The Executive Council of the Faculty Senate
March 20, 2007 – 10:30-Noon
Newcomb Hall Board Room

Meeting Minutes

Present: Kenneth Schwartz, Ricardo Padron, Houston Wood, Harold Burbach, Alison Booth, Marcia Childress, Edmund Kitch, Teresa Culver, Janet Herman, Gweneth West, Reginald Garrett, Gene Block

Guest: James J. Hilton, Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Kenneth Schwartz, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meting to order.  Mr. Schwartz introduced James Hilton the Councilors.

Information Technology – James J. Hilton

James Hilton presented to the group his thoughts on information technology at the University. He spoke about:
 

• Technology’s broad themes and challenges at the University.
• The state of Information Technology at the University.
• How emerging developments in IT are causing disruptions in how research and scholarship are being done.
• Visualization is important – U.Va. has lagged in this area in the past.
• IT is data intensive (high volumes) – identifying ways to improve the ability to move the data.
• Experimental discipline – IT is changing the way scholars communicate (communicating in real time).
• Changes in scholarly publishing (publishing on-line).
• Mr. Hilton said these disruptions will enter the classroom.  He said that institutions like the University of Phoenix are engaged in commoditizing the curriculum and that the University will need to get much more articulate about the value and difference that the University's "handcrafted" approach brings.
• The University and Information Technology should focus on both essential and strategic areas.
• Information Technology is working on the Student Integration System.
• Information Technology should be aligned with the academic investment, Mr. Hilton said.
• The University needs to make an investment in research-grade computing.

Mr. Schwartz thanked Mr. Hilton for his input.  Mr. Schwartz said the Senate will study these issues closer through one of the Senate committees -- the Academic Affairs Committee, the Research and Scholarship Committee, or possibly the full Senate.  It seems that there would be a value in having Mr. Hilton present to the full Senate in the fall of 07.

Planning & Development Committee Update – Marcia Day Childress, Chair

Marcia Childress reported on the work of the Planning and Development Committee, including several dinners/work sessions.  Several new members have been appointed to the Committee to better represent all schools/departments.

Both Kenneth Schwartz and Marcia Childress reported on the Commission on the Future of the University.  The Commission consists of four individual committees.  The committees will report to the Provost by May 15.  The Commission will reconvene again in the fall (November 1) to wrap everything up.

Houston Wood asked about responsibility and authority within the group.  He also asked if an organizational chart exists, or should be created.

Edmund Kitch commented that faculty need better ownership and enthusiasm for the University’s planning initiatives.  

In closing, Gene Block, commented on the University’s consideration of a new School of Leadership and Public Service, and the creation of a 5-year program in Public Policy.  He stated that transparency and faculty involvement is needed regarding the program.

Academic Affairs Committee – Reginald H. Garrett, Chair
Titling Issues:

Reginald Garrett reported on the work of the Committee in addressing titling issues at the University.  Mr. Garrett distributed a revised interim report on the titling issue, which will be presented to the full Senate for their consideration at the March 27th meeting.  The document will be circulated to the Senate for review in advance of the March 27 meeting.

Textbook Issues – Kenneth A. Schwartz

Kenneth Schwartz reported that he has been asked for the Senate’s advice and help regarding the best way to communicate to faculty about the Bookstore’s plans for a new textbook rental program.  Gene Block commented that he thought Senate involvement in this initiative is a good idea.  Mr. Schwartz asked for volunteers to meet with Mr. Block to discuss the issues.  Mr. Schwartz will also send out an email asking for volunteers.

Faculty Senate Work Session – March 27, 2007

Kenneth Schwartz and the Councilors discussed the agenda and format for the Faculty Senate work session on March 27.  Some minor changes in the draft agenda were suggested.  Mr. Schwartz agreed with the suggestions, and the changes will be incorporated into the final agenda.  Mr. Schwartz will send the members of the Senate all relevant background information in advance of the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 12:15.

Submitted by Harold J. Burbach, Secretary of the Faculty Senate