University of Iowa Graduate College Dean John Keller spoke to the University of Iowa’s Faculty Senate on Tuesday to discuss a review of the graduate programs.

Keller said the graduate programs submitted data in February 2010 and a series of recommendations since that time have hit their mark.

The initial review, labeled Task Force 1.0, received recommendations from graduate students and faculty members. A 21-member council, consisting of 20 faculty members and one student, reviewed them.

Keller stressed the review is also focusing on the American Association of Universities graduate programs standards. He said much attention was needed to look at where the AAU standards were going and the where the university stood on those issues.

The AAU looks for particular metrics regarding what Ph.D. students do with a degree obtained from a university and various graduation rates. Keller said he has not spoken with the state Board of Regents on the review, but has paid a lot of attention to having efficient length of time on programs.

Keller said a second review, Task Force 2.0, will begin at the end of the current fall term.

— by Austin Petroski