Meeting Minutes Present: Houston Wood, Kenneth Schwartz, Marcia Day Childress, Teresa Culver, Alison Booth, Edmund Kitch, Steven Nock, William Kehoe, Reginald Garrett, Susan Kirk

Guests: Milton Adams, Office of the Provost & Fred Damon, FS/GFC Joint Committee

Houston Wood, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order.

The Councilors discussed the Faculty Senate Retreat, which was held on January 27, 2006. Mr. Wood commented that the retreat facilitators did a great job that resulted in lively discussions.

Mr. Wood announced that Malcolm Bell, current chair of the Grievance Committee, is on leave, and a replacement is needed to chair the Committee. Mildred Robinson, a member of the Committee and a professor in the Law School, has agreed to Chair the Committee.

Mr. Wood noted that most Senators are willing to serve on a committee, and the Senate needs to add small ad hoc committees and restructure current committees, getting more Senators involved in Senate activities.

Fred Damon, a member of the Faculty Senate/General Faculty Council Joint Committee reported that the group has asked that the Senate review the wording in the Faculty Grievance document, specifically clarification of general faculty terminology.

Discussion of Retreat -- Senate Issues and Suggestions -- Possible Action Steps:

The Councilors discussed issues that were raised at the Retreat and what might realistically be accomplished to address the issues. One reoccurring issue raised at the Retreat was "Faculty Quality of Life.

It was suggested that the Senate establish ad hoc committees to address:.

1. Tuition benefits for children of faculty and staff
2. Academic/Faculty Climate
3. Faculty teaching and research initiatives
4. Domestic partner benefits
5. Restructuring and representation of the Faculty Senate
6. Faculty representation on the Board of Visitors
7. Institutionalize Faculty Senate participation in hiring of senior administration personnel
8. Other?

Houston Wood will send a letter to the Senate requesting volunteers to work on one or more of the above issues that most interest him/her. These volunteer groups will submit preliminary reports by the end of the spring semester.

Marcia Day Childress, Chair of the Faculty Senate Development Committee, gave the Councilors an overview of the work of that group.

Houston Wood reported that the Arts and Sciences Council has announced a new award program called the "Outstanding Advisor Award." The group is asking for some input and possibly a partnership with the Senate on this initiative.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted by Teresa Culver, Secretary of the Faculty Senate