Spring 2010 Newsletter

Message from the Dean & Associate Dean

We are pleased to announce ISU’s Graduate Student Academic Accommodation Policy (inclusive of options for deadline postponements, extensions, and supported leaves).

Purpose and Scope of the Policy

The Graduate Student Academic Accommodation Policy emerges in response to ISU's ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse graduate student body. This commitment includes actively working to facilitate academic progress and research among various graduate student groups. The policy attempts to “…ameliorate the intrinsic conflict between the "biological" and the "research" and "training" clocks…” (Stanford University Graduate Student Handbook, 2007), while reaching beyond maternity leave to more inclusively reach female and male graduate students, and address major medical conditions/issues that may similarly impede graduate student academic/research progress, success, and degree completion.

Policy Proposal Development Timeline

2006-2007 the ISU Graduate Council directed the formation of a faculty task force to research and explore best practice graduate student “leave” models. Task force members included faculty volunteers from among the Graduate Council membership, along with representatives from ISU Human Resources, and the Office of General Council.

Policy models were reviewed from: Berkeley, Brown, Columbia, Michigan, MIT, Ohio State, Rice, Stanford, and Virginia Tech. Cost estimate data were derived from policy implementation numbers (prorated relative to ISU graduate student demographics and numbers) from MIT, Rice, and Virginia Tech, as well as anecdotal text and oral surveys via the Council of Graduate Schools list-serve and annual meeting.

Somewhat simultaneously and independently, a faculty committee from Arts and Sciences was engaging a similar process—from which they presented their draft policy documents to the Graduate School early spring 2007.

2007-2008 the two groups came together, merged their work and developed a draft policy. Spring 2008 draft documents were presented to, and discussed by the Graduate Council. April 2008 Council directed that the proposal be moved forward—seeking implementation support through appropriate channels (e.g., Academic Affairs, Financial Affairs, etc.). While conceptual support was evidenced, the proposal was stalled due to the swelling emergence of University-level fiscal issues and concerns.

2009-2010 The Graduate Council reaffirmed its interest in and commitment to the policy (Official vote to approve the policy proposal and revitalization of implementation; 10/21/2009). Working with Academic Affairs, the policy is being finalized for adoption/ implementation. 

Documents will be posted to the ISU Graduate School webpage once finalized.

Graduate Students Making an Impact

Graduate Assistant Teaching Experience "GATE" Scholars Program

The Need: In the book Building the Faculty We Need the authors note that “readiness to enter the academic profession entails far more than disciplinary expertise” (Edgerton, 2000, P.V.). The text culminates in a series of Action Recommendations, presented as challenges to colleges, universities, and other constituencies involved in graduate education. These recommendations included, among other things, the need for colleges and universities to provide graduate students “…interested in exploring a career in the academy…[with]…access to a faculty preparation program.”

ISU’s Response: With this in mind, the Idaho State University GATE program was developed to provide promising Idaho State University graduate students/graduate assistants with financial support, and a focused graduate assistant teaching experience opportunity.

GATE assistantships are 1-year master’s level assistantships awarded annually by the Graduate School to Departments. GATE Scholars fulfill their assistantship responsibilities largely to their department, with five hours/week allocated to the GATE experience—which involves, in part, participating in the GATE Scholars seminar. The GATE Seminar is a 1 credit graduate seminar, designed and delivered by the Dean and Associate Dean of the Graduate School, focused on enhancing, supporting, and facilitating graduate student exploration of, and success in becoming college-level faculty.

Congratulating Our Inaugural (2009-2010) GATE Scholars

	Robert Beazer Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho Degree: MA in Historical Resources Management Received a BBA in Computer Information Systems from Idaho State University.
	Kaitlin Bolewicz Hometown: Belgrade, Montana Major: MS in Speech Language Pathology Received a MA in Applied Linguistics from University of Utah, and a BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders from University of North Dakota.
Picture Not Shown	Steve Campbell Hometown: Beaver, Arizona Degree: MS in Biological Sciences Received a BS in Biology; Minor in Statistics from University of New Mexico.
	Carine De Sy Hometown: Ghent, Belgium Major: MA in Sociology Received BA in Social Work from Katholiek Vormngscentrum.
	Jake Gentle Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho Degree: MS in Measurement & Control Engineering Received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Idaho State University.
	Richard Holsten Hometown: Bancroft, Idaho Degree: MS in Chemistry Received a BS in Biology, and a BA in Chemistry from Idaho State University.

"Creating a Community of Connection"

Created by: Ms. Anna Siddoway

What's New?

Dates & Deadlines

Apply for Graduation HERE!

Spring Graduation: May 8, 2010 10:00 am

Student Support & Information

There’s one chance left…
Celebrate Graduate Student Research & Creative Excellence!
April 9th from 4-5:30 pm in the Rendezvous Suites ABC.

Come by and check-out the research our ISU graduate students are involved in. Light refreshments will be served.

Graduate School Policy & Practice Information

Graduate Faculty Status

Only faculty who have been awarded Graduate Faculty status may teach graduate classes, chair and/or serve on graduate committees, etc. Faculty w/o Graduate Faculty status may be granted permission from the Graduate School to teach graduate classes and serve as graduate committee members. Permission requests should come in the form of a memo, endorsed/supported by the faculty member’s Department Chair and Dean. Request memos need to include (a) request specifics regarding teaching and/or committee membership, (b) supporting rationale, and (c) an attached copy of the faculty member's vitae.

Updated Graduate Faculty Nomination information and forms can be found at: Graduate Faculty & Staff Information and Forms

Graduate Council

Want to Know the latest ISU Graduate Council happenings? Click Here: Graduate Council Minutes