APRIL 29, 1998

Jahan Ramazani, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Garden Room at the Colonnade Hotel.

Mr. Ramazani welcomed everyone to the meeting. He recognized the Senators whose terms will end on June 1, and he also recognized Senators whose terms will begin on June 1. Mr. Ramazani reminded everyone that the Faculty Senate has a website, and he told them how they may reach the site. He said Senators need to keep the link open to the faculty they represent. Mr. Ramazani introduced John Casteen, President of the University, and thanked him for his successful work on behalf of the University.

Mr. Casteen spoke about the General Assembly session. He said UVA faculty will receive on average 6.5% raises in fiscal year 1999. He spoke about funding for technology. The University has authority to charge a student technology fee, which will generate about $1 million annually at UVA. This fee revenue must be used to benefit students. In regard to capital construction money, the University has $200 million authorized, of which $40 million is State GF appropriations. General Fund projects include renovations to Clark Hall and construction of a new special collections library. Mr. Casteen said higher education will see a modest increase in Education and General appropriation over this year. In speaking about the outlook for higher education in the 1999 session, Mr. Casteen said the University must target proposals for new money toward state priorities.

Amendments to the Higher Education act are being debated on the House floor, and Mr. Casteen mentioned such amendments as: language that would make California's Proposition 209 federal law, outlawing the consideration of race, etc., in college admissions and financial aid awards; a provision intended to make it harder for colleges and universities to regulate any sorority or fraternity membership matter, such as imposed rush delays, by giving college students a right of free speech and association; and a change in the basis on which Federal Direct student loan interest rates are calculated.

Mr. Casteen said Mr. Ramazani and the Senate are addressing issues that are fundamental to the University's well being. He said the theme of intellectual community, set out in Mr. Ramazani's Fall Convocation address, has been adopted by the Faculty Senate as a primary objective. To further this objective, the Senate is working with the Task Force on Alcohol Abuse and the task Force on New Student Orientation. Mr. Casteen said many students are now reaching out to the faculty. He noted that IFC wants to reinvigorate its Faculty Fellows program. There is a renewed interest of faculty members in student life outside the classroom.

In conclusion, Mr. Casteen talked about benchmarks at the University. He said the University has enjoyed several years of ratings as the top public university in America. The University has sought to improve the quality of the job that it does and to reach excellence across-the board.

The next order of business was a call for nominations for the office of Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate, Secretary of the Faculty Senate, and for two new members to serve on the Executive Council. The nominations for Chair-Elect are David Gies, Arts & Sciences, and Janet Horne, Arts & Sciences. There was only one nomination for Secretary, Marva Barnett, Arts & Sciences. The nominations for the Executive Council are: George Cohen, Law; Doris Glick, Nursing; Donald Innes, Medicine; Rebecca Kneedler, Education; Michael Levenson, Arts & Sciences; John Miller, Arts & Sciences; Kathryn Neeley, Engineering; and Reuben Rainey, Architecture.

Mr. Ramazani gave a brief summary of the work the Academic Affairs Committee and the Committee on Research and Scholarship are doing in response to the charges given to them. He said that the Senate had met all the objectives it set itself for the year in its initiative on intellectual community. He mentioned the teaching conversations, which have resulted in the Faculty Senate's Teaching Initiative and Teaching Fund. This will bring about exciting changes in the classroom. Mr. Ramazani also mentioned the creation of vibrant spaces for exchange of ideas, and the creation of a new faculty dining space. Faculty from across Grounds will be able to congregate, with faculty interaction through Senate-sponsored interdisciplinary programs. The Alderman Cafe will be available for intellectual exchanges, starting in the Fall. Also, junior faculty will be more nurtured as part of the University community, and faculty will be able to teach collaboratively if the wish to do so.

Mr. Ramazani asked the Academic Affairs Committee, the Committee on Research and Scholarship, and the Executive Council to stand and be recognized.

Mr. Ramazani introduced and praised David Gies, Chair of the Committee on Research and Scholarship, for his work on his Committee and his work on the Executive Council.

Mr. Gies reported on the work of the Research and Scholarship Committee. He said the old Theory Seminar is being revamped by the Faculty Senate, and it is tentatively being called the University Forum. There will be lectures, colloquia and workshops. Rita Felski, Professor of English Language and Literature, has agreed to run the program. Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Law, and Darden have contributed funding to the program, and it is hopeful that other Schools and possibly the Provost will contribute funding.

In regard to faculty dining, Mr. Gies said competing interests and a lack of funding have been problems. The Garden Room has been offered to the Faculty Senate, with improved services, which will include sit-down service, and Richard Kovatch, Assistant Vice President for Business Operations, has offered meal passes to the Faculty Senate. Parking discounts in the new parking garage are available with the Cavalier Advantage Card.

Alderman Cafe, an exciting new space at Alderman Library, will be available for relaxation and intellectual exchanges, starting in the Fall.

The University is also creating an enhanced website, which will be user-friendly, and it will provide up-to-the-minute information on activities around Grounds.

Mr. Gies thanked the members of the Research and Scholarship Committee for their hard work.

Mr. Ramazani thanked the Committee, and he announced that Louis Bloomfield, Physics Professor, will chair the Research and Scholarship Committee next year.

Mr. Ramazani introduced Benjamin Ray, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, and thanked him for a year of tremendous activities in the Senate.

Mr. Ray read a letter from the outgoing Honor Committee Chair, who has been working with the Senate in response to concerns of a backlog of cases and a lack of timely processing of cases. A collaborative effort between the Honor Committee and the Senate has resulted in a timeline in which one can appeal grievance findings within 14 days. Also, Summer trials will be held for the first time this year.

Mr. Ray distributed a document, which gives recommendations for Junior Faculty Development and Retention. The document was written, based on input from junior and senior faculty, by a subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee, Chaired by Marva Barnett. Mr. Ray reviewed key elements of the document, and he said he would like to present it to Deans and department chairs, with the Senate's endorsement. The document was discussed, with some concerns being raised. The Academic Affairs Committee will amend the document as suggested. Susan McKinnon moved to endorse the document as amended, it was seconded and passed.

Mr. Ray distributed recommendations concerning interdisciplinary teaching, a document developed by members of the Academic Affairs Committee as part of its charge. Mr. Ray discussed the elements of the document, and there was a question and answer session. Melvyn Leffler, Dean of Arts & Sciences, suggested one change. Mr. Ray asked the group to adopt the document, with the suggested change incorporated. The Faculty Senate voted to adopt the document as amended, it was seconded, and it passed.

The teaching proposals and awards were discussed. Mr. Ray said there will be a Fall Forum on the Teaching Fund, which will be headed by the Teaching Resource Center. Special thanks were given to Richard DeMong, William Johnson, Doris Glick and Barbara Nolan for their work on the teaching proposals.

Mr. Ray discussed a proposal for an adult degree program, to be offered through the Division of Continuing Education. There is no action required at this time regarding the proposal, which may be offered next fall on a pilot basis if there is sufficient student interest.

Mr. Ramazani thanked Mr. Ray for his service on the Academic Affairs Committee and on the Executive Council. Mr. Ramazani announced that Richard DeMong will chair the Academic Affairs Committee next year.

Edward Ayers, Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate, made the following resolution:

"Be it resolved that the Senate heartily commends Jahan Ramazani for his Chairmanship of the Faculty Senate, gratefully acknowledging his far-sighted vision, his bold leadership, his concern for students, and his devotion to the human and intellectual community that is the University of Virginia."

The resolution was voted on and passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted by Janet Horne, Secretary of the Faculty Senate