December 15, 2000 (3:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

Commonwealth Room, Newcomb Hall

Patricia Werhane, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order and gave welcoming remarks. Ms. Werhane introduced John T. Casteen III, President, and thanked him for his work with the Commonwealth on behalf of the University. Mr. Casteen spoke about State budget issues and how they are affecting the University. Mr. Casteen said that tax revenue is not growing as much as anticipated and, therefore, allotments to the University will be reduced by about $300,000 next year. Mr. Casteen commented that the Commonwealth would like to see more in-State enrollment.

2020 Updates: · A new commission is being established, the "Commission on Ways and Means" · In a report written by Patricia Lampkin, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Ms. Lampkin recommends more interaction between faculty and students. Mr. Casteen asked for the Senate's help with this. Mr. Casteen took questions from the audience.

Ms. Werhane introduced Sarah Jobe, a representative from the Religious and Ethnic Affairs Committee of Student Council. Ms. Jobe addressed the group to request that faculty consider all religious and ethnic holidays when making their calendar. Ms. Jobe distributed a list of the major religious holidays in the Spring semester 2001.

Doris Glick, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on the work of that Committee. Two of the issues that are being addressed are interdisciplinary collaborations and the Teaching Initiative program evaluation and response rates to the survey report. There should also be one or more new program proposals being brought before the Committee this spring.

Robert E. Reynolds, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Information Technology, addressed the group, citing his goals for the Office, which include:

· Enhancing a partnership with deans and faculty

· Securing and confidentiality of the network

· An infrastructure solid and ahead of the curve · Working with Robert Sweeney, Vice President for Development, in an effort to create a web portal for faculty

· A partnership with INC

· Campus-wide planning and facilitation

· Succession planning

William Kehoe, Chair of the Committee on Research and Scholarship, reported on the work of that Committee. The Committee is currently primarily working on the Faculty Senate David Harrison Undergraduate Research proposals. They are reviewing all proposals and selecting Award recipients at this time. Ms. Werhane thanked all Senate committee members for their hard work and dedication.

Houston G. Wood, III, Chair of the Committee on ROTC Affairs, reported on the Committee and the need for funds for the ROTC program. The Committee is working with Robert Sweeney to establish an endowment of funds, Mr. Wood reported.

Ms. Werhane reported on the following ongoing Senate initiatives:

· The keyword project - more input is needed

· The 2020 Commission reports - this data will be formulated into a draft and circulated to the President, deans and various other interested parties

· The Garden Room - the Garden Room is currently closed

· Graduate Student funding - Aaron Mills, Professor of Environmental Sciences, will chair a committee to look into possibilities

Karin Wittenborg, University Librarian, and Diane Walker, Associate Librarian, gave a slide presentation and discussed the future of the Library Journal Collection. They then took questions. Ms. Werhane suggested that the Senators talk with their constituents about the issue and report any feedback they may get.

Ms. Werhane gave closing remarks, and she wished everyone a happy holiday.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted by Michael J. Smith, Secretary of the Faculty Senate.