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

November 14, 1997

Jahan Ramazani, Chair of the Faculty Senate, called the meeting to order at 12:10 in the President's Conference Room in Madison Hall. In attendance were Edward Ayers, Rebecca Kneedler, Janet Horne, Michael Smith, Sharon Utz, Miles Townsend, Patricia Werhane, Michael Williams, Robert Grainger, Marva Barnett, Benjamin Ray, and Peter Low. Julian Connolly and Susan McKinnon, both members of the Faculty Senate Committee on Research and Scholarship, were also in attendance.

Mr. Ramazani welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Ramazani recognized Susan McKinnon and Julian Connolly, who attended the meeting to discuss the preliminary report of the Research and Scholarship Committee and the work being done by the Committee.

Ben Ray commented on the Colonnade Club's renovation and asked if the Research and Scholarship Committee might work with those who are coordinating the renovation process. Peter Low said Shirley Menaker, Associate Provost for Academic Support, is working with those who are in charge of the Colonnade Club renovation. It was suggested that someone should work with the Colonnade Board of Governors to explore how the Club can better meet faculty needs.

The Council had a discussion on how such projects as a possible faculty center could be funded. Some suggestions made were faculty fees (membership), private funding, and State funding. Another suggestion for raising funds was to have faculty raise funds and approach a possible donor to match those funds.

The topic of "Programming," which is in the preliminary report, was discussed. The Research and Scholarship Committee is exploring the idea of University-wide seminar series, possibly to be sponsored by the Faculty Senate, which will utilize University talent. This could be in the form of chair-holder lectures. It was suggested that perhaps the Research and Scholarship Committee could meet with the deans of the various schools to get their input on this initiative.

The Executive Council will vote at its next meeting on whether to endorse the Research and Scholarship Committee's report.

The Executive Council reviewed an off-Grounds degree program proposal, "Master of Arts in Chemistry." Contingent upon the approval of the Arts & Sciences Curriculum and Education Policy Committee, the Executive Council voted unanimously to approve the proposal.

Ryan Nelson, a member of the Committee on Research and Scholarship, resigned because of other commitments. Mr. Ramazani called for a vote for Kenneth Schwartz, from the School of Architecture, to serve on that Committee. The Executive Council voted unanimously for Mr. Schwartz.

Mr. Ramazani called for nominations for a replacement for John Redick, who has resigned from the Faculty Grievance Committee. Nominations were made, and Mr. Ramazani will follow-up.

Other issues discussed were the Cavalier Daily article regarding a proposed University requirement that all students have a computer, and Faculty Senate co-sponsorship of the University Library's exhibit receptions.

The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Submitted by Janet Horne, Secretary of the Faculty Senate