Wednesday, May 7, 2003 - 3:00-4:40 p.m. -- The Rotunda Dome Room

Michael J. Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order.

Welcoming Remarks

Committee Reports

Research and Scholarship Committee, Marcia D. Childress, Chair

· Faculty Senate David A. Harrison Awards for Undergraduate Research - Forty-two Awards, of up-to $3,000 each, and $1,000 to each faculty advisor, were given out this year. Ms. Childress gave a summary of how the collection, reviewing, and selection process for Harrison Awards is conducted. She commented that the process is being studies, in the hopes of streamlining and making it a better program, administratively. Also noted, were changes this year in the stated expectations for faculty advisors. The Arts and Sciences Office of Undergraduate Excellence will administer the Harrison Awards program next year. The "Faculty Senate" title will remain in the Award's name, and the Research and Scholarship Committee will make up the majority of the selection committee.

· Ms. Childress and Robert Grainger, Past-Chair of the Faculty Senate, on behalf of the Senate, drafted a statement on the need to keep faculty members involved in the University's efforts toward the 2020 goals.

· The initiative of addressing the On-Line Course Evaluation will be worked on during the upcoming academic year. This initiative will be part of the Academic Affairs Committee's work next year.

Academic Affairs Committee, Robert W. O'Connell, Chair

· Two new degree programs were approved in the biomedical discipline.

· On-Line Course Evaluation - Two recommendations were made regarding the newly initiated On-Line Course Evaluation -- 1) one individual should be put in charge of the system, and 2) Leadership of the system should be advised by a committee of faculty from various schools.

ROTC Affairs Committee, William J. Kehoe, Chair

· Mr. Kehoe invited the commanding officers from the various units to the podium to say a few words about their units.

· A Year-End ROTC Affairs Committee report was distributed to the members of the Senate.

· Mr. Kehoe recognized Captain Dick Bedford, Navy ROTC, and Colonel James Allshouse, Air Force ROTC - both will be retiring this year.

Faculty Grievance Committee, Malcolm Bell, Chair - Caleb Nelson, a member of the Committee, reported in Professor Bell's absence.

· Two grievances were received and investigated by the Committee this year.

Nominations for Senate Officers and Members of the Executive Council - 2003-04

Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate: Marcia D. Childress, School of Medicine *Ms. Childress was uncontested for the position of Chair-Elect

Secretary of the Faculty Senate: Robert J. Davis, School of Engineering and Applied Science *Mr. Davis was uncontested for the position of Secretary

Members of the Executive Council:

Ellen Contini-Morava, Arts and Sciences

Claire Cronmiller, Arts and Sciences

William J. Kehoe, Commerce

Rebecca D. Kneedler, Education

Marian C. Moore, Darden

M. Norman Oliver, Medicine

(There are three seats open on the Executive Council. Elections will be conducted by mail-in ballot.)

Faculty Senate Year-End Report by Michael J. Smith

Issues that the Senate addressed this past year include:

· A committee that addressed the controversy involving Mount Graham Telescope

· Board of Visitors report on the need to raise tuition, given by Mr. Smith,

· Board of Visitors report, the need for increased graduate funding

· The Harrison Awards Program

· If funding becomes available, the Faculty Senate Dissertation-Year Fellowships will be revised next year

· The Forum for Contemporary Thought will be revised in the fall

· The Senate will take an active role in the University-wide On-Line Course Evaluation process

· The Senate has taken, and will continue to take, an active role in diversity initiatives

· Board of Visitors report, a formal request for a faculty non-voting member on the BOV Mr. Smith said the Faculty Senate is a powerful voice, and the only elected University-wide instrument of faculty governance.

Mr. Smith recognized the work of past Senate chairs in strengthening the Senate body. He gave a special thanks to Robert Grainger, Past-Chair of the Faculty Senate, for all his help this past year. In closing, Mr. Smith recognized the support Gene Block, Vice President and Provost; John T. Casteen, President; and all of the University's vice presidents. Mr. Smith called Robert E. Davis, Chair-Elect to the podium, and welcomed him as the incoming Chair.

Mr. Davis recognized and thanked the entire Senate body for their work and commitment to faculty governance. He praised Mr. Smith's work and dedication, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness this year. He congratulated him on a job well done. On behalf of the Senate, Mr. Smith was presented a gift.

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

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