April 7, 2003 - 3:00-5:00 p.m. -- Newcomb Hall, South Meeting Room

Michael J. Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate

· Meeting called to order

· Welcoming remarks John T. Casteen, III, President

Issues the President Addressed:

· The past legislative session, which addressed issues of tuition and salaries

· The election of a new rector and vice rector for the Board of Visitors, and new BOV appointees

· The Rector's special committee on diversity · A presidential committee on diversity and equity

· The creation of an African-American Parents Association.

· Michael Smith's (Chair of the Faculty Senate) proposal to the Board of Visitors, which requests a faculty member be appointed to the BOV

· An overview of the goals and progress of the second major capital campaign, which includes participation by alumni.

Karen Holt, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs

Ms. Holt gave an overview of what the EOP Offices does - the office provides a more regular process for faculty recruitment, and provides faculty diversity, and diversity training. Ms. Holt distributed a brochure and handouts regarding faculty recruitment objectives, procedures, and resources. The group discussed issues of hiring and diversity. Ms. Holt took questions from the audience.

M. Rick Turner, Dean, Office of African-American Affairs - Reflections on Diversity at UVA Dean Turner asked the University to join him in making a more welcoming environment for African-Americans and persons of color, and he asked that the University make a special commitment to turn around the negative situations that have recently occurred. In closing, Dean Turner said that the University needed to do more in its outreach efforts.

Gene D. Block, Vice President and Provost - Report and Reflections Mr. Block commented that the University needs to do better with recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty. The Provost's Office is working hard to improve diversity at the University, Mr. Block said. Mr. Block talked about some of the increased efforts that his office is using to address issues of diversity and faculty recruitment and retention.

The Faculty Senate then heard from several graduate students regarding their reflections on diversity at the University. The discussions centered on ways that the University might strengthen the University's diversity programs and create new ones, and the creation of a "centralized office of diversity." Such an office would be valuable in achieving a diverse and welcoming community for all University students, and it would improve the climate and political landscape at the University. There was an audience discussion, and the students took questions.

The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

Submitted by Ellen Contini-Morava, Secretary of the Faculty Senate