Committees

It shall consist of at least seven elected faculty members and one elected graduate student member of Graduate Council. The Dean, Senior Associate Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, and Director of Graduate Council Administration of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School shall be ex officio members of this committee.

It shall be responsible for standards of quality of graduate programs and research and is authorized to select Subcommittees as needed for the following activities:

1. Admissions: Studies admission and evaluation techniques and recommends to the Graduate Council standards and policies for the admission of students.
2. Degree Requirements: Recommends standards and policies for degree requirements and assessment, registration, and satisfactory academic progress of students.
3. Membership of the Graduate Faculty: Recommends criteria for membership in the Graduate Faculty.
4. Theses and Dissertations: Considers general policy, objectives, standards, regulations, procedures, and requirements relating to theses and dissertations.

• Mike Axtell, Professor of Biology, Eberly College of Science
• Andy Cole, Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• Edward Dudley, Professor of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Johannes Fedderke, Professor of International Affairs and African Studies, School of International Affairs
• Reuben Kraft, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Suresh Muthulingam, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Smeal College of Business
• Ramakrishnan Rajagopalan, Associate Professor of Engineering, University College
• Douglas Stairs, Associate Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine
• Nicolai Volland, Associate Professor of Asian Studies and Comparative Literature, College of the Liberal Arts (Chair)

Ex Officio Members

• Robert Bannon, Director of Graduate Council Administration
• William Clark, Associate Dean
  
• Michelle Corby, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services
• Levon Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Fox Graduate School
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean
  

It shall consist of six elected Graduate Council faculty members, plus one graduate student representing the Graduate and Professional Student Association. One-half of the membership normally shall be elected each year. The Immediate Past Chair and the Dean, Senior Associate Dean, and Director of Graduate Council Administration of the Fox Graduate School shall be ex officio members of this committee.

By the Graduate Council. All elected Graduate Council faculty members who have at least two years left in their terms will be on the ballot, unless they request to be removed. The Council will elect the Committee members electronically by secure and secret ballot. The three candidates who receive the largest number of votes are elected to the committee. The candidate with the fourth largest number of votes will serve as an alternate and will take over for any of the three committee members elected that year if they cannot complete their term. In the event of a tie, the results of the election shall be determined by drawing lots among the tied candidates.

1. It shall recommend appointment of members of all other Standing Committees. To the extent possible, it shall take the following criteria into account:
   1. Member preferences and availability;
   2. Continuity of committee membership; and
   3. Diversity of perspectives, including but not limited to discipline, college, and faculty rank.
2. It shall assist the Chair in the appointment of Ad Hoc Committees if requested.
3. It shall elect its own presiding officer. The chair must be elected after June 1 (when committee terms begin) and before the September meeting of Graduate Council.
4. It shall periodically review these Articles, Bylaws, and Standing Rules and recommend changes as necessary.

• Kathy Brasier, Professor of Rural Sociology, College of Agricultural Sciences
  
• Andy Cole, Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• Renee Flasher, Associate Professor of Accounting, Capital College
• Seoki Lee, Professor of Hospitality Management, College of Health and Human Development
• Susan Loeb, Professor of Nursing, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
• Chris Witko, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, College of the Liberal Arts

Ex Officio Members

• Robert Bannon, Director of Graduate Council Administration
• Levon Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Fox Graduate School
• Mary Shenk, Immediate Past Chair of the Graduate Council
  
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean

It shall consist of one Graduate Faculty representative from each academic college and school of the University that offers graduate programs, appointed by the dean or unit executive. The Director of Graduate Fellowships and Awards Administration is an ex officio member of this committee.

It shall consider policies on awards; examine and judge applications for Fox Graduate School fellowships; and make recommendations to the Dean of the Fox Graduate School for awards.

