The Faculty Senate at the University of Virginia
January 30, 2008 – 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Auditorium of the Harrison Institute/Small Special Collections Library
Meeting Minutes
Ricardo Padron, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order. Mr. Padron offered welcoming remarks.
Mr. Padron recognized a group of colleagues from the University of the Virgin Islands that were attending the meeting.
Marcia Childress, a past chair of the Faculty Senate, recognized Steven Nock for his many contributions to the University. Mr. Nock was a professor of Sociology and also a past member of the Faculty Senate. Mr. Nock passed away recently.
President’s Report – John T. Casteen, President
President John Casteen reported on:
• The University’s Capital Campaign – It is ahead of schedule on fundraising.
• The work at the General Assembly
• The State Budget – A bill in the House of Delegates gives almost $150 million to the University for construction projects. The bill is sponsored by Delegate Lacey Putney. The Governor’s budget calls for increases in the budget for basic areas of higher education, but lacks increases in other areas. The revenue picture is not clear, Mr. Casteen said. Mr. Casteen reported that there is funding for New Cabell Hall, Ruffner Hall, upgrading the medium temperature water supply, among other upgrades. There is no money allocated for new buildings. There is no money in the maintenance reserve fund. In regard to faculty salaries, Mr. Casteen said it is difficult to compute, since salary computations of percentiles are determined differently at U.Va. than they are at the State level.
• The Commonwealth Research Initiative Fund will go to the Board of Visitors.
• A draft of the Planning Commission Reports is available on the web.
• President Casteen will be reporting on the State of the University and on Planning Commission issues at Old Cabell Hall on February 6, 2008.
• The All University Retreat is being held on February 22, 2008.
• There are two Virginia 2020 events with potential donors planned for this year.
President Casteen took questions from the audience.
Report by Arthur T. Garson, Executive Vice President and Provost
Dr. Arthur Garson recognized and welcomed the guests from the Virgin Islands. Dr. Garson offered a thank you to the President, the Faculty Senate, and others involved in the work on the Commission Reports. The goals of the Commission are to promote undergraduate research and public service, to enhance science and technology at the University, and to identify goals involving international work.
Dr. Garson discussed the various dean and senior administrator searches at the University and the progress of each search committee.
Dr. Garson took questions.
Report by Craig Littlepage, Director of Athletics
Craig Littlepage gave his annual report to the Faculty Senate. His goals include:
• Graduating 100% of student athletes that complete eligibility
• Sustained fiscal support
• Enhancement of facilities
• Recruiting best athletes
• Endowments
• Athletic programs improvements/added value
• Title 9 improvements.
Mr. Littlepage also discussed:
• The Intercollegiate Athletics convention in Nashville
• Academic initiatives for success
• Stronger initial requirements for incoming athletes
• Stronger oversight of incoming athletes
• Student athlete welfare
• A more diverse staff
• Consideration of medical conditions with athletic scholarships
• Better recruiting efforts
• Commercialization (use of student athletes names)
• A National game in Division I football
Mr. Littlepage said that compliance is a priority in the Academic Reform Initiative. He gave the Senators an overview of the Athletic Department’s expenses and its effect in regard to athletic programs. Mr. Littlepage said more services are being provided to fans at games.
Mr. Littlepage reported that the Athletics Department will, once again this year, contribute $25,500 towards the Faculty Senate Dissertation-Year Fellowships (funding one Fellowship). Mr. Littlepage took questions from the audience.
Because of the Faculty Senate meeting’s full agenda, the Faculty Senate committee chairs provided written handouts of their committee reports.
Report on Emergency Preparedness, Marjorie Sidebottom, Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness
Marjorie Sidebottom opened her discussion by thanking the Senate for asking her to address the group. She said she would like to begin a continuing dialogue with the Senate. Ms. Sidebottom said emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. In the event of an emergency, communication is imperative. There needs to be an evacuation plan in place, and everyone needs to understand the concept of “shelter in place.”
Ms. Sidebottom reported on the work being done in her office:
• The University has established the following tools in the event of an emergency, i.e., a text message system and sirens.
• The report by the commission reviewing the Virginia Tech disaster has been thoroughly reviewed by her office.
• She is meeting with students.
• There is a critical management plan on the web.
• Continuity plans with other institutions are in place.
• There is continued collaboration with others in the area.
• The University has been declared a Disaster Resistant University under a FEMA grant.
• Emergency respondents are very well trained.
Ms. Sidebottom said she would like to identify faculty that would be willing to advise and assist her office. Ms. Sidebottom took questions. One comment made was that because of liability issues the faculty would like to be better informed.
Leonard Sandridge, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, took the floor to offer further comments regarding University preparedness. The University has:
• Installed sirens
• Installed a public address system
• Contracted for the text message notification (which few people have enrolled in)
• Added additional law enforcement
The University continues to:
• Readdress University building design systems, and improve security at buildings (including adding card-key systems to many buildings).
• Developing a system for identifying persons that might be a threat
In closing, Mr. Sandridge said faculty should share with administrators any observations they may have regarding security.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by Pamela Norris, Secretary of the Faculty Senate