| T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L A B A M A · G R A D U A T E S C H O O L | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graduate School | The University of Alabama | Site Map | Search | Contact | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Rose Administration Building |
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ANNUAL REPORT
2004 |
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| 01. LIST OF TABLES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 02. LIST OF FIGURES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 03. THE GRADUATE COUNCIL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Graduate Council is
the body responsible for recommending new policies and reviewing
existing regulations governing advanced programs at the University. It
comprises 25 elected, 6 appointed, and 4 ex-officio members. Each
elected or appointed member serves on one of five committees: Research
and New Programs, Financial Aid, Admissions and Recruitment, Program and
Degree Requirements, or Teaching and Research Awards.
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| 04. STAFF DIRECTORY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Graduate School
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| 05. BURNUM DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Established by Dr. and Mrs. John F. Burnum
of Tuscaloosa to recognize and promote excellence in research,
scholarship and teaching, the Burnum Award is one of the highest honors
the University bestows on its faculty. This prestigious award is given
each year to a faculty member who has demonstrated superior scholarly or
artistic achievements and profound dedication to the art of teaching.
The 2004 recipient of the Burnum
Distinguished Faculty Award is Dr. Robin D. Rogers from the
Department of Chemistry in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Rogers
has more than 525 papers published on various topics and is one of the
most frequently cited researchers in the world. Extremely active in his
profession, he, with students and colleagues, has given over 500
presentations regionally, nationally, and internationally. He holds
three patents, has edited seven books, and founded the American Chemical
Society journal, Crystal Growth and Design, for which he currently
serves as editor-in-chief. He also serves on the International Advisory
Board for Green Chemistry, a publication of the Royal Society of
Chemistry, the largest organization in Europe for advancing the chemical
sciences. |
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| 06. BLACKMON-MOODY OUTSTANDING PROFESSOR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dr. Walter Enders, professor of
Economics in the Manderson Graduate School of Business at The University
of Alabama, has been named Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor for
2004.
The Blackmon-Moody Award is for a
faculty member whose “singular, exceptional, or timely work, whether in
the form of research, a product, a program, or published material,
reflects credit on the faculty member, the field of study, students and
The University of Alabama.” The award was created by Frederick Moody
Blackmon of Montgomery to honor the memory of his grandmother, Sarah
McCorkle Moody of Tuscaloosa. |
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| 07. MEET OUR GRADUATE STUDENTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 08. NEW MINORITY FELLOWSHIP AWARDS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TWELVE NEW UA
FELLOWSHIPS FOR 2004-2005 EMPHASIZE PREPARING GRADUATE STUDENTS FOR
FACULTY POSITIONS In fall 2004, the University of Alabama Graduate School announced the 12 graduate students who were new fellowship recipients in programs designed to increase and retain the number of minorities in college or university faculty positions, with a special emphasis on graduate students who plan to become faculty members at colleges and universities in Alabama. With the 12 new fellowship recipients, UA currently has 33 graduate students on campus who are participants in the minority fellowship programs listed below. Over 100 graduate students have participated in the programs in the last 15 years.
Front row, left to right:
Dana K. Harmon, Rosianna Gray, Shawanda R. Boykin, Leola Harden-Lester.