• Youakim Badr, Professor of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Great Valley
• Syed Billah, Assistant Professor, College of Information Sciences and Technology
• Ying Cao, Assistant Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management, Behrend College
• Liza Conyers, Professor of Education, College of Education
• Linlin Fin, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Daniel Guide, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Smeal College of Business
• Ann Holt, Assistant Professor of Art Education, College of Arts and Architecture
• Matthew Jackson, Associate Professor of Telecommunications and Media Industries, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
• Emma Leonard Boyle, Associate Professor of Political Science and Homeland Security, Capital College
• Kuei-Nuan Lin, Professor of Mathematics, University College
• Jacquelyn Ryer, Assistant Teaching Professor, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
• Julianna Simon, Associate Professor of Acoustics, College of Engineering
• Andrew Smye, Associate Professor of Geosciences, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Natasha Tirko, Associate Teaching Professor, Eberly College of Science (Chair)
• Lingzhou Xue, Professor of Statistics, Eberly College of
• Vineeta Yadav, Professor of Political Science, College of the Liberal Arts
• Heyao "Chandler" Yu, Elizabeth M. King Early Career Professor of Hospitality Management, College of Health and Human Development

Ex Officio Members

• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
• Brooke Snider, Director of Graduate Fellowships and Awards Administration

It shall consist of at least four elected faculty members of Graduate Council. Additional participants may be invited to attend based on their expertise. The Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs is an ex officio member of this Committee.

This committee helps to implement the annual Graduate Exhibition and makes recommendations to the Dean of the Fox Graduate School concerning the Graduate Exhibition.

• Taylor Greer, Associate Professor of Music, College of Arts and Architecture
• Ovgu Kaynak, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Capital College
• Seoki Lee, Professor of Hospitality Management, College of Health and Human Development (Chair)
  
• Susan Loeb, Professor of Nursing, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

Ex Officio Members

• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
• TBD, Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs

Participants

• Sukwon Choi, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, College of Engineering
• Elzbieta Sikora, Teaching Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, College of Engineering
• Richard St. Clair, Associate Professor of Theatre, College of Arts and Architecture
• Max Zorin, Associate Professor of Music, College of Arts and Architecture
  

Fox Graduate School Staff

• Gillian Kinney, Programmer/Analyst
• Heidi Dorefice, Event Coordinator
• Lesley Vrabel, Administrative Support Coordinator
• Lisa Carper, Assistant Director, Alumni Events and Stewardship
• Liam Jackson, Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications
• Mike Shanafelt, Director of Graduate Enterprise Technology Systems
  

It shall consist of at least seven elected faculty members and one graduate student member of Graduate Council. The Associate Vice President for Research, and the Dean and Senior Associate Dean of the Fox Graduate School shall be ex officio members of this Committee.

This committee meets jointly with the University Faculty Senate Committee on Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. It may also meet separately as needed. It shall be responsible for and is authorized to select Subcommittees as needed for the following activities:

1. Advise the Graduate Council on policies and procedures that affect graduate research.
2. Foster graduate research at The Pennsylvania State University by aiding the Graduate Council in recognizing and rewarding outstanding graduate research performed by faculty and students of The Pennsylvania State University.
3. Support efforts, at all University levels, to enhance the funding of graduate research.
4. Support efforts to attract and retain excellent graduate students.
5. Inform and advise the Graduate Council on issues and opportunities associated with industrial-academic-related research areas, particularly as they affect graduate research and graduate study.
6. Recommend to the Graduate Council appropriate policies or actions on emerging political, budgetary, and academic issues related to graduate research.

• Nasim Alem, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Elizabeth Boyer, Professor of Water Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences (Chair)
• E. Chris Byrne, Teaching Professor, Eberly College of Science
• Tara Felix, Associate Professor of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Christine Kirchhoff, Associate Professor of Law, Policy, and Engineering, College of Engineering
• Shilpi Paul, Richard J. Santen Department of Medicine Early Career Professorship in Endocrinology, College of Medicine
• Sarah Townsend, Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, College of the Liberal Arts

Ex Officio Members

• Levon Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Fox Graduate School
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean
  
• Douglas Wolfe, Associate Vice President for Research

It shall consist of at least six elected faculty members, and two elected graduate student members of Graduate Council, and five ex officio members: the Assistant/Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity and the Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs in the Fox Graduate School, and one representative each from the Division of Student Affairs, the University Office of Global Programs, and the Office of Student Aid.

