The School of Graduate Studies and Research

The School of Graduate Studies and Research consists of the School of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Programs and Research. Winston-Salem State University aims to provide excellent master’s degree programs that enhance scholarship, leadership, and service within a student-centered environment. Each of the degree programs is described fully in this catalog.

Mission and Governance of the Graduate School

Winston-Salem State University provides eligible students with a superior education required for the full development of scholarly and professional capacities at the master’s degree level in selected academic programs. Graduate study involves the extension of advanced knowledge. Graduate programs offer:

• Exercises in critical analysis, engagement in scholarly inquiry, and a high degree of individual initiative throughout the degree program
• Independence of thought and engagement in more extensive and intensive readings
• Direct participation in creativity and research related to the area of study
• Quality instruction provided by graduate faculty with specialized expertise

Both graduate studies and research activities are pivotal in providing a comprehensive experience for our students.

Responsibilities of the School of Graduate Studies and Research

The School of Graduate Studies and Research responsibilities include the following:

1. Articulate a vision of intellectual excellence for the graduate community
2. Ensure campus-wide and program specific standards and policies
3. Provide quality control of all aspects of graduate education
4. Management of the graduate student admissions, including transmission of completed admissions dossiers to the appropriate graduate program for final admissions decisions
5. Official notification of admissions or denials of admission to applicants
6. Management of the day-to-day operations of the school
7. Marketing all graduate programs
8. Coordination of graduate student orientation
9. Management of final review and clearance for graduation of students
10. Management and administration of the graduate assistantship program
11. Foster communication among graduate faculty, graduate program coordinators, chairs and academic deans

The School is supported by the Graduate Council, the Graduate Services Advisory Board, and the Graduate Student Association.

Graduate Council Responsibilities and Membership

The Graduate Council consists of faculty members active in graduate programs who are elected or appointed according to the Constitution of the General Faculty at WSSU. These graduate faculty members represent the interests of graduate education as a whole, not of specific departments or programs. The Graduate Council assumes primary policy-making responsibility for the following functions. It reviews, makes recommendations on, and approves: new graduate degree and certificate programs including online programs; curricular revisions and changes in graduate academic programs; university-wide standards for student academic conduct in graduate programs; minimum admission standards; minimum course requirements including research projects; fellowships and assistantships; maximum length of time to complete degree; and minimum qualifications and reappointment periods of graduate faculty. Requests for policy changes are submitted to this committee through the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research after they have been proposed, reviewed and approved by all appropriate graduate program faculty members, department and school/college committees, and administrators.

Each graduate department at Winston-Salem State University elects a faculty representative and an alternate to serve on this committee for a term as specified by the Faculty Constitution. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Faculty Senate serve as representative and alternate, respectively, and the Provost and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research serve as ex-officio members. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Graduate Council are elected by the council members for two-year terms. The recorder of the council is appointed by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Office of Sponsored Programs

Consistent with the university’s mission, the mission of the Office of Sponsored Programs is to provide leadership, information, direction and technical assistance services to faculty, staff and students in obtaining external funds to engage in research, instruction and other scholarly activities. The major priorities of the Office of Sponsored Programs are to:

• Support the sponsored research and other scholarly activities of the university
• Facilitate increased sponsored program productivity
• Manage existing research and sponsored projects
• Ensure full research regulatory compliance
• Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of sponsored programs administration

The Office of Sponsored Programs is responsible for assisting with program development, submitting proposals, reviewing and negotiating agreements, administering projects from initiation to closeout, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations. For additional information, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs at (336) 750-2410.

A listing of our office staff includes the following:

Valerie Howard, Director
Paul Tuttle, Associate Director
Compliance Officer - Stephanie Evans
Carolyn Neal, Pre-Award Administrator
Post-Award Administrator - Kevin Byers
Arnita Hill, Data Entry Operator
Carol Simrel, Administrative Assistant

School of Graduate Studies and Research
C017 Anderson Center
601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
PHONE: (336) 750-2102
Toll Free: 1- 877-718-5545
FAX: (336) 750-3042
E-mail: graduate@wssu.edu
Website: www.wssu.edu