Category: Academic Year

February 25, 2022- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 2/11/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [9:36 AM]

II. Approval of the January 28, 2021 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Reviewing Undergraduate and Graduate Council Agendas [Jen reminded the COSCC members to please review all UGC and GC agendas when the announcement is distributed.]
2022-2023 Catalog Edits Jen reminded the committee that catalog edits are due today, late submissions are allowable, just be in touch.]

IV. Old Business

New Programs

Human Biology Graduate Certificate [Approved via email vote 2/7/2022]

Deactivated Programs

Personalized Medicine Graduate Certificate [Approved via email vote 2/7/2022]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

GEOL 316: Computers in Geology [Approved]

Inactivated Courses

MATH 006_Prep Quant Rsn, Self-Pace [Approved]
MATH 009: Prep Coll Algeb-In Class [Approved]
MATH 044: Business Math Preparation [Approved]
MATH 112_ Discrete Mathematics for IT [Approved]

New Programs

Science and Technology Policy Minor [Approved pending correction in the curriculum from COS 300 to COS 310. Other internship courses were suggested by committee members; FRSC 406 and GGS 480 were added. Additional internship course suggestions are welcomed for future modifications.]

Modified Programs

Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA [Approved]
Geology Minor [Approved]
STEM in Society Minor [Approved. It was noted that the curriculum could be enhanced by more science offerings. Course suggestions should be sent to Jen so they can be added to a future modification of this minor.]

Inactivated Programs

Career Changer’s Biological Sciences Undergraduate Certificate [Approved]
GeoManagement Undergraduate Certificate [Approved]

VI. Modifications Related to the Lecture/Lab Split of GEOL 101

Modified Courses

EVPP 336: Human Dimensions of the Environment [Approved]
EVPP 503: Field Mapping Techniques [Approved. Jen will double check the prerequisites with the department prior to submission to the Graduate Council.]
GEOL 102: Historical Geology [Approved]
GEOL 302: Mineralogy [Approved]
GEOL 304: Sedimentary Geology [Approved]
GEOL 305: Environmental Geology [Approved]
GEOL 306: Soil Science [Approved]
GEOL 308: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology [Approved]
GEOL 312: Invertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
GEOL 313: Hydrogeology [Approved]
GEOL 315: Topics in Geology II [Approved]
GEOL 317: Geomorphology [Approved]
GEOL 320: Geology of Earth Resources [Approved]
GEOL 321: Geology of Energy Resources [Approved]
GEOL 325: Planetary Geology [Approved]
GEOL 334: Vertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
GEOL 340: Modern Methods in Geology [Approved]
GEOL 364: Marine Geology [Approved]
GEOL 403: Geochemistry [Approved]
GEOL 404: Geological Field Techniques [Approved]
GEOL 441: Great Events in Earth History [Approved]
GEOL 504: Sedimentary Geology [Tabled by the department to address prerequisites.]
GEOL 521: Geology of Energy Resources [Tabled by the department to address prerequisites.]

Modified Programs

Biology, BA [Approved. SSB might suggest courses beneficial to the program’s students; these would be submitted to the COSCC under a separate modification.]
Biology, BS* [Approved]
Chemistry, BS* [Approved]
Environmental Science Minor [Approved]

VII. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

GEOL 540: Modern Methods in Geology [Approved, pending changes to the learning outcomes; these changes will be emailed to the COSCC. Also, changing the repeat status to NR.]
GEOL 603: Geochemistry [Approved, pending changes to the learning outcomes; these changes will be emailed to the COSCC. Also, changing the repeat status to NR.]
GEOL 720: Bayesian Methods in Geology and Earth Sciences [Approved pending a change of repeat status to NR.]
GEOL 734: Paleobiology [Approved pending a change of repeat status to NR.]
GEOL 741: Isotopes in Geology [Approved pending a change of repeat status to NR.]
GEOL 752: Earth Sciences in Academia [Approved pending a change of repeat status to NR.]
GEOL 996: Doctoral Reading & Research [Approved]
GEOL 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal [Approved]
GEOL 999: Doctoral Dissertation [Approved]

New Programs

Geology and Earth Sciences, PhD [Approved]

Modified Programs

Biology, BS/Biology, Accelerated MS [Approved]
Earth Systems Science, MS [Approved pending clarity to the wording in the justification section.]
Forensics Graduate Certificate [Approved]

Inactivated Programs

Data Journalism Graduate Certificate [Approved]

