Alcorn State University

The Graduate Council approved a new Associate Graduate Faculty member for the School of Graduate Nursing. The council addressed the establishment of writing proficiency requirements, requiring departments to submit guidelines by October 14, 2011, and adjusting the deadline for student documentation submission to the midterm of the second semester of enrollment. Specific department proposals for meeting this requirement were noted. The council confirmed the hiring of a reader for graduate theses, designating Ms. Julia Odom, and requested department chairs review and submit updates to the revised thesis manual by September 30, 2011. Furthermore, departments were instructed to develop guidelines for projects and non-thesis options, with distribution copies submitted to relevant departments. An ad hoc committee was formed to review online programs, and departments interested in new online offerings were asked to submit requests to Dr. Donzell Lee. Announcements included a request to identify alternative printing companies due to technical issues with Smith Printing, and a directive to email immediate reports of technical issues interfering with online classes to Dr. Lee.

Alcorn State University, a comprehensive land-grant institution, aims to develop diverse students into globally competitive leaders and apply scientific research through collaborative partnerships. The plan focuses on several key areas including fostering a student-centered learning environment, enhancing academic excellence, promoting shared governance and professionalism, upgrading infrastructure and technology, diversifying resources, embracing diversity, and strengthening community outreach and engagement.

This document outlines a proposed program of studies for a Master of Science degree with an endorsement in Computer and Information Science, specifically detailing the required and elective courses for an internship plan. It lists core courses in computation, programming languages, operating systems, and algorithms, along with a comprehensive selection of elective subjects such as artificial intelligence, database management systems, and cybersecurity.

The Graduate Council meeting addressed several items, including a discussion on curriculum expectations and the formal process for approving new or modified courses and programs. The Council approved several new graduate faculty memberships across the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education and Psychology. Under unfinished business, the topic of program length and potential duplication of programs was tabled for later discussion related to SACSCOC Reaffirmation. New business involved tabling the discussion on the Statute of Limitations for degree completion, requiring all departments to submit program-specific admission requirements to the Graduate Office, and recommending the development of a manual to guide programs with capstone requirements, including seeking departmental feedback. Information was also shared regarding the Non-Degree process for monitoring student course credits.

This document outlines Alcorn State University's mission, vision, and core values. Its mission is to provide access and opportunity for diverse students to excel intellectually, build character, and become productive leaders, enhancing historic strengths in agriculture, education, and nursing while offering a broad range of programs. The university accomplishes this through academic excellence, scholarly research, and public service, extending its resources statewide. The vision is to achieve preeminence through transformative teaching, research, collaborative partnerships, and innovative practices to foster thriving communities and provide unlimited opportunities for students in a globally competitive world. Core values include being student-centered, striving for excellence, fostering inclusivity, upholding integrity, and promoting engagement.