The University Committee on Graduate Studies has authority on grading policy for graduate and graduate-professional students. The committee reviews changes in graduate and professional academic programs and recommends approval or rejection to the University Committee on Curriculum.
UCGS has shared responsibility with the Dean of the Graduate School to consult with the Provost on the establishment, moratorium, discontinuance, or merger of graduate programs, on policy pertaining to methods of instruction, evaluation of instruction, advising and counseling, and admissions and retention of graduate and graduate-professional students. UCGS also consults with the Provost on other policies pertaining to administration of graduate and graduate-professional programs.
UCGS has shared responsibility with the Dean of the Graduate School to advise the Provost on the coordination of graduate and graduate-professional programs, policies pertaining to financial aid and employment of graduate students, and on the use and distribution of educational and research resources for graduate and graduate-professional programs and students. UCGS also works with the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies on policies relating to research development as they pertain to graduate and graduate professional education.
Composition of the Committee includes:
- One faculty member from each college, with a Graduate or Graduate-Professional Degree Program (elected by colleges)
- One additional faculty member from Agriculture & Natural Resources, Arts & Letters, Business, Education, Natural Science and Social Science
- Five graduate students selected by the Council of Graduate Students (no more than one student may be from any one department, with consideration being given to University-wide representation, insofar as possible)
The academic governance bylaws also determine the functions UCGS can fulfill and how they do so. Summary of UCGS's matrix of responsibilities.
If you would like to bring a topic that falls within this matrix of responsibilities to the attention of UCGS, please contact the UCGS chairperson (see below for this year's membership) or the University Steering Committee.
The UCGS has established three subcommittees to address each of its areas of responsibility. These subcommittees provide recommendations to the full UCGS committee. All members of the UCGS serve on one subcommittee and also serve on the full committee. The three subcommittees are as follows and described further in the UCGS Subcommittee Duties PDF:
- Subcommittee A: Curriculum & Program Review
- Subcommittee B: Academic Research Policy
- Subcommittee C: Graduate Instruction, Employment (non-GEU), and Mentoring Policy