For each meeting, an agenda digest has been provided to save time since minutes are lengthy. The digest provides highlights and actions taken at each meeting. For the full minutes, please contact Frances Peyton (924-7643, ftp7e@virginia.edu).

Agenda Digest

August 28, 1998

Present: Edward Ayers, David Gies, Jahan Ramazani, Marva Barnett, Kathryn Neeley, Rebecca Kneedler, Miles Townsend, Michael Williams, Janet Horne, Patricia Werhane, Richard DeMong, Louis Bloomfield, Peter Low, Robert Reynolds

Guests: Jack Syer, Executive Director, Alumni Hall

Leigh Middleditch, U.Va. Alumnus

Ed Ayers, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m., in the President's Conference Room at Madison Hall.

The Executive Council members introduced themselves.

Mr. Ayers introduced Jack Syer and Leigh Middleditch, who attended the meeting to address issues and concerns associated with the Honor System, and the Alumni Association's views regarding the Honor System. Mr. Syer said the University's alumni embrace the Honor System and are passionate about what the System stands for.

Mr. Middleditch said there is a perception among some that the Honor System is discriminatory against African Americans, and that there is not enough counseling of students within the revenue sports. There is a perceived double standard within the Honor System toward athletics.

Peter Low commented that perhaps more education of coaches regarding the Honor System and its values might be beneficial. He said the alumni could influence this area. The Board of Visitors is also interested in the issues and concerns facing the Honor System. Mr. Low suggested that Earl Dudley, Special Assistant in the General Counsel's Office, who has been very active in issues concerning the Honor System, be invited to a future Executive Council meeting to discuss the Honor System and potential problems.

Mr. Ayers thanked Mr. Syer and Mr. Middleditch for attending the meeting. Mr. Middleditch said he would welcome suggestions from the Executive Council.

Mr. Ayers, David Gies, Chair-Elect of the Senate, and Rich DeMong, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, will attend a Faculty Senate of Virginia meeting in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday, August 29, 1998. The Director of SCHEV will speak at that meeting.

Peter Low, Ed Ayers and Rich DeMong are involved in an initiative with ITC to develop an appropriate policy to replace all desktop computers at the University. They will work with Polley McClure, Vice President for Information Technology and Communication, on this initiative.

Mr. Ayers said President Casteen will address the Senate at the retreat on September 4. He will give an update on the Qatar initiative.

Louis Bloomfield, Chair of the Committee on Research and Scholarship, spoke about this year's initiative for his Committee. He handed out a document, "Life of the University Program" to the group. This is an outline of proposed permanent activities and this year's theme, which is "Information Technology."

Richard DeMong, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, will address the Senate at the Retreat, regarding the activities of his Committee. Mr. DeMong said his Committee will work with members of the Honor Committee, addressing the concerns and problems associated with the Honor System. The Academic Affairs Committee will also continue to oversee the announcement and selection of the University Teaching Initiative projects.

Marva Barnett, Director of the Teaching Resource Center, will organize a forum about the Teaching Initiative and the various projects that have resulted from the proposals for the 1998/99 Initiative. The date of this forum is November 4, 1998.

The Academic Affairs Committee will issue a new call for proposals in late December or early January, with a deadline of February 1, 1999, for submitting proposals. Feedback from the Executive Council is welcome.

The Division of Continuing Education has submitted a request for a new adult degree program, which the Academic Affairs Committee will be involved in approving, Mr. DeMong said.

The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Submitted by Marva Barnett, Secretary of the Faculty Senate