It shall be responsible for and is authorized to select Subcommittees as needed for the following activities:

1. Review existing and proposed policies and make recommendations concerning the welfare and ethics of the Graduate Faculty and graduate students.
2. Promote the intellectual development and social welfare of an inclusive graduate community by fostering an awareness and appreciation of cultural and social differences.
3. Keep the Dean of the Fox Graduate School apprised of issues of concern to graduate students.
4. Assist the Dean of the Fox Graduate School in the review of appeals concerning the violation of accepted norms of professional behavior of Graduate Faculty members and graduate students with authorization to review and make recommendations to the Dean when it is charged that individual rights have been violated and responsibilities unfulfilled.

• Paul Babitzke, Stanley Person Professor of Molecular Biology, Eberly College of Science
• Wilson Okello, Assistant Professor of Education, College of Education
• Bronwen Powell, Associate Professor of Geography, African Studies, and Anthropology, College of the Liberal Arts (Co-Chair)
• Marcus Shaffer, Associate Professor of Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• Mary Shenk, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Demography, and Asian Studies, College of the Liberal Arts (Co-Chair)
• Chris Witko, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, College of the Liberal Arts

Ex Officio Members

• Adam Christensen, Director of Research and Assessment, Student Affairs
• Jamie Kosh, Campus and Professional School Liaison, Student Aid
• Stephanie Preston, Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity
• Jody Pritt, Assistant Vice Provost, Penn State Global
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
  
• TBD, Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs
  

The Committee shall consist of one Graduate Faculty representative from each academic college and school of the University that offers graduate programs, appointed by the dean or unit executive. The Dean, Associate Dean, and Director of Graduate Council Administration shall be ex officio members of this subcommittee.

It shall be responsible for and is authorized to select Subcommittees as needed for the following activities:

1. review quality indicators of existing graduate programs.
2. make recommendations to the Dean of the Fox Graduate School on those.

• Reuben Selase Asempapa, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, Capital College
  
• Wei-Fan Chen, Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College
• Mark Fedkin, Associate Teaching Professor, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Charlene Gross, Associate Professor of Costume Design, College of Arts and Architecture
• Mathias Hanses, Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, African Studies, and African American Studies, College of the Liberal Arts
• Gregory Huff, Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering
  
• Ying Ling Jao, Associate Professor of Nursing, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
• David Lee, Professor of Education, College of Education
• Zugang (Leo) Liu, Professor of Business Administration, Penn State Great Valley
• Amanda Nelson, Associate Professor, Dermatology, College of Medicine
  
• Sarah Rajtmajer, Assistant Professor, College of Information Sciences and Technology
• Michael Schmierbach, Professor of Communications, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
  
• Alexey Silakov, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Eberly College of Science
  
• Douglas Spotts, Associate Teaching Professor, College of Health and Human Development
  
• Courtney Szocs, Associate Professor of Marketing, Smeal College of Business
• Arash Dahi Taleghani, Professor of Petroleum Engineering, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (Chair)
• Fang (Rose) Zhu, Assistant Professor of Entomology, College of Agricultural Sciences

Ex Officio Members

• Robert Bannon, Director of Graduate Council Administration
• William Clark, Associate Dean
• Levon Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Fox Graduate School
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council

The Committee shall consist of:

• at least nine elected faculty members, one of whom serves as chair of the committee;
• one Graduate Faculty representative from each academic college and school of the University that offers graduate programs, appointed by the dean or unit executive, one of whom serves as vice chair of the committee. The appointed representatives also serve as consultative resources for curricular proposal development within their unit.
• one graduate student member of Graduate Council; and
• a non-voting faculty librarian from the University Libraries appointed by the Dean of the University Libraries. The University Libraries representative will a) review all graduate curricular changes and advise on the current availability and suitability of Libraries’ resources for the study of those subjects and b) proactively work with graduate programs to ensure that appropriate resources and services are available to support the ongoing evolution of the curriculum.

