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

Guests: Anne Dawson, Ombudsman to the UVA Health Plan

Thomas Gausvik, Chief Human Resource Officer

Yoke San Reynolds, Vice President for Finance

Robert E. Davis, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order. Mr. Davis welcomed everyone to the meeting. Introductions were made.

Faculty Benefits Overview, Presented by Anne Dawson, Thomas Gausvik, and Yoke San Reynolds

The University of Virginia health plan and changes made to the plan this year have been a concern for faculty and staff. Ms. Reynolds opened the discussion by explaining that the health care changes were not made by Southern Health. The changes were made by the University to control its health care costs, while providing the best possible coverage for its employees. Ms. Reynolds stressed that the University of Virginia owns the health plan, and Southern Health administers the plan for UVA. The Board of Visitors requires UVA to maintain a level of health care services equal to, or better than the current State plan. Thomas Gausvik distributed a packet that details the UVA health plan, the objectives of the plan, and a comparison of the two separate plans that are being offered this year (Point of Service and Direct Access). The information contained in the packet was discussed, and the Benefits representatives took questions from the members of the Executive Council. It was pointed out that nationally, 5% of those covered by a health plan account for 50% of the costs incurred by the plan.

The group also discussed the change in UVA's drug coverage, which requires patients needing certain drugs to work directly with the drug supplier to obtain these drugs. This is seen as a burdensome step by some faculty. Mr. Gausvik said the system is being widely used to manage drug costs more effectively.

In closing, Robert Davis thanked Ms. Dawson, Mr. Gausvik, and Ms. Reynolds for attending the meeting. Mr. Davis stressed the need for good communication lines between Benefits officers and faculty, especially when major benefits changes are being considered. He asked Mr. Gausvik if he could send Frances Peyton a PowerPoint presentation of the data that were distributed, so that this information can be shared with the full Senate.

Other Business

· The minutes for the January 16, 2004, Executive Council meeting were approved unanimously.

· The Executive Council discussed the formation of a development committee, which would work closely with the Development Office. The group discussed whether the committee should be standing or ad hoc, the size of such a committee, the representation of the committee, and to whom the committee would report. Because of time constraints, this discussion will continue at the next Executive Council meeting.

· The Faculty Senate David Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards - Robert O'Connell, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, reported that there are 135 applications, for approximately 40 awards. The Arts and Sciences Office for Undergraduate Excellence, directed by Nicole Hurd, is administering the Harrison Awards. There will be a total of 12 reviewers to read and judge the applications, with half of those being appointed by the Office for Undergraduate Excellence and half being appointed by the Faculty Senate Research and Scholarship Committee. Volunteers from the Senate are needed, Mr. O'Connell said. The reviewers will be asked to read the applications over spring break. Claire Cronmiller has agreed to read. Mr. O'Connell will contact other Research and Scholarship Committee members and ask for additional volunteers. Marcia Childress, last year's chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, has been working with administration to simplify the funding process for the Harrison Awards. Ms. Childress said progress has been made, and the funding process will be more streamlined this year.

· The Executive Council members briefly discussed the University's inclement weather policy. Mr. Davis commented that Leonard Sandridge, Executive Vice President and COO, is effectively addressing this issue. Mr. Davis mentioned that each professor has the option of canceling class in the event of inclement weather. Council members feel that this information needs to be widely disseminated to faculty.

· The Honor Committee and the Faculty Senate are co-sponsoring an address by Donald McCabe on Thursday, February 19, 2004, in the Rotunda Dome Room. Mr. McCabe's talk will be about Honor Codes & Academic Integrity in the 21st Century Classroom. Mr. Davis encouraged everyone to attend.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

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