VIII. Adjournment [11:20 AM]

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

January 28, 2022- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 9:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 1/14/2022

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [9:30 AM]

II. Approval of the December 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Course Deletions

GEOL 402: Geological Development of North America [Approved]

Modified Programs

Design Thinking Minor* (COS is a participating college) [Approved]
Mathematics, BS [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Programs

Mechanical Engineering, BS/Applied and Engineering Physics, Accelerated MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [10:00 AM]

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

April 19, 2021- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 4/5/2021

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:30AM]

II. Approval of the March 29, 2021 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

University Policies 3002 and 3011: #3002 discusses cross-level listings as we’ve discussed in previous meetings. #3011 clarifies the expectations for credit hours. [Graduate courses should have more advanced work and pre-eqs should be reasonable. Only upper level undergrad courses (300/400) and lower level graduate (500/600) and 700, 800, 900 are not allowed unless special topics. Course title should be related. If they are not approved to be cross listed, they should not be in the same room. Faculty teaching cross listed courses needs to meet the requirements for graduate courses.]
The Micro-Credentialing page has been added to the COSCC website, and a temporary form has been created for processing these new offerings. A more permanent form will be created in time.
Fall 2021 Meeting Schedule [Will continue to hold meetings online for Fall 2021. Will have a poll to determine everyone’s availability for next semester.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

COS 100: Introduction to Science as a Profession* [Approved]
MATH 462: Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications I* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]
MATH 463: Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications II* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]
MATH 464: Linear Algebra with Data Applications* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]
MATH 465: Mathematics of Data Science* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]

Modified Courses

PHYS 306:Wave Motion and Electromagnetic Radiation [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

FRSC 601: Quantitative Methods for Forensic Scientists [Approved]
MATH 662: Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications I* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]
MATH 663: Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications II* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]
MATH 664: Linear Algebra with Data Applications* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]
MATH 665: Mathematics of Data Science* [Approved via email vote on 5/4/2021]

VII. Adjournment [11:19 am]

*= this item was added after the announcement

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

March 29, 2021- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 3/15/2021

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [This meeting was conducted over email vote.]

II. Approval of the March 15, 2021 Meeting Minutes

III. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Programs

IN-BA-P002,IN-BPRE-P002,IN-BS-P002 : INTO-Mason: Science [Approved]

IV. Adjournment

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

March 15, 2021- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 2/22/2021

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:32 AM]

II. Approval of the February 15, 2021 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Notification of the offering of COS 402/602 Special Topics in Science. Course title: Social Impacts of Technology Convergence: AI and Quantum Computing. Instructor: Dr. Greg Vigganio. COS 402 Class Syllabus/COS 602 Class Syllabus [Please let Jennifer know if your department sees any problem with the courses being offered under the COS prefix.]

IV. Old Business

EVPP 566: Coral Reef Ecology, Health, and Conservation [Approved]
EVPP 567: Coral Reef Ecology, Health, and Conservation Lab/Field Experience [Approved pending course number correction on syllabus.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

GEOL 340: Modern Methods in Geology [Approved]

Modified Courses

BIOL/EVPP/GEOL 309: Introduction to Oceanography [Approved]
- Previously approved, included for reference: GEOL 109 (lec) and GEOL 110 (lab): Introduction to Oceanography
BIOL 334: Vertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
BIOL 336: Invertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
CLIM 301: Weather Analysis and Prediction [Approved]
GEOL 308: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology [Approved]
GEOL 312: Invertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
GEOL 334: Vertebrate Paleontology [Approved]
GEOL 401: Structural Geology [Approved]

Modified Programs

Atmospheric Sciences, BS [Approved pending the addition of a more robust “why” explanation.]
Environmental Science Minor [Approved]
Geology, BS [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

GEOL 510: Advanced Structural Geology [Approved pending the addition of a more robust “why” explanation. Also, a grading scale update.]

VII. Adjournment [11:20am]

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

February 15, 2021- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 2/1/2021

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:31 am]

II. Approval of the January 25, 2021 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Moving March’s COSCC meeting from March 8 to March 15. [No objections were raised from the committee, the meeting will be held March 15 at 10:30am.]
E-mail approvals collected post-January meeting for: Biology BA; Biology BS; Chemistry and Biochemistry PhD; Mechanical Engineering BS to Computational Science Accelerated MS; Neuroscience PhD.

