Present: Robert E. Davis, Marcia Childress, Robert J. Davis, Pamela Kulbok, Daniel Hallahan, Rebecca Kneedler, Claire Cronmiller, William Kehoe, Robert O'Connell, Milton Adams

Robert E. Davis, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order.

Opening Remarks -- Robert E. Davis

The March 4, 2004, Executive Council meeting minutes were unanimously approved. Committee Reports: Academic Affairs Committee -- Pamela Kulbok, Co-Chair The Academic Affairs Committee has drafted a formal document on faculty involvement in the Honor System, "Faculty Senate Perspectives on Honor." The Academic Affairs Committee has approved the document. Ms. Kulbok distributed the document and gave an overview. The Executive Council discussed the document. Some suggestions for minor changes to the document were made. The Executive Council voted to approve the document, with the suggested changes (April 2, 2004). The document will be presented to the full Senate for vote at the April 8, 2004, meeting.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science has requested approval to close four programs, 1) B.S. in applied Mathematics, 2) Masters of Science in Applied Mathematics, 3) Masters of Applied Mathematics, and 4) Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. Ms. Kulbok distributed a handout, giving background information on the program closures. Robert J. Davis, Secretary of the Faculty Senate, and a member of the School of Engineering and Applied Science faculty, gave an overview of why the programs were being closed. Mr. Davis said the School of Engineering has voted at all school levels to close the programs. The Academic Affairs Committee has also approved the closures. A vote was called for the Executive Council to approve the request to close the four Engineering programs. The vote passed unanimously (April 2, 2004).

Steve Macko, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, and the Dissertation-Year Fellowships Committee chair, was unable to attend the Executive Council meeting. Robert E. Davis reported on the status of the Dissertation-Year Fellowships. The Dissertation-Year Fellowships Committee is in the final-review stage. The group will meet the week of April 5 to make final decisions. A banquet to honor Dissertation-Year Fellowship recipients will be held on April 20, 2004.

Mr. Davis thanked Pamela Kulbok for her work on behalf of the Senate this year.

Research and Scholarship Committee -- Robert O'Connell, Chair

The Harrison Award recipients have been announced. New payment guidelines have been established to streamline the funding process. A formal letter, written by Marcia Childress, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate, will be sent to all Award recipients. The letter will be signed by Robert E. Davis, Chair of the Faculty Senate, Robert O'Connell, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, and Nicole Hurd, Director of the Office for Undergraduate Excellence. Ms. Childress will meet with Ms. Hurd to review the Awards process.

Mr. O'Connell distributed a draft resolution regarding University fundraising. He gave an overview of the document. The Committee discussed the document and decided that the Senate would not pass a resolution at this time. The Executive Council called for a vote to establish an ad hoc committee to address development issues. The vote passed unanimously (April 2, 2004). Robert O'Connell will report to the full Senate at the April 8, 2004, meeting. He will also draft a document regarding the establishment of this committee, and the charge of the committee.

Report on Faculty Senate Nominating Committee, Marcia Childress

Ms. Childress will set up a meeting of the Nominating Committee the week of April 5. Nominations from the floor will be taken at the April 8 Faculty Senate meeting. At least two nominations are needed for membership on the Executive Council, and nominations are needed for the position of Chair-Elect. The Secretary of the Faculty Senate will be appointed. Elections will be held by electronic mail.

Chair's Report - Robert E. Davis

• Mr. Davis reported on the status of establishing an ad hoc committee to work on development issues.
• There has not been a response to the letter sent to the director of the Colonnade Club.
• Faculty Housing Survey - There were 20 responses to the email requesting input on faculty housing at U.Va. About 50% said more faculty housing is needed. Some responded that faculty housing is particularly needed for visiting professors.
• Mr. Davis will meet with the Rector of the Board of Visitors to discuss the Faculty Senate's document on Honor issues.
• Joint Committee of the Faculty Senate and the General Faculty Council - this group has had several organizational meetings, to identify issues of mutual concern.
• Mr. Davis discussed the agenda for the full Senate meeting on April 8, 2004. The agenda includes reports on the Engaging the Mind Series and the Faculty Senate Faculty Speakers Bureau. There will also be committee reports, nominations for officers, and the "transfer of power" from Robert E. Davis, Chair of the Senate, to Marcia Childress, Chair-Elect of the Senate.

New Business

Robert J. Davis, Secretary of the Faculty Senate, reported on a new policy established by the University Policy Review Committee. The policy involves scientific misconduct. Mr. Davis will distribute the document to the full Senate for input.

Marcia Childress, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate, reported that the Faculty Senate of Virginia will meet on April 24, 2004, at Sweetbriar College. Ms. Childress asked if someone from the Executive Council could attend in her stead, as she will be out of town.

In closing, Mr. Davis said his experience this year as Chair of the Faculty Senate has been great. He thanked everyone for their hard work.

The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Submitted by Robert J. Davis, Secretary of the Faculty Senate