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Section IV: Programs
SACS Comprehensive Standard for Graduate Programs
IV-18. The institution provides adequate resources
to support its graduate and post-baccalaureate professional degree programs.
JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Yes, East Tennessee State University is able to provide
a portfolio of evidence supporting compliance.
STATEMENT OF RATIONALE FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The ETSU School of Graduate Studies defines adequate
to mean that available resources can maintain sufficient quality of graduate
and post-baccalaureate professional degree programs to meet the standards
of the disciplines and deliver approved and accredited programs. Resources
are defined as the basic support necessary for each individual program,
including library, academic, computer and laboratory facilities, and human
resources (faculty and staff).
Resources are evaluated as a component in the curriculum
process, program reviews, and annual budget hearings. The ETSU Graduate
Council and the graduate dean participate fully in these processes
to ensure that resources are sufficient to maintain quality standards
and that program reviews have cited no instances where resources are inadequate.
These three processes ensure compliance oversight at many levels.
All proposals for new or revised curricula must be accompanied
by a budget impact statement, which includes library and learning resources
(adequacy of the teaching/learning environment), computer and laboratory
facilities, and if necessary, new faculty hires with specialized expertise.
Following thorough review at this level, all program proposals must be
approved by the graduate and academic councils and the Tennessee Board
of Regents, thus assuring that resources are sufficient to support a graduate-level
curriculum (ETSU Curriculum Process Manual; Graduate Council, Minutes;
Academic Council, Minutes; SACS Standard IV-1a, IV-11). The program
review process regularly and systematically evaluates resources to assure
that they are sufficient to maintain graduate-level, quality standards
(ETSU Guidelines for Academic Program Reviews, Standards for
Evaluating Graduate Degree Programs; ETSU Academic Program Review
Summary Documents). When resources are cited as an issue in a degree
program review, they are addressed in the next budget cycle. Procedures
effectively tie program evaluation to budget hearings,with full participation
of the graduate dean (ETSU Guidelines for Academic Program Reviews,
Follow-Up Procedures).
A number of recent actions demonstrate the university's
commitment to adequate resources for its programs, including:
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All
programs eligible for accreditation are accredited.
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The
opening of the new ETSU Sherrod Library in 1999, the 1998-1999 technology
network upgrade project, and the assessment of the student technology
fee attest to ETSU's total commitment to adequate resources.
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The
ETSU School of Graduate Studies has undertaken an initiative to increase
the number and compensation of graduate assistantships and tuition
scholarships across programs.
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The
School of Graduate Studies has increased the number of extramural
graduate assistantships through the Office of Research and Sponsored
Programs, to supplement assistantships funded through regular departmental
budgets. This number has grown from 33 in 1997 to an estimated 48
in 2000-2001.
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The
School of Graduate Studies has undertaken an initiative to recognize
faculty (with released time, etc.) for supervising theses and dissertations
and for coordinating programs.
DOCUMENTATION
SOURCE
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LOCATION
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ETSU Graduate Council
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ETSU Curriculum Process Manual
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ETSU Graduate Council, Minutes
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ETSU Academic Council, Minutes
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Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs, 206 Dossett Hall
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SACS Standard IV-1a
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SACS Standard IV-11
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ETSU Guidelines for Academic Program Review,
Appendix F, Standards for Evaluating Graduate Degree Programs, Office
of Outcomes Assessment
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ETSU Academic Program Review Summary, Office
of Outcomes Assessment
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ETSU Guidelines for Academic Program Review,
Follow-Up Procedures, Office of Outcomes Assessment
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