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

Guests: David T. Gies, Commonwealth Professor of Spanish, Italian, & Portuguese

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

David T. Gies - Report on the Colonnade Club and Dining Issues

David T. Gies gave the Councilors an update on faculty dining and the Garden Room. Mr. Gies reported that it does not appear that the food and ambiance at the Garden Room have changed very much. Some faculty members are still expressing dissatisfaction. Mr. Gies asked the Councilors about their thoughts on whether, and how, this initiative should move forward. He asked for ideas and a possible plan of action. The group discussed the Garden Room and faculty dining. It was suggested that funding to enhance the dining facility could possibly be tied into the Capital Campaign. The members of the Executive Council envision the Garden Room as being a space where faculty can be proud to entertain guests, a welcoming place that also offers appealing food. Mr. Gies asked if a letter could be sent to the President of the Colonnade Club Board of Governors on behalf of the Executive Council, listing concerns and asking for suggestions to make this initiative a success. Robert Davis agreed to draft a letter and circulate it to the members of the Executive Council, and then to the Colonnade Club. Mr. Davis thanked Mr. Gies for his efforts on behalf of the Faculty Senate, and for attending the meeting.

Committee Reports:

Academic Affairs Committee - Pamela Kulbok, Co-Chair

Pamela Kulbok reported on the work of the Academic Affairs Committee. The Committee has reviewed and approved a proposal for the merger of the existing graduate programs in Art History and Architectural History at the University of Virginia. Ms. Kulbok gave the Executive Council an overview of the proposal. The proposal received the approval of the College of Arts and Sciences. After an informational meeting involving some of the faculty in the School of Architecture, the Dean of the School of Architecture also approved the proposal. The Office of the Provost has also indicated support for the merger. The Executive Council discussed the proposal and gave their approval for the merger. The proposal will now go before the full Senate for review at the January 20, 2004 meeting. Larry Goedde, Chair of the Art Department will be at the Faculty Senate meeting to answer any questions.

Ms. Kulbok reported that the Academic Affairs Committee continues its work regarding faculty participation in the Honor System. The Committee is in the process of gathering facts at this time. The group has already met with representatives from Student Council and representatives from the Faculty Advisory Council. There will be additional discussion regarding the Honor System at the upcoming Academic Affairs meeting, which was scheduled for February 4, but subsequently changed to February 17. The Committee will gather input from members of the faculty, regarding the role of the faculty in the Honor System. This information will be compiled and incorporated into a report or strong statement.

Ms. Kulbok concluded her report by describing the ongoing work on an initiative to create an "excused absence policy" for students. The policy will primarily target undergraduate students. The Academic Affairs Committee will determine if such a policy should be developed on a school-by-school basis, instead of a University-wide basis.

Research and Scholarship Committee - Robert O'Connell, Chair

Robert O'Connell gave an update on the work of the Research and Scholarship Committee. Mr. O'Connell reported on his discussions with Robert Sweeney, Senior Vice President for Development and Public Affairs, regarding the faculty's role in University planning. A list of the Development Office's Pan-University Priorities was distributed. Mr. O'Connell commented that Mr. Sweeney's priorities are also the priorities of the Faculty Senate. Mr. O'Connell suggested that the Faculty Senate pass a resolution supporting the University's pan-University priorities. Mr. O'Connell distributed a draft resolution on Pan-University fundraising. Robert Davis will discuss the Pan-University Fundraising Resolution with Robert Sweeney.

Robert Davis asked how this initiative should go forward within the Senate. William Kehoe suggested that a standing committee be formed to be involved in this initiative. The Chair of the standing committee could be an ex officio member of the Capital Campaign Committee. Mr. Davis said the Executive Council will think about creating a committee, and it will make suggestions on how such a committee would function.

Mr. O'Connell reported that the Faculty Senate David Harrison Awards for Undergraduate Research are being offered again this year. The Awards are being administered this year through the Arts and Sciences Office of Undergraduate Excellence, directed by Nicole Hurd. Ms. Hurd is forming a review panel to read and judge the applications. The review panel will have six members appointed by Ms. Hurd and six members appointed by the Senate. Mr. O'Connell welcomed any volunteers to serve on the panel.

Report on the Faculty Senate of Virginia - Marcia Childress, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate

Marcia Childress, the Faculty Senate's representative member at the Faculty Senate of Virginia meetings, reported on the work of that body. The Faculty Senate of Virginia represents many public and private colleges in Virginia. The group has two or three meetings a year. The group is currently working on legislative matters. Ms. Childress said she feels it is important for the University of Virginia to be represented at the FSVA meetings. Mr. Davis thanked Ms. Childress for representing the University at these meetings.

Approval of Executive Council Meeting Minutes for December 2, 2003

The minutes of the December 2, 2003, meeting were approved.

Chair's Report - Robert E. Davis

A report, written by Robert O'Connell, titled "Degraded Benefits in the New UVA Specialty Pharmacy Services Plan" was distributed. Mr. Davis also gave an overview of the composition of the Benefits Committee, and their charge. Vice President for Finance, Yoke San Reynolds, oversees the Benefits Committee. It was suggested that the Senate should have a representative on the Benefits Committee, which is an advisory committee. Mr. Davis will invite Thomas Gausvik, Chair of the Benefits Committee, and Yoke San Reynolds to the next Executive Council meeting. Mr. O'Connell suggested that the Faculty Senate create a Benefits Committee, and have a representative from that committee serve on the University Benefits Committee.

Mr. Davis reported on new Faculty Senate Committee appointments:

· Faculty Senate Nominating Committee - Mr. Davis reviewed the membership of this committee. The Nominating Committee should meet in February or March to begin working on candidate selection for the upcoming Senate elections, which will be held in April.

· Faculty Senate/General Faculty Council Joint Committee - Mr. Davis reviewed the membership of this committee. This committee will look at areas of mutual concern at the University, such as athletics and academic issues.

Mr. Davis also told the Councilors that he has been in conversations over the fall with Craig Littlepage, Director of Athletics, and Terry Holland, Special Assistant to the President, regarding athletics at the University of Virginia.

The Executive Council reviewed the agenda for the upcoming Faculty Senate meeting, which is scheduled for January 20, 2004. Mr. Davis discussed an email message that he received from Clorisa Phillips, Associate Provost for Institutional Advancement. The Provost will be in the process of program review and the elimination of some programs in the near future. Ms. Phillips asked if these program eliminations should be brought before the Senate. It was determined that they should be.

Marcia Childress reported on the Women's Leadership Council. Anda Webb is chair of The Women's Leadership Council. Ms. Childress said that The Women's Leadership Council fosters mentorship relations at the University. Ms. Webb has asked the Faculty Senate to co-sponsor a brochure developed in support of mentoring men and women faculty.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

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