October 30, 2003 - 3:30-5:00 p.m.-- Newcomb Hall, Room 389

Present: Robert E. Davis, Marcia Childress, Michael Smith, Steve Wilson, Rebecca Kneedler, Claire Cronmiller, Richard Warner, Robert O'Connell, Gene Block

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

Gene D. Block, Vice President and Provost

Gene Block reported to the Executive Council on work being done by the administration.

· National Research Council Rankings -In the fall, the University will have to assemble information for the group. The University will hire a faculty member to help the University gather the information and decide how the rankings will be formulated. Mr. Block will keep the Executive Council informed on this initiative.

· University-wide Curriculum Review - Mr. Block reported that he is working with Edward Ayers, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Mr. Ayers is developing the J-term, an optional three-week term during January. He is also rethinking advising issues.

· Intellectual property transfers - The University needs to do a better job in this area, Mr. Block said. An outside firm will be hired to evaluate best practices.

· Mr. Block is working with deans to address diversity concerns at the University.

· The University, with Rachael Most directing the program, has implemented a Transition Program at the University.

· A Provost committee to study On-Line Course Evaluations has been formed. Daniel Hallahan will chair the committee.

· Board of Visitors work on science and technology growth. The Board will earmark funds to help the University with this initiative, which will include making salaries more competitive, increase ability to retain faculty, and help the University pick "stars" to come the University. Mr. Block cited the "supplemental raise program," which was recently approved by the Board of Visitors. He said the Board would like to raise faculty salaries over the next five-to-six years, to get the University faculty salaries into the 60th percentile, relative to our SCHEV peer institutions.

Approval of Past Meeting Minutes

The Executive Council approved the September 12th and September 26th meeting minutes.

Committee Reports

Richard Warner, Co-Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee

Dissertation-Year Fellowships -- Mr. Warner reported that the subcommittee that will administer the Dissertation-Year Fellowships has been formed. Steve Macko will chair the subcommittee. Subcommittee members are J. Milton Adams, Peter Brunjes, David Cafiso, Robert J. Davis, Daniel Hallahan, Judith Reagan, and Richard Steeves. Mr. Warner reported that there has been a suggestion to broaden the subcommittee, with a wider range of disciplines and better gender equity. Robert E. Davis reported that he is still working on obtaining additional funding for the program.

New Degree Proposals -- The Academic Affairs Committee has received background information for a new, joint proposal from Arts and Sciences and Architecture. The Committee will review the proposal at the November meeting. Also, the Committee has approved a new degree proposal in Experimental Pathology, Mr. Warner reported. In discussing the Faculty Senate's progression for approving degree proposals, it was decided that, after a program has been reviewed and passed by the Academic Affairs Committee, the program should be reviewed by the Executive Council before going before the full Senate. The new degree proposal in Experimental Pathology was reviewed by the Executive Council, and it was approved unanimously.

The Honor System - The Academic Affairs Committee will collect information regarding the Honor System before making a formal finding to the Senate. Mr. Warner reported that the Committee has met with Faculty Advisors from both Arts and Sciences and the Darden School. In future meetings, the Committee will meet with other Honor representatives and additional members of the Faculty Advisory Committee.

Robert O'Connell, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee

Mr. O'Connell reported that the Committee has had one meeting. The Committee will be addressing two issues the year.

The Faculty Senate David Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards -- The logistics of the Harrison Awards will now be handled in the Office of Undergraduate Excellence, chaired by Nicole Hurd. A committee will be formed to read proposals and select Award recipients. This committee will have substantial Faculty Senate representation. Mr. O'Connell also reported that the technical issues associated with administering the finances of the program are being looked at, in an effort to simplify the process. Marcia Childress, past chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, will follow-up with earlier conversations with Anda Webb, in the Office of the Provost, to check and see if any progress has been made regarding the Harrison Awards financial process.

Increased faculty participation in University Planning Initiatives - The Research and Scholarship Committee is looking at ways that faculty might become more involved in University planning initiatives, such as fundraising and setting University priorities. The Committee will work with the Office of Development and attempt to develop a structure whereby the Faculty Senate might work with the Development Office on these issues. Robert Davis commented that he has had a discussion with Robert Sweeney, Senior Vice President for Development and Public Affairs, regarding a collaborative effort with the Senate. Mr. Sweeney will be attending the December 4th Faculty Senate meeting to discuss development issues and address Senate questions, Mr. Davis reported.

General Faculty Council

Robert Davis reported on a request by Lotta Lofgren, Chair of the General Faculty Council. Ms. Lofgren has proposed forming a joint committee of Faculty Senate representatives and General Faculty Council representatives. Here is an outline of the proposal:

Proposal for a New Joint Committee with the General Faculty Council (GFC) (10-30-03)

Charge (preliminary):

To investigate and provide advice regarding matters or mutual concern to all faculty independent of their administrative classification. (Examples: benefits, communication with the Administration, salary compensation, retention and promotion)

Membership:

6 members, 3 from Faculty Senate, 3 from GFC (including one member each from the categories of administrative/professional, teaching, and research general faculty) Senate and GFC Chairs are ex officio members

Term of appointment:

2 years, rotating (3 members rotate off each year)

Committee Chair appointment:

1 year, rotating between Faculty Senate and GFC, selected by the committee

Other:

The Committee's recommendations are advisory to the Faculty Senate and the GFC. Either the Faculty Senate or the GFC may elect to disband the committee if their work proves to be ineffective or counterproductive.

The Executive Council discussed the proposal. Councilors agreed that such a committee would be a positive step. The group discussed possible members from the Senate to serve on the joint committee. It was determined that a member of the Senate, that is also a member of the academic general faculty, should serve on the joint committee. The group decided to give committee membership additional thought before deciding whom from the Senate should serve.

Report on the Diversity Commission

Michael Smith, Co-Chair Mr. Smith reported that the Diversity Commission had a retreat over the fall break to strategize and organize subcommittees. Four subcommittees have been formed. Faculty Recruitment and Retention, Curriculum, Climate, and Committee and Business. Mr. Smith said the Diversity Commission will make an oral report to the Board of Visitors in May, and they will submit a written report in September, 2004.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

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