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

Rebecca Kneedler called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. in Room 200 at Ruffner Hall. In attendance were Jahan Ramazani, Sharon Utz, Janet Horne, Miles Townsend, Patricia Werhane, Marguerite Lippert, Edward Ayers, Peter Low.

Ms. Kneedler welcomed everyone to the meeting. She gave an update on the progress of the teaching conversations that are taking place within the schools/departments at UVA. This project was initiated by the Academic Affairs Committee, based on recommendations in the Self-Study Report. Ms. Kneedler introduced Ed Ayers, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, to give the Executive Council an overview of the project.

Mr. Ayers reported that there are already 21 reports in, and more are coming in every day. The reports will be put on the Web for viewing. The information distilled from the reports will be compiled into a final report from the Academic Affairs Committee, and this document will also be available on the Web. The Academic Affairs Committee will submit a two-to-three page hard-copy document to the full Senate for consideration and conversations at the April 16 Faculty Senate meeting. Mr. Ayers took questions from members of the Council.

It was suggested that this initiative should be publicized outside the University of Virginia, so that others are aware of the steps the University is taking to ensure excellent teaching.

The Council discussed the "Cavalier's Distinguished Teaching Chair;" the SCHEV indicator form, which was sent randomly to faculty; the faculty performance data that SCHEV has requested; mentoring; legislative town meetings; and the Faculty Handbook.

The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p. m.

Submitted by Susan McKinnon, Secretary to the Faculty Senate