The Dean, Senior Associate Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, and Director of Graduate Council Administration of the Fox Graduate School shall be ex officio members of this committee.

The vice chair of the committee will be nominated by the Chair of Graduate Council, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee on Programs and Courses, and elected by the committee. The chair and vice chair of the committee will alternate presiding at committee meetings, on a schedule to be determined by themselves.

It shall be responsible for and is authorized to select Subcommittees as needed for the following activities:

1. Suggest policy related to programs and courses.
2. Review, evaluate, and approve or reject all graduate program and course proposals that have been submitted for curricular review.
3. Review all requests for extended degree programs submitted through the established protocols of the University.
4. Develop criteria for evaluating program and course proposals and recommend procedures for handling these proposals.
5. Review and comment, in consultation with the Dean of the Fox Graduate School, on other issues that have impact on the quality of graduate education.

• Adrian Barb, Associate Professor of Data Analytics and Information Science, Penn State Great Valley
  
• Jyoti Gulati Balachandran, Associate Professor of History, College of the Liberal Arts
• Nilanjan Chaudhuri, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Andy Cole, Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture (Chair)
  
• Kelley Cotter, Assistant Professor, College of Information Sciences and Technology
• Prabhani Kuruppumullage Don, Associate Research Professor of Statistics, Eberly College of Science
  
• Janet Duck, Clinical Professor of Management and Organization, Smeal College of Business
• Renee Flasher, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Capital College
• Angela Hissong, Teaching Professor of Occupational Therapy, University College
• Gregory Huff, Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Shawnee Kelly, Associate Teaching Professor of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development
• Gretchen Kuldau, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Susan Leight, Research Professor of Nursing, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
• Fenglong Ma, Assistant Professor, College of Information Sciences and Technology
  
• Anne Martin, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Ashkan Negahban, Associate Professor of Engineering Management, Great Valley
• John Peters, Assistant Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Kevin Pyon, Assistant Professor of American Literature, Race, and Ethnic Studies, Capital College
• Michael Rutter, Associate Professor of Statistics, Penn State Behrend
  
• Amanda Scott, Associate Professor of History, College of the Liberal Arts
• Priya Sharma, Associate Professor of Education, College of Education
• Chistofer Skurka, Assistant Professor, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
  
• Douglas Stairs, Associate Professor in Pathology, College of Medicine
  
• Heyao "Chandler" Yu, Elizabeth M. King Early Career Professor of Hospitality Management, College of Health and Human Development

Ex Officio Members

• Robert Bannon, Director of Graduate Council Administration
• William Clark, Associate Dean
• Michelle Corby, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services
  
• Levon Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Fox Graduate School
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean

Participants

• Jessica Aguilar, Graduate Education Curriculum and Assessment Specialist
• Linda Grant-Oishi, Records Lead, Graduate Enrollment Services
• Betty Harper, Assistant Vice Provost for Assessment, Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research
• Lori Hawn, Director of Graduate Records, Graduate Enrollment Services
• Fawn Hosterman, Director of Graduate Admissions, Graduate Enrollment Services
  

It shall consist of the Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past Chair, and Secretary; the chairs of the Committees on Academic Standards, Committees and Procedures, Fellowships and Awards, Programs and Courses, Program Review and Evaluation, Graduate Research, Graduate Exhibition, and Graduate Student and Faculty Issues; the liaison member from the University Faculty Senate Council; the Dean and the Senior Associate Dean of the Fox Graduate School; plus at least three elected faculty members from the Graduate Council appointed by Graduate Council and one graduate student appointed by the Graduate and Professional Student Association from the elected graduate student members of Graduate Council. The Chair of Graduate Council chairs this committee.

