University of Virginia Faculty Senate

December 9, 2005 - 2:00-4:00 p.m. --The Rotunda, Dome Room

Houston Wood, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order. Mr. Wood offered welcoming remarks, and he gave an overview of the agenda for the meeting.

President's Report - John T. Casteen III

President Casteen reported on the legislative session and the Capital Campaign. President Casteen said the Governor has announced a proposal for major spending on research initiatives at Virginia colleges. The Governor has proposed a research package of $554 million, with approximately $255 million coming from the state and another $299 million in matching funds from universities involved in the research initiative. The Governor's plan calls for the University of Virginia's clinical cancer center to receive funding, in addition to other University medical-related research.

President Casteen said the University, along with other institutions and businesses, is investing in creating venues to help the lower, economically challenged, regions of the state create sources of revenue.

President Casteen announced the appointment of James Hilton as the new Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective July 1, 2006.

Other issues President Casteen reported on include:

• An update on the Capital Campaign.
• University restructuring 10-year plan - Schools are developing their case statements.
• Base budget adequacy funding.
• Faculty salary increases.

President Casteen took questions from the audience.

International Activities - Leigh Grossman, Vice Provost for International Affairs

Dr. Leigh Grossman presented a slide presentation on the University's international activities - what's happening, where improvements are needed, goals and initiatives her office will undertake to enhance international activities at the University. Dr. Grossman took questions from the audience after the presentation.

Athletics Report - Craig Littlepage, Director of Athletics

Mr. Littlepage announced that the NCAA has a new set of requirements this year. These requirements will insure better academic recognition and monitoring of student qualifications. Students will now be certified on a semester-by-semester basis. The University has exceeded the requirements for all 25 intercollegiate programs, Mr. Littlepage said.

Mr. Littlepage also spoke about the problem of injuries at football games because of "rushing the field." Mr. Littlepage said the situation is being evaluated and recommendations will be made to address the problem.

Mr. Littlepage took questions from the audience.

Chair's Report - Houston Wood

• Mr. Wood acknowledged the Senators for their work. He said the Senators are here to represent their colleagues and to relay information to them.
• Research and Scholarship Committee, Susan Kirk, Chair - This committee has received a record 177 applications for Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards this year. The committee will be reading and evaluating the applications and making Award selections in the near future.
• Academic Affairs Committee, Reginald Garrett, Chair - This committee is overseeing the Faculty Senate Dissertation-Year Fellowships this year. Elizabeth Meyer, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, is chairing the Dissertation-Year Fellowships Committee. There is presently funding for five fellowships at $25,000 each. Applications are due in February 2006.

In addition, the Academic Affairs Committee has reviewed a revised program for the School of Commerce.

• Committee on Planning and Development, Marcia Day Childress, Chair - Mr. Wood gave the Senators an overview of the mission of this new committee.
• Arizona Large Binocular Telescope Committee, Janet Herman, Chair -- This committee will review the status of the Telescope Project.
• Faculty Senate/General Faculty Council Joint Committee - This committee, made up of Senators and members of the General Faculty, will work together on University issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Wood reported that the Faculty Senate retreat will be held on January 27, 2006, from 12:00-4:00 p.m., in the Commonwealth Room at Newcomb Hall. He gave the group of the tentative agenda for the retreat, to include a look at hiring and retention of faculty, and exploring ways that Senators can become involved in meeting planning and addressing their interests and concerns.

Professor Steve Railton, a member of the Faculty Senator, asked if the issue of the University employee who recently lost her job over controversy over an email message that was sent could be put on the agenda for discussion and to determine what role, if any, the Senate has in issues such as this. Houston Wood said the issue would be put on the agenda either for the retreat or for a future Faculty Senate meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Submitted by Teresa Culver, Secretary of the Faculty Senate