Future Faculty Fellowships
Joint Faculty
Development Fellowships
Southern
Regional Education Board (SREB)- Alabama Commission on Higher Education
Doctoral Fellowships
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| 09. INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF THE YEAR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This Report is issued annually, is
published for the purpose of providing as much information as possible
about the Graduate School of The University of Alabama, and serves as a
primary reference source about and for the Graduate community. The material is divided into two main sections; firstly, a narrative that covers the highlights from the key areas of our activities during the current and preceding years. In the second section there is a comprehensive set of data tables covering all aspects of our applications, enrollment, degrees awarded, and financial support. In most cases, the sources for the data are computerized databases, however some information is obtained from other University offices, for which the Graduate School is appreciative. In collating the information presented here many judgments have been made as to inclusion, exclusion, and form of presentation. As always, suggestions, based on actual use of the material, for modifications or corrections are welcome and should be directed to the Graduate School Office. Our number of total applications received in the year was 6,181 (last year 7,163). Acceptance rates stayed in line with last year and despite the lower number of applications generally acceptances fell marginally from 3,549 to 3,227, a decrease of only 9%. There was also a small reduction in the number of applications received for our off-campus programs. Total applications for Gadsden, QUEST, and other off-campus programs were 1,249 (last year 1,430). Applications from international students declined this year due mainly to increased time taken to obtain visas. Despite the impact of fewer applications, enrollment levels were around the same level as last year. Total for fall 2004 was 3,756 (last year 3,763). International student enrollment was 553 compared with 613 last year, a decrease of about 9%. A total of 830 new students were enrolled this fall, around 22% of our total enrollment. In addition, a further 311 students were enrolled who were either former students or who were returning graduates entering a new program. Within new enrollment over 56% (462) were women. Our percentage of applicants who were accepted and enrolled for the fall increased from 65% last year to 70%, an increase of 5 percentage points. The number of credit hours enrolled increased by over 2% compared with last year. A total of 61,979 hours were registered against 60,181, and reflects the enrollment trends for the last couple of years. Total financial support for graduate students was $22,632,916 which was significantly higher than last year’s $21,429,445 (increase of just over 5%). Increased funding for additional fellowships was augmented by an increase in average stipend levels and tuition support for assistantships’ and fellowships. |
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| 10. RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Each year, the Graduate School develops a
comprehensive recruitment and marketing plan, which includes recruitment
travel, on-campus activities, electronic and web resources, and other
components. The 2003-2004 academic year saw significant recruitment
travel by the UA Graduate School. Our recruiters made visits to over 30
recruitment events attended by students at over 50 colleges and
universities. A number of historically black institutions were targeted
for recruitment visits. Following each visit, the Graduate School
representative developed a list of prospective graduate applicants and
wrote each a follow-up letter. The Graduate School organizes a large number of on-campus recruitment activities. In September 2003 and September 2004, the Graduate School sponsored its annual Preview Day on “Applying to Graduate School,” which was attended each year by 350-400 undergraduates from UA and other colleges and universities. The Preview Day consisted of presentations by Graduate School recruiters on the application process and by UA departmental representatives on graduate opportunities in specific fields of study. Small group discussion sessions included the Arts and Sciences divisions of Physical Sciences/Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts/Humanities; Commerce and Business Administration; Communication and Information Sciences; Education; Engineering; Human Environmental Sciences; Law; Nursing; and Social Work. The Preview Day concluded with practice administrations of graduate admissions tests, provided at no charge by Kaplan, Inc. The attendees continue to be monitored regularly to ensure that as many as possible decide to enroll in graduate school. On September 26, 2003 and October 5, 2004 the annual Graduate and Professional School Days were held for UA and Stillman College undergraduate students. The events were held on the Stillman Campus. Universities from across the country exhibited and provided information to prospective graduate students. On the first Wednesday of most months, the Graduate School conducts a seminar on “Applying to Graduate School.” The seminar is listed on the Graduate School’s virtual site and is promoted by the various departments and support groups across the UA campus. The seminar is also advertised widely on other campuses across the state. Graduate School staff members conduct presentations for a large number of campus organizations, including honor societies, undergraduate organizations, undergraduate classes, and many other units. For example, in 2003-04, Graduate School representatives conducted