McGehee Lecture Series Speaker will still happen on that day as well with more information to follow. We will also plan on having the Winter Reception on December 9th.
Latrina Prince
Dr. Prince shared that there were no new Academic policies at that time. She reminded everyone that the catalog changes for mid-year will be do on November 1st. Also, scheduling classes for the Spring would be happening in GUS before long. There was also a reminder that Dr. Hakkak was the interim in Nutrition for Dr. Phelps, who is leaving.
Report from the Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Ashley Pike is the President for this year.
The Arkansas Travelers Night request was canceled due to COVID restrictions but the GSA is still trying to host a BINGO night before Thanksgiving.
They are also working on a meet and greet for 1st year and 2nd and 3rd year students. They will pair them off by program. The concerns of spacing and prepackaged food were discussed. Dr McGehee shared that he would be happy to help with the costs for this and they could even host a virtual meet and greet. Dr. Melda Onal shared that she would be happy to assist as well.
Old Business
No report.
New Business
No report GUS
No report IPE
No report
Committee Reports
Curriculum Committee
Dr. Zaybaylov – Course Request
Course had a change in name – curriculum change approved.
Dr. Painter – New Course Request
Some clarifications needed on this course:
- Syllabus beefed up
- Clarification regarding externship hours
This would be tabled until next month and the syllabus would be shared with everyone. Faculty Committee
No new business. Program Assessment No new business.
Academic Senate
Academic Senate has added information about upcoming meetings, events, and their previous events and meetings on their website now. All information can be found at academicsenate.uams.edu.The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.