Academic Affairs Committee
March 30, 2007 – 3:30-5:00 pm
Newcomb Hall, Board Room

Meeting Minutes

Present:  Reginald Garrett, Martha Snell, Daniel Bluestone, Ann Hamric, Janet Herman, Lynda Phillips-Madson, Linda Waggoner-Fountain, Ricardo Padron

Guests:             Milton Adams, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
                                    Gene Block, Vice President & Provost
                                    David Breneman, Dean, Curry School of Education
                                    Eric Patashnik, Associate Professor of Politics
                                    Elizabeth Powell, Assistant Professor, Darden School

Reginald Garrett, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, called the meeting to order.

Gene Block offered background information on the “Feasibility of a School of Public Leadership and Policy at the University of Virginia.”  The Miller Center sent Mr. Block a program proposal about four years ago (a public service degree program).  Edward Olsen, a former BOV member, approached Mr. Block regarding a school of public service at the University.  Members of the administration joined Mr. Olsen and Miller Center administrators to talk about the prospect, Mr. Block said.  A committee was formed to study the issue and put a proposal together.  That resulted in a 5-year Masters in Public Policy, which was approved by the Faculty Senate last year.  Some individuals thought this program should be broadened.  There is donor interest in the program. 

In closing, Mr. Block cited the process for approvals for new programs at the University, and he cited the various stages of approvals required.  The timeline is very tight, per the donor’s needs, Mr. Block said.

Kenneth Schwartz, Chair of the Faculty Senate, suggested the concept of a new school in public Leadership and Policy should be discussed within the Academic Affairs Committee, a committee should be formed (with Faculty Senate input), a proposal should be created, and all school and outside approvals should be obtained.

Discussion of the Proposal – David Breneman and Eric Patashnik

Mr. Patashnik said there has been great success with the five-year Masters Program in Public Policy, with overwhelming enthusiasm from students.  There is a class of 30 this year, he said.  Market demand is great, and funding has been successful.

A committee has been formed to study the possibility of a School of Public Leadership and Policy at the University, Dean Breneman said.

• Joint degree programs – JD and MPP Program.  Dean Breneman said there is not a great deal of interest in a Ph.D.
• Masters in Public Leadership added to the undergraduate program.
• A concentration program.
• A three-course certificate program.

Ricardo Padron, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate, said the University needs a uniform process by which all programs are created.

With such a small school (18 fulltime faculty, and 6 joint appointments), Ann Hamric, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, asked why create a school – why not a program?

Daniel Bluestone, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, aksed why the program can’t be merged with another program, such as the Miller Center, or partner with another entity at the University.  Would this be more efficient?

Mr. Patashnik gave an overview of the work that has been done in regards to the feasibility of such a school.

Suggestions made to Dean Breneman and Mr. Patashnik regarding creating the school include:

• There needs to be a statement to the University about the school proposal.
• A very careful public relations release is needed.
• The “feasibility study” should be made widely available.
• The Academic Affairs Committee and the full Senate’s role in the process should be given to the faculty.

A member of the Academic Affairs Committee made a motion to release a statement of endorsement for the school, in principle, stating that the Committee is committed to making the school work.

Reginald Garrett will draft a statement and send it to the Academic Affairs Committee for review.

Gene Block will draft and release an executive summary on the school.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.