presentations for prospective graduate students at the UA English Language Institute, National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer Program, McNair Scholars Program, Adult Student program, housing groups, various classes, honor societies and other UA groups and organizations. Emphasis continues on maintaining links and dialogue with all undergraduate organizations concerning graduate admissions procedures and highlighting the benefits of investing in graduate education. The Graduate School stresses the importance of developing a personal contact with all outstanding undergraduate students (those who have maintained a 3.00 or better GPA) and encourages them to consider attending the Graduate School at the UA. Graduate School staff members conduct a number of admissions and recruitment activities on a daily basis in our office in 102 Rose Administration Building, activities that include phone calls, voice mail messages, sessions with individual students in our offices, processing applications, mailing applications and catalogs to prospective students, phone calls from faculty and other units, and responding to e-mail inquiries from faculty and prospective students. During this past year (May 2003 to May 2004) the Graduate School received, processed, or mailed approximately 25,000 pieces of mail related to applications. The Graduate School admissions staff had in excess of 3,500 office visits from students with application questions. The admissions staff handled over 8,000 phone calls and over 8,000 emails from applicants and faculty about applications The success of graduate student recruitment is dependent upon the active involvement of individual graduate departments and faculty. Graduate students often select a university based on the research and scholarly record and reputation of each department’s faculty. Prospective graduate students who have been contacted directly by department chairs or faculty are more likely to apply to a university. Thus, the Graduate School has implemented a number of activities to assist departments with their own departmental graduate recruitment programs. Every fall semester, the Graduate School holds a seminar for new department chairs and graduate program directors and provides information about possible recruitment activities. Each semester, the Graduate School sponsors a recruitment focus group or seminar for Graduate Program Directors. Graduate School staff members routinely are invited to attend departmental faculty meetings to discuss graduate student recruitment, application, and admission. As part of the continuing process of assisting departments, the Graduate School maintains and uses several prospect databases. Numerous inquiries from prospective graduate students are entered into the database each month. The Graduate School actively solicits national databases of prospective graduate students (e.g., the McNair Scholars Program for undergraduates who are from disadvantaged groups or are first-generation college students) and forwards the information to departments. The Graduate School also routinely sends reports to departments about potential outstanding applicants who have submitted parts of their applications (e.g., transcripts, test scores) and who can be encouraged by departments to complete their applications and attend The University of Alabama Graduate School. Developments and improvements within the application cycle also contribute to keeping graduate application and enrollment levels high. In particular, the use of technology in communication further enhances the recruiting process. Enhancements continue for the Graduate School virtual site (http://graduate.ua.edu). Examples of important features of our virtual site include:
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| 11. APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The University of Alabama Graduate School
continues to benefit from its extensive recruitment activities. The
Graduate School received 5,237 applications to degree programs in
2004, which is 13.8% lower than our 6,075 degree applications in 2003. A
primary reason for the decrease in degree applications was related to
immigration and other issues of international applicants to U.S.
institutions; there was a significant decrease in international graduate
applications in 2004. However, in spite of our decrease in applications,
our overall graduate enrollment was virtually the same as last year’s
enrollment and our on-campus graduate enrollment increased slightly, as
described in the next section. A large number of degree applications were completed by applicants in 2004 -- 4,057 in 2004 compared with 4,342 in 2003. Some applicants submit the initial applications but fail to complete the applications by submitting all required documents, such as college transcripts, admissions test scores, application fees, etc. A greater proportion of applications were completed in 2004 (77.5%) than in 2003 (71.5%). The quality of degree applications was similar to last year, and an acceptance rate of 58.9% was maintained in 2004, compared to 60.0% in 2003. The degree applications completed in 2004 resulted in 2,390 acceptances, 1,367 rejections, and 300 acceptances for international applicants awaiting financial documents or waitlisted by departments. A total of 944 Non-degree applications were received in 2004. For a more detailed analysis of admissions and applications, please refer to Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. |
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| 12. ENROLLMENT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As shown in Figure 2, total graduate
enrollment at the University of Alabama for fall 2004 is 3,756,
which is very comparable to enrollment of 3,763 in fall 2003. Thus, UA