IV. Old Business

New Courses- Undergraduate

GEOL 109: Introduction to Oceanography [Approved pending revision to the learning outcomes, their addition to the syllabus and the addition of a grading scale to the syllabus.]
GEOL 110: Introduction to Oceanography Lab [Approved pending revision to the learning outcomes, their addition to the syllabus and the addition of a grading scale to the syllabus.]

New Courses- Graduate

GEOL 512: Invertebrate Paleontology [Approved pending the addition of the learning outcomes and a grading scale to the syllabus.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

GGS 366: Spatial Computing [Approved.]

Modified Courses

BIOL 309/EVPP 309/ GEOL 309: Introduction to Oceanography [Tabled to further clarify the relationship between these courses and the new 100-level GEOL courses.
BIOL 326: Animal Physiology [Tabled for further work with Jen in order to meet Undergraduate Council expectations.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

EVPP 566: Coral Reef Ecology, Health, and Conservation [Tabled to provide time to separate UG and GR syllabi.]
EVPP 567: Coral Reef Ecology, Health, and Conservation Lab/Field Experience [Tabled to provide time to separate UG and GR syllabi.]

Modified Programs

Biology, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated* MEd (Secondary Education Biology Concentration)* [Tabled to email vote for further clarification on UG course expectations.]
Chemistry, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Chemistry Concentration)* [Tabled to email vote for further clarification on UG course expectations.]
Earth Science, BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Earth Science Concentration)* [Tabled to email vote for further clarification on UG course expectations.]
Geology, BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Earth Science Concentration)* [Tabled to email vote for further clarification on UG course expectations.]
Mathematics, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd, (Secondary Education Mathematics Concentration)* [Tabled to email vote for further clarification on UG course expectations.]
Physics, BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Physics Concentration)* [Tabled to email vote for further clarification on UG course expectations.]

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

January 25, 2021- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 1/11/2021

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:36 am]

II. Approval of the December 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Soon to be required: Separate syllabi for undergraduate and graduate courses that are crosslisted.
- There must also be a difference in learning outcomes- not content wise, but the level of expectation for what the different levels can do, i.e. undergrads can describe differences; graduate can analyze those differences.
COS’s Micro-Credential Policy and Processes
- Provost’s Micro-Credential website
- Micro credential- a digital badge that goes on a resume or LinkedIn account and shows that they have studied something very specific (i.e. cloud computing, political pedagogy).
- These are not SCHEV-approved but there needs to be some oversight in the COS and we are asking the COSCC to be a part of the review process..

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

GEOL 109: Introduction to Oceanography [Tabled to an email vote. The committee discussed the grading scale and the similar content between the lecture and lab course.]
GEOL 110: Introduction to Oceanography Lab [Tabled to an email vote. over the committee discussed the grading scale and the similar content between the lecture and lab course.]

Modified Courses

MATH 315: Advanced Calculus I [Approved]
MATH 321: Abstract Algebra [Approved]
MATH 322: Advanced Linear Algebra [Approved]
MATH 400: History of Math [Approved]
MATH 401: Mathematics through 3D Printing [Approved]
NEUR 411: Seminar in Neuroscience [Approved]

Course Deletions

MATH 290: Introduction to Advanced Mathematics [Approved]

New Programs

STEM in Society Minor [Approved with the addition of COSCC justification narrative.]

Modified Programs

Mathematics Minor [Approved]
Neuroscience, BS [Approved]
Neuroscience Minor [Approved]
Paleontology Minor [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

CHEM 560: Environmental Biotechnology [Approved]
GEOL 512: Invertebrate Paleontology [Tabled to an email vote with updated syllabus.]

Modified Programs

Chemistry, MS* [Approved]
Chemistry and Biochemistry, PhD* [Tabled to an email vote for better explanation in the program description.]

VII. Adjournment [11:57am]

*= added after the agenda announcement

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

December 14, 2020- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/30/2020

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:32am. The committee welcomed Dr. Rothman, the committee’s new representative from Computational and Data Sciences.]

II. Approval of the November 23, 2020 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Modification to the College Requirements for BA Degrees [Approved]
Spring 2021 Meeting Schedule

IV. Old Business

Modified Programs

Renewable Energy Interdisciplinary Minor [Approved with the flexibility to change the CHEM courses, though later this was deemed not necessary.]

