July 11, 2006 Minutes

Present: D. Fetko, J. Addison, K. Olsen, V. Faulconer, S. Morris, S. Chisholm, J. Lassetter, J. Loughe, E. Olmsted, C. Linden, A. Cohn, A. Webb, L. Shifflett, J. Gurley, L. Miller, D. Waller, A. Burns, B. Corey, C. Garges, B. Holland, E. Schmidt, K. Merritt, L. Jean, E. H. Booker, S. Edinger, P. Powell, K. Craddock, R. Schuett

William Harvey, Vice President and Chief Officer for Diversity and Equity, spoke to the Council about Diversity & Equity at UVa. Mr. Harvey joined the University seven months ago and has spent the first six months talking and listening to various groups within and outside the university area to gather input on this important topic. He stated that the main initiative of his position is to facilitate and promote higher responsibility in interracial interactions and harmony and he has found that on the whole, university students haven’t had much experience in interracial interactions. There are approximately 6 to 10 incidents reported every month across all universities. Mr. Harvey has assisted in forming a Diversity Council which meets once a month including representation from faculty and classified staff. There is an automated reporting system available called “Just Report It” where anyone can go online and anonymously report any inappropriate incident. Beginning next fall the University will hold its first annual symposium for the purpose of discussing sensitive but important topics. The first will be held November 2-4 and the theme will be “In the Wake of Katrina.” These events and services can be accessed on the University home page.

Orientation materials were distributed to the 13 new members of the committee containing the history, purpose, and function of the Councils and the roles of the representatives. Introductions were given by all new, returning, and outgoing members. Eleven departing members, having served two years, were recognized for their contributions. Alan Cohn from HR talked to the group about the History of the Councils. The Medical School had the first one and is the largest and was established in the 60s; the other councils were established in the 80s. All councils contribute to changes that affect staff and the officers of the councils meet quarterly with Leonard Sandridge at the Executive Council meeting.

Elections: Susan Chisholm and Kim Olsen were nominated and elected as Co-Vice Chairs. Iva Gillet was nominated and elected as Chair. Congratulations to all!!

Reports: Carol Garges and Rob Schuett have been working with councils and schools researching an alternative parking pay plan but wants suggestions from other employees throughout the university.

Brad Holland, the University Ombudsman, reported that his ad hoc committee is slowly working on the Council FAQ and will welcome volunteers to participate. He also handed out brochures regarding the mentoring and mediation program offered here at UVA.

The Council does not meet in August and the next meeting is Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m. – location to be announced