graduate enrollment continues to be high and has increased almost 12.5%
since fall 2001. Total on-campus enrollment in the Graduate School in fall semester 2004 was 1.5% higher than the previous year, with 3,230 enrolled this year (last year 3,181). Off-campus enrollment was 526 (last year 582). Total new students (including former students or graduates returning for enrollment in new programs) for the fall were 974 or 30% of total on-campus enrollment. The ratio of men to women enrollees continued to be at the same level as in previous years – 42.8% men and 57.2% women (last year 45% men and 55% women). For a more detailed analysis of enrollment for 2004, please refer to Tables 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. FIGURE 2: FALL ENROLLMENT |
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| 13. AFRICAN-AMERICAN ENROLLMENT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Graduate School continues to be
committed to the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation of
minority graduate students. While efforts supporting this commitment
involve individuals from a variety of underrepresented groups,
African-Americans receive particular attention. During 2003-04, the
Graduate School recruitment staff continued to visit historically black
institutions and engage in other activities to recruit minority
students. Recognizing the benefits of recruiting UA undergraduate
students, the Graduate School also personally contacts outstanding UA
minority students and hosts a reception for them. The Graduate School
continues actively to recruit students through services and publications
directed toward minority students. African-Americans comprised 10.4 % of total graduate enrollment in the fall of 2004, with 390 students enrolled, compared to 362 in fall 2003. Similarly African-Americans comprised 11% of on-campus graduate enrollment in the fall of 2004, with 355 students enrolled. Enrollment of African-American graduate students has steadily increased from 81 students in 1987 (3% of the total on campus graduate enrollment) and remained stable with 200-225 students (6-7% of the total on campus enrollment) from 1994 to 1997, as seen in Figure 1. The last few years have seen high even higher on campus enrollment of African-American graduate students, with 262 in fall 1999, 289 in fall 2000, 272 in fall 2001, 304 in fall 2002, 325 in fall 2003, and now 355 in fall 2004. The number of minority students receiving graduate degrees at the University also remains high. We awarded graduate degrees to 143 minority students in 2003-2004 (summer, fall, and spring terms), which is 10.75 % of our total of 1,329 graduate degree recipients. We awarded graduate degrees to 145 minority students in 2002-2003 and 120 minority students in 2001-2002, which were 11.1 % and 9.1%, respectively, of our total graduate degree recipients. The UA Graduate School has received national recognition for its graduation rates for African American students. The UA Graduate School has received national recognition for its graduation rates for African American students. The Graduate School was recognized in the July 29, 2004 issue of the journal Black Issues in Higher Education, which contained the annual report of the “Top 100 Degree Producers.” The data reflected numbers of graduate degrees awarded in 2002-2003. The University of Alabama Graduate School tied for the rank of 45 for All Disciplines Combined—African-American Doctorate among 626 institutions. To increase minority graduate enrollment and graduation, the University of Alabama Graduate School makes substantial efforts to ensure that minority students receive needed financial assistance. Since 1988, the Graduate School has provided scholarships, fellowships, and stipends for over 170 minority graduate scholars and has funded minority graduate students for almost $3 million in stipends and tuition scholarships. In 2003-04 (summer, fall, and spring terms), a total of 39 students were supported through stipends and/or tuition scholarships. In 2004-2005, a total of 40 students are being supported. Several programs are in place to provide financial assistance for minority groups. For example, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Minority Doctoral Scholars program provides stipends for minority students at the University, while the Graduate School funds tuition scholarships. Similar forms of support include the Joint Faculty Development Program and the Future Faculty Fellows Program, through which the Graduate School provides stipends and tuition scholarships to African-American students who plan to become college or university professors. The Graduate School also funds participants in the Joint Faculty/Staff Development Program with Stillman College, a historically black institution in Tuscaloosa. The numerous Graduate School fellowship and scholarship programs are described in detail in following sections. In addition, prospective minority students are directed to external fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and other sources of financial aid for which they may apply. The Minority Graduate Student Assistance Office offers a variety of support services for students. The Graduate School provides funds and support for the UA African-American Graduate Student Association, which had been inactive for several years before becoming active again in fall 1998. The group sponsors panel discussions, information fairs, and receptions. The African-American Graduate Student Association remains a very active association on campus. The association’s president serves as a representative to the Graduate Council. The Graduate School provides travel funds for officers to attend the National Black Graduate Student Conferences each year. The Graduate School assisted the UA TRIO office in obtaining a U.S. Department of