WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY Minutes of the Faculty Meeting

May 6, 1994

Attendance: Approximately 140

1. Minutes of the previous meeting

2. Approval of Candidates for Degrees

3. Approval of Undergraduate Honors

4. Overview of Faculty Accomplishments

5. Recognition of Retiring Faculty

6. Announcements

President Malcolm Gillis called the meeting to order at at 10:04 a.m. in 301 Sewall Hall.

1. Minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the April 12, 1994 meeting were approved.

2. Approval of the lists of candidates for degrees.

Hally Beth Poindexter, Chair of the Committee on Examinations and Standing, presented the list of candidates for baccalaureate degrees. The motion was passed after considerable discussion of one case. David Minter, on behalf of the Graduate Council, presented the list of candidates for advanced degrees. The list was approved unanimously. A total of 1092 degrees (including 106 Ph.D. and 279 Master's degrees) were earned.

3. Approval of undergraduate honors.

The Committee on Examinations and Standing recommended the top three percent of the class (23 students) for highest honors. These students had grade point averages of 4.0 or above. The next seven percent (47 students) were recommended for high honors. These students had grade point averages between 3.814 and 4.0. The next ten percent (64) students were recommended for honors (cum laude). These students had grade point averages between 3.678 and 3.810. Six hundred eighty seven students were candidates for bachelor's degrees; 134 of these were awarded honors.

4. Overview of faculty accomplishments.

President Gillis complimented the faculty on the published books, performances, grants, honors, and medals that demonstrate the academic and professional accomplishments of Rice faculty. Lists of research grants awarded and other accomplishments were distributed at the meeting. Prizes and awards for teaching were presented to fifteen faculty members.

5. Recognition of retiring members of the faculty.

Representatives spoke in appreciation of the accomplishments of retiring faculty members Robert H. Dix, Political Science; Jean-Claude De Bremaecker, Geology and Geophysics; Gerald H. F. Gardner, Geology and Geophysics; and Shirley Trepel, the Shepherd School. Their work over several decades has profoundly changed Rice and will benefit the University for many years to come.

6. Announcements.

Hally Beth Poindexter and Bob Patten discussed commencement.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Patten, Acting Secretary of the Faculty