The Graduate Council establishes regulations and standards for graduate study with the approval of the Faculty Senate and advises the vice provost of graduate studies on exceptions or adjustments to policy.

Graduate Council members assist with:

  • Reviewing graduate program curriculum proposals. Proposals for new curricula or revisions to existing curricula (R401s) are reviewed and approved by the Graduate Council.
  • Reviewing changes to Graduate School policy. Changes to Graduate School requirements (e.g., admission requirements) and other policies as listed in the SGS Graduate Faculty Handbook, are reviewed and approved by the Council. 
  • Advise the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies on General Matters.

Members

The Graduate Council includes one representative from each of the academic colleges, three appointed representatives from Faculty Senate, a representative from the Library, and a USUSA Graduate Student Representative, all of whom are voting members. The Council is chaired by the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies. The Office of Research and the Office of the Registrar can each appoint an ex-officio member.

The Graduate Council sends one member as a representative to the Curriculum Committee, and one to the Educational Policies Committee.

All faculty members of the council serve three-year terms. The graduate students are appointed for one-year terms by the Graduate Student Senate.

Member Representing Email Term End
Kara Thornton-Kurth Agriculture and Natural Resources kara.thornton@usu.edu  
Sean Johnson Arts + Science  sean.johnson@usu.edu  
Brad Lindsey Business  brad.lindsey@usu.edu    
Jody Clarke Midura  Education & Human Services jody.clarke@usu.edu  
Christopher Fox Engineering c.fox@usu.edu  
Toni Gibbons USU Registrar toni.gibbons@usu.edu Non-expiring, Ex officio
Jamie Parry Graduate Student Senator gradsenator.ususa@usu.edu  
Britt Fagerheim Library britt.fagerheim@usu.edu  
Alexa Sand  Office of Research  alexa.sand@usu.edu Non-expiring, Ex officio
David Feldon  School of Graduate Studies, V.P., Grad Council Chair david.feldon@usu.edu  
Susannah French School of Graduate Studies, Associate V.P.  susannah.french@usu.edu  
Chris Davies  Vet Med chris.davies@usu.edu  
Rose Judd-Murray Faculty Senate rose.juddmurray@usu.edu  

Schedule of Council Meetings

The Graduate Council meets monthly during the academic year, typically on the second Thursday of each month, at 3:00pm.

Meeting agendas will be distributed before the meeting.

Please contact the School of Graduate Studies Administrative Assistant if you:

  • Have proposals or agenda items for the Graduate Council.
    • Proposals and agenda items are due by 5:00pm on the date listed below.
  • Are unable to attend one of the meetings, to let them know who will be substituting for you.
Meeting Date Agenda Items Due Date
Sept. 11  Sep. 4
Oct. 9  Oct. 2
Nov. 13 Nov. 6
Dec. 11 Dec. 4
January - No Meeting
Feb. 12  Feb. 5
Mar. 26  Mar. 19
Apr. 9  Apr. 2