Education grant for the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program, a research-training program for undergraduates who wish to pursue graduate study, and was active in implementation of the UA McNair program on the UA campus. An Associate Dean of the Graduate School serves on the UA McNair Scholars Advisory Board. The Graduate School has agreed to provide tuition scholarships for any UA McNair scholar who attends graduate school at UA and to assist UA McNair scholars with identifying and applying for departmental graduate assistantships. We have conducted recruitment activities for McNair fellows in the Southern region and pay the graduate application fee for any McNair scholar in the country who applies to UA Graduate School. The UA Student Support Services Program is another U.S. Department of Education TRIO program for undergraduate scholars from disadvantaged groups. The Graduate School also pays the application fees and provides assistance on applying to graduate programs for participants in the UA Student Support Services Program. FIGURE 3: ON-CAMPUS AFRICAN-AMERICAN ENROLLMENT |
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| 14. INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The total number of international students
enrolled for fall 2004 was 553, comprising 113 new students, 36
students who changed program, and 404 returning graduates. This was
almost 9% down on last year’s total of 613. The largest contingent of
overseas students came from China (173) and India (132). The programs
that enrolled the most international students this fall were Chemistry
(46), Mechanical Engineering (37), and Computer Science (37). Please
refer to tables 12 and 13 for more information. The press has reported recently that nationally institutions similar to UA have experienced decreases in the number of international applications of around 32%. This inevitably translates to fewer students enrolling and against this background our attrition has followed this trend. The impact of administrative and federal changes from the Office of Homeland Security combined with visa restrictions in place in many overseas countries continues to be felt, however this university has countered this with increases in the admission of highly qualified domestic applicants. Our international recruiting team has also noticed that Australia and Europe are attracting a large number of international applicants with lower costs, shorter programs, credit for previous work, and on-line visa application procedures. FIGURE 4: INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT |
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| 15. CREDIT HOURS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Credit hours increased again in 2003-04 to
61,979, which was 2% higher than the previous year (60,181). The average
number of hours per student enrolled was the same as last year - 19.
These credit hours generated a contribution to the university’s tuition
income of around $18million. FIGURE 5: ON-CAMPUS CREDIT HOURS |
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| 16. DEGREES CONFERRED | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The total numbers of degrees conferred
during the academic year 2003-04 was 1,329, comprising 135 Ph.D.’s, 103
Ed.S.’s, 15 Ed.D.’s, and 1,076 Master’s. Tables 15 through 18 show
details of degrees awarded. FIGURE 6: DEGREES CONFERRED |
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| 17. TECHNOLOGY AND THE GRADUATE SCHOOL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Graduate School provides up-to-date
information to faculty and students through our website (http://graduate.ua.edu).
Copies of all of our principal publications – including this report –
are included on the website. In addition, copies of administrative
updates, informative communiqués, and other important documents are
similarly maintained electronically. There are many links to graduate
departments, on-line forms and checklists for students, a graduate
school calendar with all the important deadlines, and numerous other
documents. An electronic version of the Graduate School application is available on our website at http://graduate.ua.edu/application/ and this is used by more and more of our prospective students. The ability to pay the application fee online has also enhanced the functionality and effectiveness of our application procedures. Work is also underway to develop and install two major improvements using technology to further assist our customers. Trials are due to start on using the latest imaging systems to record some of our documentation that we receive from external sources and to make the records available to the departments to assist with processing applications. In addition, we are developing an on-line workflow system for Graduate School and departments use that will compliment the electronic application, payment, and image scanning system. Technology is used extensively in recruitment, application, and admissions activities; please see the section on recruiting for more information. |
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| 18. GRADUATE FACULTY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The purpose of the graduate faculty of The
University of Alabama is to set standards for graduate work and to
provide graduate instruction. It is the responsibility of the graduate
faculty in each division to elect its representative(s) to the Graduate
Council, which acts for the faculty in matters relating to graduate
work. There are three categories of members: full, associate, and
temporary. Only members of the graduate faculty may teach courses
numbered 500 or above, and only members of the graduate faculty may
chair thesis and examining committees. Only full members may chair
dissertation committees.
