Eastern Mennonite University
Graduate Council
September 17, 2007
#1  

Present: David Glanzer, chair; Beryl Brubaker, David Brubaker, Allon Lefever, Lynn Roth, Don Smeeton, Ervin Stutzman and Lonnie Yoder (representing faculty senate) .
Absent: Cathy Smeltzer Erb and Dave Detrow

Agenda:
David Glanzer led a brief discussion on student involvement on the graduate council. There was general agreement that a student representative would be advantageous. David Glanzer will pursue a student representative from the counseling department.

I. Director Reports:
The directors shared the following highlights and updates.
MBA program (Allon): 37 students enrolled; 3 less than 2006-07; concerns about drop in enrollment

• 10 th year will involve an extensive evaluation; “where does this program fit & belong”; how big is this program locally?
• Highlighted Dr. Tony Smith; Dr. Smith will assist in evaluation
• Allon shared that he personally plans to retire mid-year in January 08 and will continue to teach through May, 08
  Discussion followed about a partnership between CJP and the MBA program to pursue offering a dual degree in leadership. The Education Department has also been looking at a leadership program. Beryl noted that she will be working on leadership for the MBA program
• Seminary (Ervin):

• Noted that this year has high number of students with “no church affiliations” (5); 15 different denominations; produces a greater diversity, less commitment to established traditions;
• Numbers are up online; FTE is the same
• Offered 3 on-line courses; 2 have waiting lists
• Noted that Lonnie has been appointed as Director of On-Line courses
• Major curriculum revision (goal is end of year for draft); take faculty’s energy
• Noted that the seminary faces significant church challenges
• Significant issue is the future of the Mennonite denomination; how do we collaborate in forming leadership and communities of faith with this new generation? “Center for Leadership” program to train the next generation

Faculty Senate (Lonnie):

• What does it mean to be a university? Can there be greater integration between undergraduate and graduate programs
• How do grad programs interface with faculty senate; only 2 out of 14 senators represent graduate programs
• Beryl noted that she is developing the agenda for the faculty assembly on 9/24; it was suggested that a listening session happen both ways between faculty and faculty senate

CJP (Lynn & Dave B.):

• Looking at the future for CJP in structure and vision
• Priority is how we will be integrating with SPI and the university
• Dave noted that the leadership team is working well
• Dropped FTE by 2 to 23 ; 2/3 students are US; 4.5 FTE teaching load
• Financial shape is good
• Discontinued the Lancaster CJP extension; the trend has been downward; courses may still be offered under the seminary

Library (Don):

• Don highlighted several of the changes in the library setting which includes retiring several of the printed index periodicals
• Available electronic resources accessible to off-campus students are increasing
• Working at strategic planning

Counseling (David G.):

• Noted a very new faculty which has produced new energy; David is the only returning faculty member; beginning a search process for an additional faculty member
• Last year of completing the school counseling program; no new students admitted; new focus on mental health counseling going forward
• David noted they have a full program although applications were down this year; enrollment at 34 FTE;
• meeting prioritization goals; starting to feel stable and focused; identity questions are becoming clear; clear sense of what the task is

II. Report on prioritization recommendations:
Beryl reviewed the financial results related to prioritization targets of the various graduate programs. It was suggested that this information be shared with the faculty for continuing education. This could possibly be shared at faculty assembly on 9/24 and include ADCP as well.

III. Governance brainstorming:
David G. invited council to brainstorm on what does graduate council need to be thinking about this year.
A discussion followed on a graduate dean. Will a new provost be a participant in shaping a graduate dean position? Lonnie has been asked to serve on the provost search committee representing graduate faculty. The council will look to Lonnie for monthly reports on the search process. What is this council’s responsibility to give recommendations to the search committee
Beryl shared her concern that a provost is seen as provost of the university and not the graduate dean. How can the council make this position clear to the search committee? The council expressed strong feelings that the new provost should not come in as the graduate dean. It was decided that Dave B. and Lonny will have this conversation with Loren. Lonny will follow up with Twila to set up an appointment.

IV. Other Identified Agenda for the year:

• proposed changes in promotion criteria
• scholarly climate on campus (identified in faculty survey as a need)
• faculty conference & graduate programs
• governance
• scholarship reporting
• writing assessment
• criteria for income subject to 20% assessment
• registrar policy for undergrad payment for summer grad course
• review/evaluation of library services for grad students

Next meeting: October 8, 2007
Lois R. Shank
9/17/2007