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The Graduate Council plays a crucial role in the oversight and planning of all MTSU graduate courses and graduate degree programs, in establishing criteria for the appointment and reappointment of graduate faculty, in assessing graduate student issues and concerns, and in recommending to the dean of the College of Graduate Studies University-wide policies and procedures for implementation. The Graduate Council advises in the modification of existing programs and in the approval and implementation of any new programs. All student activities leading to advanced degrees proceed under policies and regulations established and reviewed by academic programs, the Graduate Council, and the College of Graduate Studies.
The Graduate Council provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in scholarly activity and serves as an advocate in obtaining resources for graduate programs. Only full-time MTSU faculty holding membership on the graduate faculty may serve on the Graduate Council. Council members are appointed by the president to serve three-year terms with three representatives per college. Two graduate student representatives who meet all graduate academic standards are also appointed. To ensure continuity and institutional memory in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures, one third of the council members rotate off each year and are replaced by five new faculty members representing each college. Graduate students are appointed to the council each academic year, and the graduate college dean, associate graduate college dean, and the six academic deans serve as ex officio members. The vice chair, who conducts meetings in the absence of the chair and who serves as chair-elect, is elected annually. The chair, in consultation with the dean of the College of Graduate Studies, is responsible for setting the council’s agenda.
Middle Tennessee State University maintains four categories of graduate faculty membership: Doctoral, Full, Associate, and Adjunct.
Only graduate faculty members are eligible to teach 6000/7000 level courses and serve on thesis or dissertation committees. Only doctoral members are eligible for dissertation committee chair. Doctoral, Full and Associate members are eligible to serve as thesis committee chair. Graduate faculty membership is not required to teach dual-listed (4000/5000) courses.
Doctoral Membership
Faculty teaching in departments or programs which offer study leading to the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree may seek doctoral membership status. Individuals holding this level of membership are permitted to chair dissertation committees and serve as advisors to students in the Ph.D. program. Doctoral faculty are evaluated every five years to ensure continuing high levels of engagement in research and creative activity. In general, doctoral membership means that the individual
- meets all the criteria for and holds full graduate faculty membership;
- demonstrates expertise and ongoing engagement in research evidenced by a record of article publications in peer-reviewed journals and book publication in academic presses;
- holds a faculty appointment in a department or program which offers the Ph.D.;
- has been recommended by the department chair and college dean;
- has been recommended by the Graduate Council; and
- has been approved by the dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Full Membership
In order to become a member of the graduate faculty, an individual must show evidence of research accomplishments and graduate teaching excellence. Thereafter, members are evaluated for renewal in accordance with Graduate Council criteria. In general, full membership means that the individual
- holds the terminal degree in the teaching field(s);
- has a minimum of three years faculty experience in graduate education;
- has demonstrated an expertise in research/other professional activities;
- has been recommended by the department chair and college dean;
- has been recommended by the Graduate Council; and
- has been approved by the dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Associate Membership
This category applies to full-time faculty who do not meet the criteria for full membership. The period of appointment is five years for initial appointment or three years for faculty who previously held full membership. An associate member may not direct doctoral dissertations but may serve as a dissertation committee member/reader. An associate member may direct master’s theses after having served as a committee member/reader. In general, associate membership means that the individual
- holds the terminal degree in the field(s);
- has expressed an interest in contributing to graduate instruction;
- has been recommended by the department chair and college dean;
- has been recommended by the Graduate Council; and
- has been approved by the dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Adjunct Membership
This category applies to part-time adjunct faculty and individuals who are not MTSU faculty members but have specific expertise pertinent to graduate programs. The period of appointment is three years and may be renewed in accordance with Graduate Council criteria. Adjunct members may not direct a doctoral dissertation or a master’s thesis but may serve as a committee member/reader. These members are not listed in the graduate catalog. Adjunct faculty membership means that the individual
- holds the terminal degree in the field(s);
- has provided evidence of qualifications to execute assignments successfully;
- has been recommended by the department chair, the college dean, and Graduate Council; and
- has been approved by the dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
A complete listing of current graduate faculty members can be found at w1.mtsu.edu/graduate/faculty/gradfaculty.php. |