Terms of Appointment. Full and
associate members are appointed for six-year, renewable terms. |
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| 19. GRADUATE STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Graduate School provides a variety of
types and levels of support for graduate students. Departments are
invited to nominate students for fellowships, scholarships, tuition
awards, and travel and research grants. Federal programs specifically
for graduate students are monitored and publicized to students to ensure
that all possible financial assistance can be given. In the academic year 2003-2004, a total of $22,632,916 was awarded to graduate students--an average of $7,003 for every qualifying graduate student enrolled on campus. Perkins Loans and Work-Study Support. In the 2003-2004 academic year, no loans were made to students under this program. Under the work-study support program, 45 assignments were given to graduate students for a total value of $293,477. Travel and Research Awards. Twice each year the Dean of the Graduate School invites nominations for awards to support graduate research and travel. For research awards, priority is given to thesis, pre-dissertation, and dissertation research. For travel awards, priority is given to (a) graduate students who have been accepted to present personally their own research at the national meeting of their discipline’s major academic/professional organization, and (b) those whose department or college indicates its own support of the student by agreeing to cost share the necessary funding. In 2003-2004, 144 students received awards. A total of $28,410 was awarded to these successful students, representing an average of $197 per student (last year $171 per student). Graduate Council Fellowships. During the 2003-2004 academic year, 65 graduate students held Graduate Council Fellowships, awarded by the Graduate Council Committee on Financial Aid. Of this total, 12 students held thesis/dissertation fellowships, 7 held research fellowships, 2 held creative activity fellowships, and 44 held regular fellowships. For 2003-04 the level of stipend for each category was $14,000 with an additional full tuition scholarship. License Tag Fellows. Under the provisions of the National Alumni Association Collegiate License Tag Program, 80% of the proceeds received by the university are endowed, and the income generated is used to support graduate fellowships. In 2003-04 sufficient funds were available to provide 37 fellowships with a stipends ranging from $9,000 to $12,000 each. Graduate Fellowship Supplements. Each year additional amounts are awarded to graduate students from a special Presidential Graduate Fellowship Supplemental Fund. The fund is financed from logo and licensing fees received by the University’s Office of Auxiliary and Support Services. In 2003-2004 almost $50,000 was awarded from this source. Alumni Association Graduate Scholarship Program. The National Alumni Association also funds a varying number of graduate fellowships in each college or school that offers a post-baccalaureate degree. Alabama Heritage Graduate Scholarship Program. This is a one year tuition scholarship for Alabama residents who are children or grandchildren of UA graduates. In 2003-04, 24 graduate students received this scholarship. Graduate and Faculty Scholarship Committee. As in previous years, the Committee contacted over 600 students to determine their eligibility for and interest in Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Fulbright fellowships. 12 students were formally interviewed resulting in 11 nominations, as follows:
Minority Support. There are
several programs aimed specifically at minority student groups and these
are discussed in detail in a separate section of this Report. |
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| 20. MINORITY GRADUATE STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Graduate School continues to maximize
the amount of financial support available for minority students,
primarily though four fellowship programs that support full-time and
part-time students. In fall 2004 UA enrolled and provided stipends,
scholarships, and assistantships for 40 graduate students on campus in
the minority fellowship programs. A large number of additional students
received continuing financial support through department assistantships
or received tuition scholarships. All fellowship programs place a
special emphasis on encouraging graduate students to become faculty
members at colleges and universities in Alabama or retaining those
already holding college faculty positions within the state. Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) - Alabama Commission on Higher Education Fellowships: The SREB Minority Doctoral Scholars Program encourages ethnic minority students to pursue doctoral degrees and become college professors. The UA Graduate School has held the #1 ranking for number of SREB doctoral scholars during the past few years. Since 1993, the Graduate School has enrolled 44 SREB Minority Doctoral Scholars, and 13 have received their degrees. SREB scholars receive $12,000-$15,000 annual stipends plus tuition scholarships for up to 5 years of graduate study through a combination of SREB, Graduate School, and departmental funding. A total of 14 SREB scholars in 2003-04 and 18 in 2004-05 are being supported with fellowships, scholarships, and department assistantships. Future Faculty Fellows Program. This program is for African-American students who plan to become college or university professors. Each Future Faculty Fellow receives an annual stipend of $12,000, a departmental assistantship, and a full tuition scholarship for up to four years of full-time graduate study. A total of 33 doctoral students have received Future Faculty Fellowships since 1991, and 18 have received their degrees. In 2003-2004, the Graduate School supported six Future Faculty Fellows with stipends and scholarships. Similarly, in 2004-05 the Graduate School