New Graduate Courses

GEOL 694: Supervised Internship [Approved pending a change to the syllabus file name to correct the course number.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

COS 301: Great Ideas in Science [Approved]
COS 310: Introduction to Science Policy [Approved. The committee encouraged seeking Mason Core designation for this course.]
FRSC 325: Molecular Biology [Approved]
FRSC 326: Molecular Biology Laboratory [Approved pending the addition of protein techniques and rewording “more advanced work”.]
FRSC 404: Advanced Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry [Approved]
FRSC 470: Forensic Genomics [Approved]

Modified Programs

Forensic Science, BS [Approved]
Physics, BS [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

COS 510: Introduction to Science Policy [Approved]
FRSC 525: Molecular Biology [Approved]
FRSC 526: Molecular Biology Laboratory [Approved pending the addition of protein techniques and rewording “more advanced work”.]
FRSC 670: Forensic Genomics [Approved]

Modified Courses

GGS 798: Research Project in Earth Systems Science [Approved]

Modified Programs

Applied and Engineering Physics, MS [Approved pending the removal of 798 in the footnote. The department is asked to revisit this program in one year to consider making the core courses more defined and to outline the students’ research experience.]
Biology, MS [Approved]
Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD [Approved]
Environmental Science and Policy, MS [Approved]
Environmental Science and Public Policy, PhD [Approved]
Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, MS [Approved]

Modified Programs- Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s

Biology, BS/Biology, Accelerated, MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Chemistry, BS/ Chemistry, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Computational and Data Sciences BS,/Computational Science, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Forensic Science, BS/Forensic Science, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Mathematics BA and BS/Mathematics, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Mechanical Engineering, BS/Computational Science, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Neuroscience, BS/Biology Accelerated, MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Physics, BS/Applied and Engineering, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Selected Bachelor’s Degree/ Bioinformatics Management, PSM, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]
Selected Bachelor’s Degree/Environmental Science and Policy, Accelerated MS [Approved pending any additional changes to the new BAM policy at the Graduate Council.]

VII. Adjournment [1:01pm]

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

November 23, 2020- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/9/2020

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:33 AM] The committee welcomed Dr. Rautenberg, our new Mathematical Sciences representative.

II. Approval of the October 26, 2020 Meeting Minutes [Approved with the addition of clarity that CHEM 471 was approved via email.]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Update* [The update has not yet received a final vote from the Graduate Council. Jennifer will be putting edits through the CIM approval chain as we do not have any time to spare in order to meet catalog deadlines.]
Courses Last Taught Over Three Years Ago [If you think any of these courses need to be deleted, please delete them in the CIM system.]
Low Enrolled Certificates* [Let Jennifer know if you want to delete these.]
Low Enrolled Minors* [Let Jennifer know if you want to delete these.]
Spring 2021 Meeting Schedule [Mondays at 10:30 AM works for the committee.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

BIOL 102: Introductory Biology I-Survey of Biodiversity and Ecology*[Approved]
BIOL 103: Introductory Biology I* [Approved]
BIOL 105: Introductory Biology I Laboratory* [To be brought for an email vote once the prerequisites are clarified.]
EVPP 381: Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands [Approved once standard syllabus language is inserted.]

Modified Courses

BIOL 308: Foundations of Ecology and Evolution [Approved]
FRSC 304: Forensic Chemistry [Approved]
FRSC 305: Forensic Chemistry Lab[Approved]
FRSC 418: Analytical Thinking and Violent Crime Profiling [Approved]
GGS 310: Introduction to Digital Cartography* [Approved]
GGS 311: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems* [Approved]
GGS 325: Geography of North Africa and the Middle East* [Approved]
GGS 411: Advanced Digital Cartography* [Approved]
GGS 415: Seminar in Geography* [Approved]
GGS 462: Web Mapping* [Approved]
GGS 463:RS: Applied Geographic Information Systems* [Approved]

Modified Programs

Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA [Approved]
Environmental Science, BS [Approved]
Geography, BA/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
Geography, BA/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
Geography, BS/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
Geography, BS/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS*[Approved]
Paleontology Minor [Approved]
Renewable Energy Interdisciplinary Minor [Tabled as department representative is unavailable.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

GEOL 694: Supervised Internship Tabled by the department.]
GEOL 894: Supervised Internship Tabled by the department.]