1. Provide advice and counsel as requested by the Chair.

• Timothy Krause, Associate Professor of Finanace, Behrend College
• Aarthi Madhavan, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health and Human Development
• Amber O'Shea, Assistant Professor of Education, College of Education

Standing Committee Chairs

• Elizabeth Boyer, Committee on Graduate Research
• Andy Cole, Committee on Programs and Courses
  
• Seoki Lee, Committee on Graduate Exhibition
• Bronwen Powell, Committee on Graduate Student and Faculty Issues
• Arash Dahi Taleghani, Committee on Program Review and Evaluation
• Natasha Tirko, Committee on Fellowships and Awards
  
• Nicolai Volland, Committee on Academic Standards

Ex Officio Members

• Robert Bannon, Director of Graduate Council Administration
• Kathy Braiser, Chair-Elect of the Graduate Council
• Levon Esters, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Fox Graduate School
• Mary Shenk, Immediate Past Chair of the Graduate Council
• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council (Chair)
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean
• TBD, University Faculty Senate Liaison
  

Identify and investigate issues around the use of Artificial Intelligence in graduate education and graduate research. Consider the scope of existing policies as they apply to Artificial Intelligence and if necessary, develop academic guidelines and/or policies for consideration by the Graduate Council and its standing committees.

The arrival of ever more powerful AI systems will have a continuing, profound impact on graduate education, regardless of the domain. Given the role and scope of the Graduate Council in the oversight of graduate education at Penn State, it is critical that the Council have information from which to act responsibly. It will be the committee’s task to provide information and suggestions that will enable Council members to make decisions that promote educational and academic equity.

The committee will regularly report to the Council. If the committee decides to develop guidelines and/or policy, these will be presented to Graduate Council leadership who will then determine the appropriate next steps.

The committee will continue its work until the Graduate Council determines that its work is no longer necessary or can be encompassed by one of its standing committees.

Andrew Peck, Director of the College of the Liberal Arts Academic Integrity Office

Jan Reimann, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Eberly College of Science

• Esther Gomez, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Courtney Karmelita, Executive Director, Ethical Research and Outreach, and Research Integrity Officer
• Wanda Knight, Professor of Art Education, College of Arts and Architecture
• Andrew Peck, Interim Director and Assistant Dean for Academic Integrity
• Jan Reimann, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Eberly College of Science
• Joel Segel, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Administration, College of Health and Human Development
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean, Fox Graduate School
  

Ex Officio Members

• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council

Broadly review the state of, and opportunities for improving the state of, diversity, equity and inclusion in graduate education at Penn State. Report back to Graduate Council with information and recommended actions.

Current events emphasize that our society continues to struggle with issues such as systemic discrimination, unequal treatment of populations, and barriers to access to resources based on issues including but not limited to race, ethnicity, and gender. Graduate research and education can play an important role in improving diversity, equity and inclusion in our society. Graduates of our graduate degree programs are increasingly asked, when seeking positions beyond graduate school, to demonstrate their ability to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their disciplines. Graduate students from underrepresented groups report feeling isolated or unwelcome. The time is ripe for Graduate Council to take a serious look at how Penn State can become a national leader in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in graduate research and education.

Initial discussions suggest that both the Fox Graduate School and the Faculty Senate would be pleased to see the Graduate Council move ahead with actions in this area that would be specific to graduate education and research. The topic, while suited to the committee on Graduate Student and Faculty Issues (GSFI), is broad and would probably take over the entire committee agenda for the year. A special committee could focus entirely on this topic without slowing the current GSFI agenda.

This committee would be asked to identify topics worthy of further investigation, prioritize, and begin gathering information. Topics of interest include recruiting, retention, and training of graduate students and graduate faculty.

