<p> Graduate Council Minutes 3 December 2014</p><p>Attendees: Hector Flores, Stephanie Ludi, Skhitiz Luthria, Christine Shank, Jim Perkins, Carol DeFilippo, Donald Wilson, Joe Hornak, Deanna Jacobs</p><p>Topic: Request for waiver of bachelor’s degree for admission to online EMBA</p><p>The first item on the agenda was presented by Marty Lawlor, Director of the Online Executive MBA Program at the Saunders College of Business, in a brief overview of the admission process and the demographics of the typical Online EMBA applicant. Close attention is placed on EMBA “fit”, the value the applicant would bring to the program and the value received from the program. The case brought before the Council was in regard to an applicant with significant professional accomplishments who had not earned a bachelor’s degree and wanted admission to the EMBA. The individual had strong support as reflected in the letters of recommendation as well as lengthy interviews and conversations with Marty and his colleagues.</p><p>Concern was expressed by a council member that the perception of a graduate degree without an undergraduate degree might reflect a lack of rigor and put the Institute’s reputation at risk. </p><p>Don Wilson informed the Council that it is not uncommon for EMBA programs to admit individuals without an undergraduate degree. The type of person in an EMBA is typically at the director level or above and has already established a reputation of accomplishment and success. This was an important clarification and set the stage for the vote.</p><p>The Council voted unanimously to recommend waiving the requirements for application and admission. A common concern was shared that this individual would need support from his company (in the form of release time, for example) as he would certainly be challenged by the rigor of six courses in one semester and that he should be encouraged to ask for it.</p><p>The second item on the agenda was to modify D05.0 II B [added text is underlined]:</p><p>The basic entry requirements for graduate degree candidates include the completion of a baccalaureate degree and whatever other evidence of the applicant's potential to complete graduate studies may be required by the particular program. Rare exceptions to the baccalaureate requirement can be made in the case of candidates who have demonstrated unusual competence in their field of specialization. For these exceptions the recommendation of the department chairperson or director and the approval of the appropriate dean and Dean of Graduate Studies on behalf of Graduate Council are required. The Dean of Graduate Studies shall report such waivers and outcomes to Graduate Council on an annual basis. The department chairperson or director shall keep the Dean of Graduate Studies informed on the academic standing of a student admitted with a waived baccalaureate requirement. </p><p>Voting was conducted online after the meeting and the outcome was: 13 in favor, 1 abstention, and 2 not responding. The proposal passed.</p><p>Respectfully submitted by Deanna Jacobs</p>