December 10, 1998

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

Mr. Ayers reported on ongoing Senate activities. He mentioned visits with local legislators, involvement in the Faculty Senate of Virginia meetings, surveying faculty on information technology, Executive Council meetings with residence halls to discuss information technology, speakers coming to the University in the spring, and the Faculty Senate having a representative going on the trip to Qatar.

David Gies, Chair-Elect of the Senate, represented the Senate on the trip to Qatar. Mr. Gies reported on that trip, saying that he was skeptical at first about the initiative, but he returned from that visit excited about the project.

Mr. Ayers introduced Richard DeMong, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Mr. DeMong spoke briefly about the activities and success of the 1998/1999 "Call for Proposals" for the Faculty Senate Teaching Initiative. He distributed the 1999/2000 Call for Proposals, and he asked everyone to help get the word out and to encourage colleagues to participate in the program. The Call for Proposals will also be sent electronically to the full Senate and to the deans of the various schools. The deadline for submitting grant applications is February 1, 1999. Mr. Ayers encouraged everyone to keep this program active, and help get the word out!

Mr. Ayers introduced President John Casteen. Mr. Casteen reported on the University's planning initiatives and the four commissions. The four commissions are Fine and Performing Arts, chaired by Robert Chapel; Science and Engineering, chaired by Anita Jones; Public Service and Outreach, chaired by Rebecca Kneedler; and International Activities, chaired by Brantly Womak. The work of the commissions will take eighteen months to two years, Mr. Casteen stated. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and some people from outside the University will be appointed to serve on the commissions. Mr. Casteen outlined the phases of the work of the commissions. Phase one will define the range of the programs, phase two will determine benchmarks/accomplishments and define peer groups and aspirations, phase three will assess strengths and weaknesses, phase four will elaborate on opportunities to move programs forward, phase five will be to write action plans and work plans, and phase six will recommend priorities and timelines to implement the programs developed. Mr. Casteen said he envisioned the fifth commission as a group to discuss projects to transform the University as a national leader in academic programs and facilities.

Mr. Casteen reported on the progress of the Qatar initiative. A trip to Qatar in November included three members of the Board of Visitors, a representative from the Faculty Senate, and University administrators. There may be a second visit in January. Mr. Casteen mentioned those involved in the work of this initiative, and he expressed his appreciation to those involved.

Peter Low, whose term as Vice President and Provost was to end this summer, has agreed to remain as provost until the end of the capital campaign. He is grateful to Mr. Low, Mr. Casteen said.

Mr. Casteen gave an update on the progress of the Capital Campaign, stating that $786 million has been raised to date. He said this figure should exceed $800 million by the end-of-the-year. The goal of the campaign is to raise $1 billion by December 31, 2000.

QualChoice's MediChoice, which is a health care supplement plan, will be terminated on December 31, 1998, Mr. Casteen announced. The University has negotiated a medicare-supplement plan with Hartford insurance for University retirees 75 to 85 years of age.

Finally, Mr. Casteen discussed the proposed Bachelor of Liberal Studies Program, which is a new adult degree program to be offered through the Division of Continuing Education. This program is an important step toward meeting the University's public service and outreach goals, Mr. Casteen stated. He said he is impressed with the work of the BLS Committee, and he said he would be grateful for the Faculty Senate's approval of the program.

Ed Ayers reviewed the work that already has been done by the Academic Affairs Committee and the Executive Council toward approving the BLS Program. He said the Academic Affairs Committee and the BLS Committee have worked hard on the proposal. Mr. Ayers introduced Richard DeMong, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.

Mr. DeMong introduced the members of the BLS Committee, and he thanked them for their work on the proposal. Mr. DeMong gave the members of the Senate an overview of the BLS Program, which will concentrate on business, the humanities, information technology, and social sciences. Mr. DeMong opened the floor to questions.

Mr. Ayers asked for a motion for the Senate to approve the BLS Program. A motion was made, it was seconded, and it passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Submitted by Marva A. Barnett, Secretary of the Faculty Senate