This committee is requested to report back periodically to the Graduate Council on their deliberations. Products could include:

1. informational reports for the good of the Graduate community at Penn State;
2. recommended changes to Graduate Council policies or the administration of those policies;
3. recommended changes in Fox Graduate School administrative policies;
4. recommendations for topics to be addressed by Graduate Council standing committees.

Any recommendations developed by the Ad Hoc Committee will be brought to Graduate Council for additional consultation, review, approval and/or further action.

Stephanie Danette Preston, Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity, and Chief Diversity Officer for Graduate Education, Fox Graduate School

Mariya Tankimovich, Associate Teaching Professor of English, College of the Liberal Arts

• Suzanne Adair, Associate Vice President for Affirmative Action
• Nathanial Brown, Professor of Mathematics, Eberly College of Science
• Cierra Chandler, Graduate Student, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Black Graduate Student Association member
• Stephanie Danette Preston, Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity, and Chief Diversity Officer for Graduate Education, Fox Graduate School
• Matthew Fantle, Professor of Geosciences, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Tom Hogan, Professor of Practice in Human Resource Management, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer, College of the Liberal Arts
• Brian Patchcoski, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Anirban Paul, Assistant Professor of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine
• Cynthia Reed, Associate Teaching Professor, College of Engineering
• Suzy Scherf, Associate Professor of Psychology, College of the Liberal Arts
• Jose Soto, Associate Professor of Psychology, College of the Liberal Arts
• Jonte Taylor, Associate Professor of Special Education, College of Education
• Mariya Tankimovich, Associate Teaching Professor of English, College of the Liberal Arts

• David Vanness, Chair of Graduate Council

Identify common problems with either Graduate Council policies concerning graduate faculty status, or Fox Graduate School administration of these policies, and recommend potential solutions for consideration by the Graduate Council and the Fox Graduate School.

Last year 11 of the 13 colleges or commonwealth campuses that the Chair visited in the Fall (of 17 total colleges and campuses with graduate programs) to discuss their concerns regarding graduate education and the direction of the Graduate Council raised concerns about graduate faculty status. The most common concern was the process of getting graduate faculty approved to teach graduate courses, including both the amount of work involved and restrictions imposed by Fox Graduate School administration of Graduate Council policy. Concerns were also raised about uneven standards concerning the application of graduate faculty membership rules for tenure track vs. non-tenure track faculty. This topic was considered recently and extensively by the Academic Standards committee, and policies were modified within the last 5 years by the Graduate Council, but nevertheless this was the most common problem raised by the graduate leadership (Associate Deans, Grad Program Heads) of our units in discussions with the Chair last fall and spring.

The Graduate Council is being asked to create an ad hoc committee to investigate these problems further, identify, if possible, common problems, and suggest possible solutions. The committee is welcome to consider issues of both policy and administration of policy, with the understanding that the Graduate Council does not govern the administration of policy but is interested in all issues impacting graduate education, consistent with the Council Articles of Authority which state, “ultimate responsibility for all matters pertaining to graduate education and graduate research rests with the Graduate Faculty.”

This issue could be addressed by our Academic Standards committee, but the Chair suggests that 1) the Academic Standards Committee already has a full slate of issues to address this academic year and 2) the people who have raised the concerns about this issue are typically unit administrators who deal directly with how the policies are administered, and most Academic Standards members will not have this experience. Selecting a committee that includes those unit representatives who deal with this issue first-hand will help to evaluate whether or not common concerns exist, and what potential solutions can be proposed.

A brief report that articulates the problems encountered with the current system regarding Graduate Faculty status is requested. In addition, this committee could suggest solutions to these problems including: 1) recommended changes to Graduate Council policies concerning graduate faculty status, and; 2) recommended changes in the administration of current Graduate Council policies.

Any recommendations developed by the Ad Hoc Committee will be brought to Graduate Council for additional consultation, final review, and approval.

