October 10, 2002 - 3:00-5:00 p.m.-- The Colonnade Club, Pavilion VII

Michael J. Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order and offered welcoming remarks.

John T. Casteen, III, President

Mr. Casteen said the Governor would announce the upcoming budget cuts on October 15, and the Governor's speech will be televised. In anticipation of the budget cuts, Mr. Casteen has implemented 15% cuts at UVa. Mr. Casteen said the University has to look at steps that can be made to move more rapidly toward self-sufficiency. The University will reallocate existing funds and reassign faculty and staff instead of instituting layoffs at this time. Mr. Casteen mentioned Michael Smith's, Chair of the Faculty Senate, statement to the Board of Visitors regarding the University's budget shortfall. Mr. Casteen commended Mr. Smith for the on-target and well-written speech. The Board of Visitors has approved a mid-year tuition surcharge in light of the current budget shortfall. Mr. Casteen said that stated priorities would need to be identified by all deans when deciding on what cuts will be made. The University will also be asking for reviews of existing programs. Mr. Casteen mentioned David Harrison's final bequest to the University, which totals $64 million, and he mentioned contributions of other donors, totaling $255 million. Additionally, Mr. Casteen mentioned specific projects that will move forward this year, including the Faculty Senate David Harrison Awards for Undergraduate Research, which Mr. Harrison generously supported. There will be a meeting of the Assembly of Professors on October 14 to discuss the current budget situation, and Mr. Casteen encouraged everyone to attend. Mr. Casteen took questions from the audience.

Karin Wittenborg, University Librarian, and Diane Walker, Assistant University Librarian -- Report on the Status of the University Libraries The Library has instituted $2 million in budget cuts. Some measures taken are the cessation of providing free printing, a slowing down of the computer replacement cycle, the elimination of some services and supplies, and a cut in staff and the OTPs operation budget. The Library administration will protect collections as much as possible during this time of budget constraints, Ms. Wittenborg said. Diane Walker discussed what books will be purchased and what will not be purchased, and she discussed other ways that the Library will be dealing with the budget cuts. Last year the Library purchased 45,000 books, and that figure is like to be somewhere around 30,000 books this year, Ms. Walker stated.

Gene D. Block, Vice President and Provost - Plans for the Year Ahead Gene Block cited issues he reported to the Board of Visitors that the Provost's Office is addressing.

· Faculty recruitment and retention

· Graduate education

· Academic planning

· A comprehensive undergraduate curriculum review

· Public service and outreach initiatives

· Keeping retired faculty connected to the community

· Improving diversity initiatives

· Broadening international programs, which are a great experience for undergraduate students

In addition, a review of the work being done in connection with the Virginia 2020 recommendations will be done. Mr. Block also mentioned several new research centers that have been established.

Marcia Childress, Chair of the Faculty Senate Research and Scholarship Committee

Ms. Childress and the Committee will be overseeing this year's Faculty Senate David A. Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards.

It was also noted that Louise Dudley, University News Director, had bumper stickers available, supporting the General Obligation Bond.

William Kehoe, Chair of the Faculty Senate ROTC Affairs Committe.

Mr. Kehoe said the Committee is formed, and they will be meeting with ROTC units in late October. Mr. Kehoe deferred the full Committee report until a later date, in light of time constraints.

Gordon M. Stewart, Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences, and a member of the Colonnade Club Board

Faculty Book Series and Colonnade Club Information Mr. Stewart welcomed everyone to Pavilion VII. He talked about the Faculty Club, some of its activities, and it relevance to the University. Mr. Stewart encouraged faculty to join the Club, with annual membership dues of $126, which can be payroll deducted.

Mr. Smith gave closing remarks.

The meeting adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.

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