Modified Courses

GEOL 541: Great Events in Earth History [Approved]
GGS 518: Geography of North Africa and the Middle East* [Approved. Equivalent course later removed as we were advised by the Registrar’s Office that UG and GR equivalencies can’t be applied in any manner.]
GGS 551: Thematic Cartography* [Approved. Equivalent course later removed per the reasoning listed on GGS 518.]
GGS 553: Geographic Information Systems* [Approved with one abstention.]
GGS 653: Geographic Information Analysis* [Approved. Equivalent course later removed per the reasoning listed on GGS 518.]
GGS 655: Map Design* [Approved. Equivalent course later removed per the reasoning listed on GGS 518.]
GGS 689: Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology* [Approved]
GGS 692: Web-based Geographic Information Systems* [Approved. Equivalent course later removed per the reasoning listed on GGS 518.]

Modified Programs

Bachelor’s degree (any)/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
Bachelor’s degree (any)/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
Geographic Information Science Graduate Certificate* [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [12:35 pm]

* agenda item added after the announcement

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.

October 26, 2020- Agenda & Minutes

Time: 10:30am
Location: Zoom invite sent to committee members. If anyone else would like to attend, please email Jen for details.
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 10/12/2020

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:35AM]

II. Approval of the September 28, 2020 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

IV. Old Business

College Requirements for the BA Degree Update [The Registrar’s Office has stated that DegreeWorks can handle 7 or 8 credits for the Natural Science requirement in the College Requirements for the BA Degree section. Please notify Jen if you would like to add a footnote for your program in order to reduce the natural science credit requirement to 7 credits.]
BAM Policy Update [Jen notified the committee that the maximum of 90 credits for admission into the BAM has been lifted, changes to tuition charging has not been made, and while a specific statement about programs being able to have more stringent requirements will be added, as long as the BAM catalog entry states the requirements, the program’s requirements are valid.]
Grading Update [As a follow up to last month’s discussion, departments are allowed to not award students with certain grades (i.e. BIOL does not award C- grades and this is permissible).]
Curriculum Submissions Update
- Course descriptions in syllabi [Each syllabus needs to have a course description.]
- Robust justifications and syllabi attachments (including the “what” and the “why”), and syllabi attachments when helpful for supporting modifications (although always needed for new courses).
Crosslisting Culture [Where possible, let’s work on making crosslisting courses between departments few and far between. Instead, offer one course and direct students and program catalog entries to that one course. This does not apply to within-department undergrad and grad crosslists (i.e. CHEM 400 crosslisted with CHEM 600) Contact Jen if you’d like to discuss further.]
Program Outcomes* [New for the 2021-2022 catalog, we are encouraged to add program outcomes, which can now be placed in CIM. This will feed into the Digital diplomas that will be part of the catalog in 2022. Digital Diplomas are diplomas that employers can quickly access and see program outcomes.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

CHEM 471: Solid State Chemistry [Email vote pending update to syllabus.]
FRSC 450: Practical Forensic Skeletal Biology [Approved with the addition of a stronger justification.]

Modified Courses

BIOL 103: Introductory Biology I [Tabled by department.]
BIOL 106: Introductory Biology II Laboratory [Tabled by department.]
BIOL 107: Intro Biology II Lecture [Tabled by department.]
GGS 309: Introduction to Meteorology and Climate [Approved with the addition of the word “geography” in the course description.]
GGS 354: Data Analysis and Global Change Detection Techniques [Approved with clarification about exactly what action is taking place re: IT 104.]

Modified Programs

Chemistry, BS [Approved]
Geology, BS [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

ASTR 798: Research Project
[Approved, will need to add more to the justification.]
GGS 507: Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development [Approved]
GGS 516: Geography of Latin America [Approved]
GGS 517: Geography of China [Approved]
GGS 526: Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia [Approved]
GGS 540: Health Geography [Approved]
GGS 544: Military Geography [Approved]
GGS 615 Economic Geography [Approved]
PHYS 510: Computational Physics I [Approved]
PHYS 513: Applied Electromagnetic Theory [Approved]
PHYS 613: Computational Physics II [Approved]
PHYS 620: Continuum Mechanics [Approved]
PHYS 694: Applied Mechanics of Solids [Approved]
PHYS 798: Research Project [Approved, will need to add more to the justification.]

Modified Programs

Climate Dynamics, PhD [Approved]
Geology, BS/Earth Systems Science, Accelerated MS* [Approved pending clarification to “e.g 12 credits…” sentence. The update has been completed.]
Mechanical Engineering, BS/Applied and Engineering Physics, Accelerated MS* [Approved pending addition of course suggestions sections.]

Adjournment [1:01pm]

*= item was added after the agenda was announced

*The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.