Graduate Student Handbook

2.3 The Academic Studies Governance Committee

The Academic Studies Governance Committee (ASGC) is comprised of faculty representing both the graduate programs and undergraduate programs and concerns itself primarily with policy issues and overall coordination and direction of academic programs in the CPH. The ASGC may create subcommittees or other structures and delegate portions of its activity to them, while retaining the final responsibility. More information about the Graduate School rules regarding ASGC (referred to by the Graduate School as GSC) can be found here.

2023-2024 ASGC membership can be found in Appendix A of the Handbook

Membership

  • One unique faculty member representing each specialization for a 2-year term. The terms are staggered so that approximately one-third end each year. The representatives are appointed by the Division Chair or Program Director in consultation with the division faculty.
  • Chair selected by the committee from among the faculty members of the committee who are tenured in the College.
  • Student members from each degree program (e.g., MPH, MHA, MPH-PEP, MS, PhD, BSPH) will be recommended by the Division Chair or Program Director to serve on the ASGC and are voting members;
  • Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, ex officio and nonvoting.
  • Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, ex-officio and nonvoting.
  • Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, ex-officio and nonvoting.
  • Senior Director of Academic Programs & Student Services Office, ex-officio and nonvoting.
  • Director of Student Services, ex-officio and nonvoting
  • Principal OAPSS administrative staff, ex officio and nonvoting.

Responsibilities

  • Review and make recommendations to the faculty on major program structure and policy decisions. Examples include major changes in degree requirements or the designation of concentrations within the CPH for which degrees may be obtained.
  • Review application materials and recommend students for admission.
  • Establish and coordinate policy in areas having College-wide impact:
    • Courses shared by more than one degree program as requirement
    • Approval of new courses or substantive changes in existing courses
    • Development of sources of student support and establishment of policies for its allocation
    • Establishment of policies for Graduate Associate positions funded by the CPH
  • Monitor student progress and recommend actions to the Graduate School as necessary (see Section 11.5).
  • Review student petitions and act or make recommendations.
  • Promote growth and excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and visibility of the CPH nationally and internationally.
  • Contribute to student recruitment efforts.

 Student Participation on ASGC and Program Committees

Student members of the ASGC and its subcommittees are expected to participate fully in the business of the committees. Their participation is the same as any other member, except:

  • They may not participate in evaluative discussions or vote in regard to current or prospective students;
  • They may discuss and vote on policies governing the allocation of financial aid, graduate associate positions, etc., but may not participate in actual allocation decisions;
  • They may participate fully in discussions concerning the content of the academic programs, and may vote on any matter that affects the content of the curriculum or requirements for the degrees.

Student members of the ASGC and its subcommittees are expected to consult with their constituencies, and are encouraged to serve as a liaison to keep the committees informed of student opinion and issues, including matters on which there is not a consensus.

Office of Academic Programs and Student Services

The Office of Academic Programs and Student Services (OAPSS), located in 100 Cunz Hall, serves as the conduit for the student’s contact with the ASGC. OAPSS can provide any necessary forms, information about course offerings and scheduling, and assistance with routine matters concerning student records, procedures, or policies. Some questions will require discussion with the student’s advisor or the chair of the ASGC. In some cases, it may be necessary to make a formal petition to the ASGC or Graduate School.