The Executive Council of the Faculty Senate

October 19, 2006 - 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Newcomb Hall Board Room

Meeting Minutes

Present: Kenneth Schwartz, Ricardo Padron, Harold Burbach, Marcia Childress, Edmund Kitch, Teresa Culver, Janet Herman, Gweneth West, Reginald Garrett

Kenneth Schwartz, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order.

Diversity Update - Kenneth Schwartz

Mr. Schwartz gave a report on his meeting with William Harvey, Gertrude Fraser, and Darlene Scott-Scurry, to discuss diversity issues. Mr. Harvey and Ms. Fraser will give a report at the November 29th Faculty Senate meeting, Mr. Schwartz said. In addition, they have been encouraged to organize some form of substantive faculty interaction as part of their time with the Senate.

Interdisciplinarity/Retreat/Spring Meeting Options Update - Ricardo Padron, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate

The members of the Executive Council feel that it would be useful to have a list of institutions that do interdisciplinary work well, and what makes interdisciplinary work successful at these institutions. A discussion about ways to overcome obstacles presented by participating in interdisciplinary work would also be useful.

It was decided that the Executive Council will continue their conversation on interdisciplinary work at the November 15th meeting, After receiving feedback from this conversation, Ricardo Padron will make a presentation to the full Senate at the November 29th Senate meeting or possibly at the January meeting.

Planning & Development Dinner Update - Marcia Childress, Chair of the Faculty Senate Planning & Development Committee

Ms. Childress updated the Councilors on the work of the Planning & Development Committee. The Committee will work closely with the deans to identify idea- suggestions to present to donors, Ms. Childress said. The Planning & Development Committee, along with Gene Block, University Development officers, participants of last year's sessions, and deans, will host a reception, tentatively set for November 28, 2006. It is hopeful that John Casteen will be able to attend the reception. One of the goals of the reception will be to put forth a packaging of the core issues to present to donors. The three core issues identified by the Planning & Development Committee are globalization, to revitalize the Shannon Center, and to create a "Yearly" theme, Ms. Childress said. Kenneth Schwartz said a formal presentation to John Casteen of these core issues is needed.

General Faculty Council Resolutions - Kenneth Schwartz

Mr. Schwartz distributed two resolutions drafted by the General Faculty Council. The General Faculty Council has asked for the Faculty Senate's endorsement of the resolutions. The members of the Council discussed the resolutions. They decided to continue discussions at a future meeting. Mr. Schwartz will report on the Executive Council's preliminary discussion at the November 8th General Faculty Council meeting that he has been invited to attend.

The Provost's Quality Enhancement Proposal - Kenneth Schwartz

Mr. Schwartz reported that, as part of the University's restructuring efforts and in response to the SACS reaccreditation process, the University will present a "Quality Enhancement Proposal." Faculty and student input are needed, Mr. Schwartz said. The Provost has also requested input from the Faculty Senate. This is likely to take the form of an All University Retreat, or perhaps two sessions - one in the week after Thanksgiving, and the other in mid to late January. Mr. Schwartz indicated to the President and Provost that the Senate is certainly interested in participating.

High Potential Leaders (President's Initiative) - Kenneth Schwartz

The purpose of this presidential initiative is to identify and mentor faculty and staff to step into the roles of University leaders.

Other Issues

Reginald Garrett, Chair, Academic Affairs Committee

Mr. Garrett reported on the recently enacted Textbook legislation. The Provost has asked for the Academic Affairs Committee to draft guidelines to ensure that the University is in compliance with the legislation. Mr. Garrett will prepare a draft to be circulated to the Executive Council at the October 30th meeting. After getting the Executive Council's and then the full Senate's approval, the guidelines will be taken to the Board of Visitors. The Provost has asked for the guidelines by the end of October, and some concern was raised regarding the timeline. Kenneth Schwartz will discuss the timeline with the Provost.

In closing, Mr. Schwartz announced that the Faculty Senate of Virginia will meet on November 11th, location to be announced. Mr. Schwartz is unable to attend the meeting, and welcomed someone to attend to represent the University. The other University representatives on the FSVA are Ricardo Padron, Harold Burbach, and Jeffrey Rossman.

The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.

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