Research and Scholarship Committee

March 23, 2005 - 3:30-3:4:40 p.m.

Newcomb Hall, Room 389

Present: Larry Bouchard, Ruth Hill, Susan Kirk, Steve Wilson, Jon Mikalson, John Wilson, Claire Cronmiller, Michael Fowler, William Walker, Steven Nock, Marcia Childress

Guest: Dave Hudson, Office of the Vice President for Research

Larry Bouchard, Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee, called the meeting to order. Mr. Bouchard told the committee members that the University of Virginia is beginning the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) reaffirmation of the University's accreditation. This reaffirmation process occurs every 10 years. The University needs to look at their Patent Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, and Conflict of Commitment Policy during the reaffirmation of the University's accreditation process. In this regard, Dave Hudson has asked the Research and Scholarship Committee to discuss these items and offer their input, Mr. Bouchard said.

Dave Hudson, Office of the Vice President for Research

Dave Hudson said the University's Patent Policy has to meet the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia's guidelines, after the Patent Policy has received the University's Board of Visitors approval. A copy of the current Patent Policy was distributed and discussed. There were, according to Mr. Hudson, no substantive changes in the policy; rather the revision was a matter of separating policy language from a description of procedures that implement the policy. The Committee members made suggestions for revisions to the current Patent Policy; however, these suggestions were in the nature of clarifying language, not substantive changes to the policy. Questions were also raised regarding the Patent Policy, such as what types of research at the University are eligible for a patent, and what types are not eligible. Mr. Hudson agreed to incorporate changes into the document before it goes before the Executive Council for review. Larry Bouchard called for a motion to commend to the Executive Council that the Patent Policy has been discussed, and the Research and Scholarship Committee has offered their advice on the document. A motion was made, it was seconded, and it passed unanimously. March 23, 2005

The Committee and Mr. Hudson began a discussion regarding the Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment policies. Some questions were asked and recommendations were made.

The meeting was adjourned early because a fire alarm made it necessary for everyone to evacuate the building. Mr. Bouchard said he felt this discussion should be continued. Mr. Bouchard will be in touch with Dave Hudson and the Research and Scholarship Committee to schedule another meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.