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

December 1, 1997

Present: Jahan Ramazani, Edward Ayers, Rebecca Kneedler, Patricia Werhane, Robert Grainger, Marva Barnett, Benjamin Ray, David Gies, Peter Low, Robert Reynolds

Guest: Daniel Larson, Member of the Committee on Research and Scholarship

Jahan Ramazani, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. in room 110 Peabody Hall.

Mr. Ramazani welcomed everyone to the meeting. He recognized Dan Larson, who joined the meeting to discuss faculty centers at other institutions.

David Gies, Chair of the Committee on Research and Scholarship, described the work of his Committee in creating a report in response to the charge given to the Committee. He asked the Council members for their endorsement of the principles of the report, which will be presented to the full Faculty Senate on December 3rd for endorsement, if the Executive Council approves it.

Dan Larson discussed the contacts he and the other subcommittee members have made with other institutions that have faculty centers. They gathered such information as cost, age, types of facilities, size, employees, and services offered. It was noted that in order for any faculty center to be successful, it needed to be inclusive rather than exclusive.

In regard to already existing indoor spaces at UVa, it was suggested that Mr. Gies should check with someone from Alumni Hall regarding the possibility of space to lease. Mr. Gies will also check with Richard Kovatch, Assistant Vice President for Business Operations, to get an estimate on costs that would be associated with renovating the Colonnade Hotel, particularly the kitchen.

In discussing the report in general, and how the recommendations in the report can be carried forward, some observations were made: The Speakers Series section of the report needs more work, and if it is to be "The Faculty Senate Speakers Series," the Senate will need continued participation in the initiative; in regard to "Common Grounds," a meeting should be arranged with Leonard Sandridge and Peter Low; in regard to updates on the renovation of the Colonnade Club, there should be a meeting with Murray Howard and Shirley Menaker.

There was a discussion on how funds could be raised to support the initiatives; suggestions were made and will be followed through. The work of implementing the recommendations will be carried on by the Committee during the Spring and next year.

Mr. Ramazani asked the members of the Executive Council if they would like to endorse the basic principles of the report of the Committee on Research and Scholarship. Pat Werhane moved to endorse the report, Ed Ayers seconded to motion, and it passed unanimously.

Mr. Gies will write an Executive Summary of the report to go to the Senators via e-mail before the December 3rd meeting, and then it will be distributed at the December 3rd Faculty Senate meeting.

Mr. Ramazani discussed student/faculty interaction, i.e., how this can be promoted, in accordance with the intellectual community initiative and student proposals. It was suggested that a committee be formed in the Spring to generate and collect ideas on intellectual community between faculty and students and among students. Ed Ayers will chair the Committee and continue this initiative next year, when he becomes Chair of the Faculty Senate.

Mr. Ramazani told the Council that the Faculty Senate of Virginia, of which the Faculty Senate of the University of Virginia is a member, has scheduled three meetings with SCHEV, the first one is on December 10 (Mr. Ramazani will attend), the second meeting is on February 5, and the third meeting is on April 27.

Ben Ray, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, gave a report on the work of his Committee -- the Teaching Initiative and Junior Faculty Development and Retention. Mr. Ray has met with the Council of Chairs regarding interdisciplinary teaching. Marva Barnett, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee and the Chair of a subcommittee of that group, reported on the work of her subcommittee, and the progress of the planning for the December 15th Junior Faculty Reception/brainstorming session.

Mr. Ray said that he is continuing to have favorable conversations with members of the Honor Committee.

Mr. Ramazani offered the assistance of the Executive Council during the Spring General Assembly session. Mr. Low thanked him and said he would let him know if there was anything the Executive Council could do.

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Submitted by Janet Horne, Secretary of the Faculty Senate