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Statement of the University of Virginia Faculty Senate

Restructuring Public Higher Education in Virginia

The effort in 2004-2005 to restructure the relationship between the Commonwealth of Virginia and its public universities and colleges marks a turning point for the University of Virginia. We value and support the University administration's efforts to create a new model for a premier public university. As faculty we have a responsibility to help guide the future of this academic institution. Dialogue between the faculty and administration during the General Assembly session in early 2005 and beyond should help us anticipate some of the consequences of the legislative redefinition of the University's status and powers. To that end, we focus on four primary areas of concern calling for our joint deliberation and action.

Commitment to Public Higher Education

We understand that the proposed restructuring would grant the University of Virginia greater autonomy in setting tuition and in managing personnel, procurement, and capital projects. As members of the faculty, we agree that "higher education's academic mission is a public good" that benefits "all Virginians" (Virginia Senate Finance Committee report). Sharing the University administration's commitment to academic excellence and public service, we also recognize that the needs of public higher education are not identical to those of the private sector. The financial advantages of greater institutional autonomy must serve UVA's continuing progress as a premier institution of public higher education.

Economic Diversity and Quality of the Student Body

We are pleased to note that higher in-state and out-of-state tuition will be accompanied by a recommitment to financial aid, to initiatives that support K-12 education, and to mentoring and recruiting rural, minority, and first-generation college students. Tuition rates and financial aid should be such that UVA can still attract talented undergraduates who might otherwise go to top private institutions or who might not apply to UVA because of the "sticker shock" effect. Just as important, a first-class research institution requires nationally competitive graduate funding that offsets tuition increases.

Employment Conditions and Quality of the Staff

The faculty and the academic community would likely benefit from the loosening of state regulations. However, we are concerned lest there be two tiers of staff, those already employed and those hired after the University and the state reach a new management agreement. We are also concerned lest the terms of employment for some staff fall below those of state classified employees. These outcomes could diminish our ability to recruit and to retain the best people, whose support is vital to the university's programs and services.

Governance

The potential reconstitution of the relations among the University of Virginia, other educational institutions, and the Commonwealth calls for the reexamination of university governance and of internal channels of communication. The faculty looks forward to open communication and active participation in matters that affect the public academic mission of the University, whether through the Faculty Senate and General Faculty Council, representation on the Board of Visitors, or other means.

9 February 2005