The Academic Affairs Committee
September 17, 2007 – 11:30-1:30 p.m.
The Garden Room

Meeting Minutes

Present:  Ann Hamric, Reginald Garrett, Robert Kemp, Martha Snell, Daniel Bluestone, Malcolm Bell, Janet Herman, Peter Beling, Brandt Allen, John James, Larry Walker, Robert Bloodgood, Ricardo Padron

Guests: David Breneman, Dean, Curry School of Education
                        Eric Patashinik, Department of Politics
                        Anda Webb, Associate Provost for Management & Budget

Ann Hamric, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, called the meeting to order. 

• Welcoming Remarks
• Introductions
• Overview of the Batten plan as reviewed by the Committee last spring
• The Batten plan had been approved by the Committee in concept

David Breneman and Eric Patashinik gave the Committee an overview of the Batten proposal and the work that had been done over last spring and summer to advance the proposal, including meetings with various administrators and working on the format of the proposal.

Dean Breneman noted that a smaller version of the program had already been approved by the Academic Affairs Committee when the gift from Mr. Batten was received.  He also noted that the School would take four or five years to role out in its entirety.

Eric Patashinik said he had prepared reports over the summer, outlining what the school should look like.  There will be a search committee formed to conduct the search for the dean of the Batten School.

Ann Hamric said the Committee will look at the elements needed to create a template establishing the format, and the information needed in a proposal to create a new school at the University.

The Committee discussed the Batten proposal and voiced concerns that they had, including such things as faculty, space, and resources for a new school.

Brandt Allen, a Committee member from the Darden School, suggested that the Batten proposal should include an Executive Summary and a mission statement, addressing the business aspect of the Batten School, pointing out that the University already two business schools. 

In closing, Mr. Patashinik said the School will have an internal advisory council to oversee operations.

Ms. Hamric thanked Dean Breneman and Patashinik for their thoughtful work with the Committee and for attending the meeting.

Ann Hamric asked if there was a motion to create the Batten School in concept.  Robert Kemp, a Committee member from the School of Commerce, made the motion.  The motion was seconded, and a discussion ensued. 

• It was noted that Page 92 of the proposal contains language on working with other University entities, such as the Miller School. 
• A comment was made that there should be full justification with any involvement with undergraduates. 
• Reginald Garret, former Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, stated that he is very much in favor of the program. 
• Ricardo Padron, Chair of the Faculty Senate, asked “what is missing in the undergraduate aspect of the Batten School.” 
• Larry Walker commented that he is concerned with the intellectual integrity of the proposal. 
• Allen Brandt said the teaching leadership aspect of the School needs to be addressed more fully.

Ann Hamric called for a show of hands on approving the School in concept.

Results of Vote:

1 – Abstain

2 – Opposed (Ann, two includes Dan Bluestone – was he an abstain or opposed?)

7 – Approved

Ann, this count does not include Janet Herman or Marti Snell, do you know their vote?

In closing, the Committee members expressed hope that the Batten School would encourage partnerships with other University constituents.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.