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The regular meeting of the faculty of the Department of Statistics was held on Zoom at 12:30pm, November 15, 2021. Abel Rodriguez, Department Chair, presided at the meeting. Kristine Chan was recording secretary. 

 

New Business 

Minutes from the previous faculty meetings (10/18, 10/25, and 11/8) were reviewed, voted on, and approved by the eligible voting faculty who were present.  

 

PhD Student Support: The Chair shared slides on proposed funding for PhD students starting in 2022-2023. The discussion revolved around the ability for our department to be competitive with TA/RA salary rates in comparison with other departments/institutions in a financially sustainable manner. The proposals on the slides were based on a report produced by an ad-hoc department committee. No concerns were raised by the faculty and the Chair will move to implement the proposal, including submitting a request to the Graduate School to move TA and RA salaries into a variable rate.  

 

2021-2022 PhD Student Handbook: The Chair shared a draft of the handbook that incorporated feedback provided by both faculty and student. Discussion focused on four points: (1) changes to the wording of the seminar requirement, (2) the addition of timelines/milestones specific to the formation of the Supervisory Committee, (3) requirements for faculty to serve as members and as Chairs of Supervisory committees, and (4) requirements for faculty to serve on reading committees. A catalyst poll was sent to the voting faculty to approve the changes. 

 

PhD Program requirement changes for 2022-2023: There was not enough time to discuss this item. It has been deferred to the next faculty meeting: 

 

Adjournment 

There being no other items to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 2:00pm.