• Lisa Holden, Associate Professor of Dairy Science, College of Agricultural Science, University Faculty Senator
• Jan Reimann, Associate Professor of Mathematics

• Rick Brazier, Interim Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, University College
• Bill Clark, Associate Dean, Fox Graduate School
• Andy Cole, Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• Stuart Echols, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• David Fusco, Associate Teaching Professor, College of Information Sciences and Technology
• Lisa Holden, Associate Professor of Dairy Science, College of Agricultural Science, University Faculty Senator
• Christine Kirchhoff, Associate Professor of Law, Policy, and Engineering, College of Engineering
• Karyn Marvasti McKinney, Associate Professor of Sociology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Penn State Altoona, University Faculty Senator
• Jan Reimann, Associate Professor of Mathematics
  
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean, Fox Graduate School
• Kent Vrana, Professor of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University Faculty Senate Liaison to the Graduate Council
• Jennifer Wagner-Lawlor, Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, College of the Liberal Arts
• Christopher Witko, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, College of the Liberal Arts

• David Vanness, Chair of Graduate Council, Ex Officio

Review the initial proposed college/school-specific qualifications for nomination to the Graduate Faculty and Approval to Teach by non-members of the Graduate Faculty as submitted by each college/school Graduate Faculty Nomination Evaluation Committee (GFNEC).

The Ad Hoc Committee on Graduate Faculty Status proposed revisions to GCAC-101 Graduate Faculty Membership that were approved by Graduate Council in Spring 2022. In part, these revisions stipulate that Graduate Faculty Nomination Evaluation Committee (GFNEC) shall create college/school-specific Graduate Faculty membership qualifications that interpret the general guidelines provided in the policy. Under GCAC-101, these proposed qualifications would typically be submitted to the Committee on Academic Standards and the Dean of the Fox Graduate School for approval. Given a number of pressing issues currently under consideration by the Committee on Academic Standards and the anticipated workload of the initial round of review, the Ad Hoc Committee on Graduate Faculty Status recommended that Council consider forming an additional ad hoc committee to focus solely on the review and approval of the proposed college/school-specific qualifications.

A report of recommended qualifications for Graduate Faculty nominations and Approval to Teach for each college/school offering graduate programs is requested. Recommendations developed by the Ad Hoc Committee will be brought to the Graduate Council and the Dean of the Fox Graduate School for final review and approval.

The committee will begin to solicit GFNEC qualifications in Fall 2022 and expects to complete the majority of review by the end of Spring 2023. Any remaining proposals which have not been approved by Spring are expected to be completed by the end of the 2023 calendar year at which point the on-going work would transition to the Committee on Academic Standards.

The Chair proposes that this committee includes at least two past or present members of Graduate Council, preferably members who have experience with the Academic Standards committee, a representative from the Fox Graduate School, and a Graduate Faculty representative from each college/school, to be nominated by the Associate Deans of Graduate Education. The Chair, working with the Chair-Elect and the Fox Graduate School, will solicit committee membership nominations and propose the membership to Council for approval.

Hong Ma, Professor of Biology, Eberly College of Science

Mary Shenk, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Demography, and Asian Studies, College of the Liberal Arts

• Barbara Birriel, Assistant Research Professor, College of Nursing
• Darrell Cockburn, Assistant Professor of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Andy Cole, Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• James Dillard, Distinguished Professor of Communications Arts and Sciences, College of the Liberal Arts
• Stuart Echols, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• Daning Huang, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering
• Don Hummer, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Penn State Harrisburg
• Carol LaRegina, Senior Instructor in Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine
• Hong Ma, Professor of Biology, Eberly College of Science
• Meg Meloy, David H. McKinley Professor of Business Administration, Smeal College of Business
• Ray Najjar, Professor of Oceanography, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• William Rothwell, Professor of Workforce Education, College of Education
• Sagnika Sen, Associate Professor of Information Systems, Penn State Great Valley
• Mary Shenk, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Demography, and Asian Studies, College of the Liberal Arts
• Heather Shoenberger, Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean, Fox Graduate School

• David Vanness, Chair of the Graduate Council

Develop and implement a multi-faceted strategy that engages with central administration, shared governance bodies, and other partners both internal and external to the University to protect and advance the critical role of graduate education in defining a successful Penn State. The committee will advocate for graduate education as an institutional pillar necessary to the overall health of the University and press for its inclusion in any discussions related to the broad planning of the University’s future in light of current budget realities and challenges in the higher education landscape.

