The University Of Alabama In Huntsville Graduate Council Minutes
The meeting included an update on the search for the Associate Provost of International Services and Dean of the Graduate School, noting that six to seven applicants would be interviewed in March. Staffing updates included posting positions for an Academic Services Coordinator and Senior Administrative Assistant, and drafting a director position for International Service. The transition to the Recruit application portal is estimated to begin in six weeks, which is expected to facilitate international recruitment through application fee waivers. A significant discussion focused on the University System's request to review mandatory graduate entry test scores, suggesting an opt-in policy due to increased diversity in applicant pools during waivers and the lack of predictive validity of scores for long-term success. The Council unanimously agreed to consider proposing a change regarding test scores in the future. Additionally, the Council addressed spring tasks, including the drafting of Graduate Council bylaws and the review of a draft Graduate Handbook. Spring elections for council vacancies were emphasized. Finally, the Council unanimously approved a motion to eliminate the second required signature on the abstract page of a thesis or dissertation, effective immediately for implementation in the fall.