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

February 17, 2000

Present: David T. Gies, Patricia H. Werhane, Sharon W. Utz, Kathryn A. Neeley, Rebecca D. Kneedler, Houston G. Wood, III, Michael H. Levenson, Robert M. Grainger, William R. Johnson

David T. Gies, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order.

The next two Executive Council meeting dates were set. The dates are as follows: Tuesday, March 28, from 9:00-10:30, Newcomb Hall Board Room, and Wednesday, May 3, from 1:30-3:00, Newcomb Hall Board Room.

The Executive Council discussed the success of this year's Faculty Senate David Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards. The Faculty Senate will continue to administer undergraduate research projects next year, with funding from the Provost.

Mr. Gies gave an overview of the events that led to a University-wide discussion on the climate for women at the University. The Faculty Senate will host a forum on "The Climate for Women at UVa" on Monday, April 24, in the Rotunda Dome Room. More information on the forum is forthcoming.

William R. Johnson, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on the work of that committee. The Committee has received 31 Teaching Initiative proposals, and the Teaching Initiative Subcommittee will begin reviewing those proposals. Daphne Spain, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, is preparing a report on the results of the Teaching Initiative program, which is in its last year of a three-year pilot. The report will provide insight into whether the program should/should not be continued. In addition, the Committee continues to work on fostering faculty and student interaction, Mr. Johnson said.

Robert M. Grainger, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, reported on the work of that committee. Mr. Grainger updated everyone on the efforts to keep the Garden Room opened and profitable. The Garden Room is under new management and has enhanced its menu selections. The Committee continues to work with the Forum for Contemporary Thought, and Mr. Grainger will update the Executive Council on this initiative at a later date.

Mr. Gies discussed the Faculty Senate initiative on "Teaching/Research and the Creation of Knowledge." The information collected from Senators at the December Senate meeting will be the source of information used to create two Faculty Senate position papers. The Research and Scholarship Committee will draft the two position papers. One of the papers will be distributed internally, and the other will be used for "outside," public outreach purposes. The outside position paper will focus on the Faculty Senate Harrison Undergraduate Research projects that were funded this year. Mr. Grainger will have drafts of the two position papers available for review at the Executive Council meeting on March 28.

Mr. Gies reported that the Executive Council has been asked to provide speakers for this year's Summer Orientation Program for new students. A sign-up sheet was passed around for anyone who would like to speak at one of these sessions. More information on dates, place and time will be forthcoming.

The Faculty Senate Grievance Committee has been working on several cases, Mr. Gies said. Mr. Gies will invite James Clawson, Chair of the Grievance Committee, to the next Executive Council meeting so that he can update everyone on that Committee's work.

Mr. Gies will contact the chairs of the University's four Commissions and invite them to the Faculty Senate meeting in May, so that they can update faculty on their work.

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Submitted by Sharon W. Utz, Secretary of the Faculty Senate