is supporting eight Future Faculty Fellows with stipends, scholarships, and department assistantships. Joint Minority Faculty Development Program Fellowships. The Joint Faculty Development Program was implemented in Alabama Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for practicing college teachers who do not have a terminal degree. Faculty members participating in this program receive support from their home institution and an annual stipend of $14,000 and full tuition scholarship from The University of Alabama Graduate School. Institutions participating in this program include Alabama State University, Alabama A & M University, and Oakwood College. A total of 27 fellows have participated in the program since 1989, and 13 have received degrees. In 2003-2004, a total of six Joint Faculty Development Fellowships supported faculty members of partner institutions. Seven HBCU faculty members are participating in the Joint Faculty Development Program in 2004-05. UA/Stillman College Joint Faculty Staff Development Program. The major objectives of the program are to provide support for Stillman College faculty and staff to complete degree requirements for a graduate degree and to provide in-service and staff development. In 2003-2004, the Graduate School provided tuition scholarships for seven faculty and staff members of Stillman College. |
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| 21. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In the fall 2004 semester a total of
1,128 0.50 full time equivalent (FTE) graduate assistantships were
awarded compared with 1,138 last year. For this year, the number of
assistantships with formal teaching responsibilities was 267 (last year
247), and those who are assisting instructors of record was 396 (last
year 348). Of the total number of students receiving assistantships 948 (last year 930) were supported with university funds and 180 (last year 208) were supported on contracts, grants, or gifts from third parties. For a more detailed analysis of assistantships please see tables 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. The total stipend paid to assistants during 2003-04 was $13,271,429 compared or $12,859,876 last year. Average stipends rose slightly from $10,035 last year to $10,082 for 2003-04, an increase of about half a percent. Please see tables 27 through 30 for more information on stipends. FIGURE 7: GRADUATE ASSISTANTS |
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| 22. WORKSHOP FOR NEW GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The eighteenth annual workshop for new
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) was held at the Bryant Conference
Center on August 19-20, 2004. The Workshop serves multiple purposes,
including familiarizing new students with the campus and University
policies, assisting in new GTAs’ preparation to conduct classes,
providing guidance about how to handle various classroom situations, and
directing them to campus resources for ongoing improvement of teaching
skills. During the Workshop, University faculty and staff members spoke
on a wide range of areas related to teaching. Topics included syllabus
and course preparation, conducting lab and discussion sessions, using
multimedia and the Internet in college teaching, active and
collaborative learning techniques, effective communication in college
teaching, and important policies and legal issues for GTAs and
professors alike. Each new GTA received a copy of 2003-2005 Graduate
Assistant Guide and numerous handouts on a variety of topics related to
teaching. Graduate Teaching Fellows, who are experienced GTAs recognized for superior teaching in their respective colleges, led seven simultaneous breakout sessions for a full day at the Workshop. The Fellows videotaped the new GTAs who each had prepared a short teaching session. Each GTA received written and verbal analyses of teaching strengths and areas for improvement. The new GTAs also had the opportunity to analyze videos in order to “troubleshoot” some of the most frequently occurring problems in the classroom. The Fellows led the new GTAs in discussions of important issues such as services for students with disabilities, sexual harassment, academic misconduct, academic grievances, and the confidentiality of student records. |
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| 23. GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On Honors Day the Dean of the Graduate
School presented the following University-wide awards; each student
received a plaque and a check for $500.
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| 24. ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Academic Common Market is an
interstate association of 16 Southern states that permits out-of-state
students to enroll in selected programs at participating institutions
while paying in-state tuition rates. This program is designed to both
help the student by reducing his tuition cost and also the institutions
from having to offer duplicate courses. The Graduate School is charged
within the University with supervising both the graduate and
undergraduate programs. Table 32 shows the current programs and
participating institutions. For the academic year 2003-2004 the data for ACM support were as shown in the table below. The total value of scholarships awarded under this program reached record levels and almost reached the $1m mark; a total of $907,335 was awarded, up 19% on last year’s ($761,409).
The numbers of students from each state in the program (ranked by highest 5 states) taking advantage of these awards at this University were as follows:
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ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005: Table of Contents | List of Tables | List of Figures |
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Graduate School | The University of Alabama | Publications | Site Map | Search | Contact |
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