February 6, 2003 - 10:00-11:30 p.m. -- Newcomb Hall, Room 481

Present: Michael Smith, Robert Davis, Robert Grainger, Ellen Contini-Morava, Pamela Kulbok, Daniel Hallahan, J.H. Verkerke, Julian Connolly, David Brautigan, Robert O'Connell, Marcia Childress, Gene Block

Guests: Tom Gausvik, Chief Human Resource Officer

Linda Way-Smith, Director of Employee Benefits

Michael Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order.

Mr. Smith distributed an edited document on the "Procedure for Disciplinary Suspension or Termination of Academic Faculty". The Committee reviewed and commented on the document. Suggestions were made for some minor revisions to the document. The Executive Council is in agreement with the document, as amended.

University of Virginia Faculty Separation Incentive Program

Tom Gausvik distributed a document that explains the recently enacted University of Virginia Faculty Separation Incentive Program. He gave the group an overview of the Program, including development, review, and the approval process. The deadline for applying for the Program is the end February. The Program is open to fulltime tenure track or administrative faculty, 55 years of age, or older. Mr. Gausvik and Ms. Way-Smith took questions from the Council members.

Search for a Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies

David Brautigan, a member of the Executive Council, and Chair of the search committee formed to make recommendations for the position of Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies, informed everyone about the search. Additional information can be found on the web at the following URL: http://www.virginia.edu/provost/

The announcement reads as follows: "January 29, 2003 A committee has been formed to conduct a nation-wide search and make recommendations of top candidates to Mr. Block and to President Casteen for appointment of a Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies. The process is expected to be completed this spring. Chairing the committee is Professor of Microbiology David Brautigan, Director for the Center for Cell Signaling. Other members are: Anita Jones, Professor of Engineering and Applied Science; Tim Garson, Dean of the School of Medicine; Milton Brown, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Karen Van Lengen, Dean of the School of Architecture; George Hornberger, Associate Dean for the Sciences in the College; Richard Miksad, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Tom Skalak, Professor and Chairman of Biomedical Engineering; Robert Sweeney, Senior Vice President for Development and Public Affairs; Yoke San Reynolds, Vice President for Finance; and ex officio, Gene Block, Vice President and Provost. Candidates from UVA and outside institutions are encouraged to apply. Nominations are also being sought from UVA faculty. Please forward names of possible candidates to the attention of Frank DiGiacome at 434-924-4748 (fad2a@virginia.edu), or Lea Moore at 434-982-2265 (leamoore@virginia.edu). For more information please visit http:www.virginia.edu/provost/. The search committee will make recommendations to the Provost sometime in May, 2003." Ellen Contini-Morava, Secretary of the Faculty Senate suggested that someone from the Humanities should be on the search committee. Dr. Brautigan encouraged the Executive Council to submit suggestions of possible candidates.

Robert O'Connell, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee

a. New Biomedical Engineering BS Degree: The Committee discussed the proposal and the supporting documentation. Tom Skalak, Professor and Chairman of Biomedical Engineering, answered questions about the new degree proposal. The Academic Affairs Committee then voted unanimously to endorsed the proposal, which will be voted on by the full Senate at the upcoming meeting on February 13, 2003.

b. Mr. O'Connell reported that Micah Schwartz, a student in Arts and Sciences, has submitted a proposal to increase the number of Reading Days during Finals. It was suggested that the subject might be addressed at a later date by the Committee, with Mr. Schwartz in attendance.

c. Mr. O'Connell reported on the new On-Line Course Evaluation Systems. Mr. O'Connell said the initiative originated with Student Council, and first was review in the Faculty Senate Research and Scholarship Committee. The System is moving forward, and the Academic Affairs Committee feels there is a lack of public/faculty information regarding the initiative. There are concerns regarding the System, such as clearly defining where ownership will reside, technology concerns, and types of questions that will be on the Survey. The new On-Line Course Evaluations System will be piloted during the spring semester. Participation will be on a voluntary basis. The Academic Affairs Committee suggests that a faculty committee be formed, through the Office of the Provost, charged with coordinating the issues and concerns across schools. Robert O'Connell will draft such a proposal, to go before the full Senate at the February 13th meeting.

Marcia Childress, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee

a. Ms. Childress reported that there have been 110 Faculty Senate David A. Harrison Undergraduate Research Award proposals submitted this year. There will be a meeting next week to sort through the proposals and distribute them to Committee members for reading and rating. After the initial round of ratings, there will be a second review, after which final selections will be made. The Award winners will be announced before Spring Break.

b. The Research and Scholarship Committee will work with the 2020 Commissions to advance the initiatives set forth in the Commission reports. Ms. Childress and Rob Grainger, Past Chair of the Faculty Senate, will draft a document supporting faculty involvement in University Planning. This document will be introduced to the full Senate at the upcoming meeting, on February 13th.

c. The Research and Scholarship Committee suggested that the subject of "faculty involvement and faculty planning" should be included in the agenda for the Faculty Senate Retreat in September. Robert Davis, Chair-Elect of the Senate, agreed with this suggestion.

A new University committee is being formed - a committee to study University policy making. There will be Senate representation on this committee. Mr. Smith asked Ms. Contini-Morava is she would be willing to serve in this capacity. Ms. Contini-Morava agreed to serve.

The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.