Present: Robert O'Connell, Marcia Childress, Robert Grainger, Larry Bouchard, Paul Kingston, Donal Day, Claire Cronmiller, Michael Fowler, Arlene Keeling, Houston Wood, Robert Davis

Robert O'Connell, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, called the meeting to order. Introductions were made.

Mr. O'Connell cited the goals of the Committee as overseeing the Faculty Senate David Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards and addressing faculty involvement in the University's future, i.e., University planning. Mr. O'Connell distributed the last year's "Call for Harrison Undergraduate Research Proposals." He gave the Committee an overview of how the program works. In the past years, total funding for the program has been $160,000 per year, with $100,000 coming from David Harrison funds and $60,000 coming from the Office of the Provost. In the past, this program was administered entirely through the Research and Scholarship Committee. The Office of Undergraduate Excellence, directed by Nicole Hurd, will administer the program this year, with substantial involvement and input from the Research and Scholarship Committee. The Faculty Senate name will remain with the program. It was suggested that a subcommittee of about 10 people, with at least half of those coming from the Research and Scholarship Committee, be appointed to read and evaluate the proposals, and choose the recipients of the Harrison Awards. The Committee discussed a timeline for this year's Harrison Awards "Call for Proposals" notice, submission of proposals, and review and selection process. The "Call for Proposals" language will be changed somewhat this year, to include a statement that says an Award recipient must be a fulltime student for the duration of the Award. The Committee also discussed the process of selecting readers of the proposals, so that a wide range of disciplines can be represented in the selection process.

Robert O'Connell distributed a document produced by the Senate in February of 2003. The document is titled "Faculty Involvement in University Planning." He gave the Committee members an overview of the document, and the goals the Senate hope to reach in regard to the document. The Senate would like faculty to have a role in assisting the administration in establishing priorities, and having major input in the University's future, including development efforts. Such initiatives as a funding pool for faculty excellence and an academic enhancement program are envisioned. The Committee members had a discussion regarding how the Senate might work with the Development Office to become more involved in the development planning process. Bob O'Connell agreed to make a list of action items that the Senate might do to enhance faculty involvement in University planning. The group also discussed the possibility of working closely with the deans regarding University planning. It was decided that future Research and Scholarship Committee meetings would include conversations with various deans, Gene Block, Vice President and Provost, and Ariel Gomez, Vice President for Research and Public Service. These meetings will look at ways that faculty members might help as the University begins to think about the next capital campaign.

The Committee discussed what might be the best days and times to schedule future meetings.

The Committee will schedule the next meeting for late October.

The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.