In May 2023, in response to the University’s announcement of a new budget model and a subsequent Council discussion with the University Budget Allocation Working Group, an ad hoc committee was formed to address concerns regarding the budget model’s potential impact to graduate education, creative accomplishment, and research. This ad hoc committee advocated for open and inclusive engagement in discussions of the budget model while surveying all graduate program leaders across the University, meeting with a wide variety of stakeholders, and gathering data from other institutions. The Ad Hoc Committee on the University Budget Model presented their findings along with points of concern about and recommendations for modifications to the University budget model at the September 2023 meeting of the Graduate Council which was subsequently endorse through a vote of Council in October 2023. The endorsed points of concern and recommendations have been shared broadly with all members of the Graduate Faculty, the University Faculty Senate, the University Budget Allocation Working Group, and the President. As of January 2023, the University Budget Allocation Working Group has been disbanded and there has been no official response from University administration regarding the points of concern and recommendations.

On January 22, 2024, University administration shared Penn State’s road map for the University’s future along with an announcement of a comprehensive review of all academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate majors and minors offered at all campuses. The Ad Hoc Committee on the University Budget model began discussing the announced review in its relation to the budget. It was quickly recognized however that a full academic program review potentially goes beyond budgetary matters and is part of a broader concern about the focus of the University, historical lack of transparency, and exclusion of graduate education in institutional decision making. The Executive Committee was called to discuss approaches to addressing these issues and partnership opportunities with the Faculty Senate and other stakeholders.

The formation of a new ad hoc committee with an expanded scope to examine these broad issues was encouraged by the Executive Committee to ensure prompt and vigorous engagement in this issue as soon as possible given the urgency of the topic.

The Ad Hoc Committee will attempt to engage with central administration and other stakeholders on topics related to the administration’s road map for the future of the University. The committee will also develop a strategic communication plan to disseminate information to graduate education constituencies on the potential impact of changes and promote open discussion highlighting the importance of graduate education at Penn State. Periodic reports on the nature of discussions will be provided to the Council with any formalized or final recommendations presented to the Council for review.

The committee will continue its work until the concerns raised above have been addressed, are no longer relevant, or the work of the ad hoc committee has been encompassed by the standing committees of the Council.

• Kenneth Davis, Professor of Meteorology, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• John Flanagan, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine

• Robert Bannon, Director of Graduate Council Administration, Secretary of the Graduate Council
• Kathryn Brasier, Professor of Rural Sociology, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Andy Cole, Professor of Landscape Architecture, College of Arts and Architecture
• Kenneth Davis, Professor of Meteorology, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• Edward Dudley, Professor of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences
• Matthew Fantle, Professor of Geosciences, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
• John Flanagan, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine
• Renee Flasher, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Capital College
• Charlene Gross, Associate Professor of Costume Design, Chair of the Senate Committee on Faculty Affairs
• Julia Kossowska, Graduate Student, Graduate and Professional Student Association
• Amber O'Shea, Assistant Professor of Education, College of Education
• Anirban Paul, Assistant Professor, Neural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine
• Jan Reimann, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Eberly College of Science
• Mary Shenk, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Demography, and Asian Studies, College of the Liberal Arts
• Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean, Fox Graduate School
• Josh Wede, Teaching Professor of Psychology, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate

• David Vanness, Chair of Graduate Council