Faculty Handbook
Graduate Council Bylaws
I. Name And Purpose
A. Name
This body shall be called the Graduate Council.
a. The Graduate Council is responsible for developing, maintaining, and recommending changes in graduate program policies at Western Connecticut State University. The function of the Graduate Council is to foster high academic and professional quality in programs, faculty, students, and support services.
a. Developing minimum admission and academic standards for all graduate students.
b. Reviewing admission and academic standards of graduate programs.
II. Membership
A. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (nonvoting)
B. The Associate Director of the Division of Graduate Studies (nonvoting)
C. The Deans of the Schools (two voting)
D. The faculty members designed as Coordinator of graduate programs (voting)
E. Two graduate students as representatives at large (voting)
III. Officers
A. Chairperson
B. Secretary
The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee shall serve as Secretary.
IV. Meetings
A. Frequency and Place
B. Records of Meetings
C. Voting
D. Reports
V. Function
A. Ad Hoc Committees
The Council may establish ad hoc committees to perform specific tasks. The chairperson and members of such committees will be appointed by the Graduate Council. An ad hoc committee will cease to exist when its final report has been accepted by the Graduate Council.
B. Three (3) Standing Committees:
1. Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum Committee reviews all proposed changes to curriculum prior to submission to the Graduate Council.
Membership: Minimum of 3
Meetings: Once a month or as necessary
Reports: At Graduate Council meetings, as necessary
2. Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee reviews, evaluates, and recommends candidates for graduate scholarships.
Membership: Minimum of 3
Meetings: Once a month or as necessary
Reports: At Graduate Council meetings, as necessary
3. Vision Committee
The Vision Committee prepares and reviews the Strategic Plan for Graduate Studies prior to submission to the
Graduate Council.
Membership: Minimum of 3
Meetings: Once a month or as necessary
Reports: At Graduate Council meetings, as necessary
VI. Changes To These Bylaws
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any regularly scheduled meeting at which there is a quorum, provided the members have been given written notice of the changes at least one week prior to the meeting and with the approval of the University Senate and the President of the University.
Approved by the Graduate Council: April 10, 1989
Senate Approval: April 26, 1989
Revised Dec. 13, 1989
Senate Approval R-03-09-03
Administrative Approval 10/10/03
Senate Approval: Feb. 21, 2007 (R-07-02-12)
Admin. Approval 5/4/07Senate Approval: November 17, 2010 (R10 11 03)
Admin. Approval 3/2/11
Revised April 15, 2013
Senate Approval: May 7, 2014