Tuesday, December 11, 2012

To the University community:

As you know, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has been reviewing governance issues at the University since President Teresa A. Sullivan’s resignation and subsequent reinstatement this past summer. SACSCOC announced today that it has placed the University of Virginia “on warning” for one year and will send a visiting team to Grounds in early 2013.

This action does not imply any criticism of the University’s academic quality and programs, nor does it affect the institution’s ability to receive federal aid, including financial aid and sponsored research.

According to SACSCOC, “An institution may be placed on Warning or Probation for noncompliance with any of the Core Requirements or significant noncompliance with the Comprehensive Standards. Additionally, an institution may be placed on Warning for failure to make timely and significant progress toward correcting the deficiencies that led to the finding of noncompliance with any of the Principles of Accreditation. An institution may also be placed on Warning for failure to comply with Commission policies and procedures, including failure to provide requested information in a timely manner. The maximum total time during one monitoring period that an institution may be on Warning is two years.”

The SACSCOC Board of Trustees determined that the University was not in compliance with Core Requirement 2.2 regarding board governance and Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5 regarding Faculty Role in Governance of the organization’s Principles of Accreditation.

The University of Virginia acknowledges the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). While the decision is disappointing, the University of Virginia pledges to work diligently to address the concerns cited by the commission. For the past several months and in the spirit of continuous improvement, the Board of Visitors and University leadership have been proactively working together to review governance practices and policies to ensure the highest level of transparency, accountability and responsiveness to all those it serves.

Last month, the Board adopted revisions to the Board of Visitors Manual to provide clarity on procedures for electing and removing presidents, set up comprehensive guidelines for evaluating a president’s performance, and provide more direct involvement by faculty in board deliberations.

The Board of Visitors and University leadership will continue to gather research and identify best practices from a variety of sources – including tapping outside experts and resources – so that the University may become a model for higher education governance in the commonwealth and nation.

These are extraordinary times for the University of Virginia and for all of higher education. I appreciate the many ways in which our community of learning has come together these past months and I thank you for your ongoing support as we address the many opportunities and challenges facing higher education.

Sincerely,

John D. Simon
Executive Vice President and Provost

Background Information and Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the SACS Decision to Place the University of Virginia on Warning for One Year

On Dec. 10, 2012, the University of Virginia was placed on Warning by its accrediting agency following a review of governance issues linked to the summer’s resignation and reinstatement of President Teresa A. Sullivan.

The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) determined that the University was not in compliance with two of the organization’s principles of accreditation – specifically, Core Requirement 2.2, regarding board governance, and Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5, regarding the faculty role in governance.

SACSCOC will send a special review team to University Grounds in fall 2013 to do further study regarding compliance. Their findings will be reviewed at the December SACSCOC Board of Trustees meeting.

SACSCOC is the recognized regional accrediting body in the 11 Southern states, including: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education – both public and private – that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees. The Commission’s Board of Trustees is charged with making decisions on the accreditation status of member institutions. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, it is a membership-based organization which the University of Virginia joined in 1904. Membership is formally voluntary, but as a practical matter, membership and accreditation is essential to the University.

Because there has been some misunderstanding about the role of SACSCOC and what constitutes a Warning, the following Q&A has been created to help explain the issues.

Q: What is accreditation?

A: As defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, accreditation “is intended to assure constituents and the public of the quality and integrity of higher education institutions and programs, and to help those institutions and programs improve.”

Q: Why is accreditation necessary?

A: Accreditation demonstrates, to the public and other stakeholders, that colleges and universities maintain a commitment to quality and continuous improvement in fulfilling their missions. Accreditation is essential to students, for access to various forms of federal financial aid, transfer of credit to other institutions of higher education, and recognition of their degrees. For faculty accreditation is necessary to access most research funding. As a practical matter, accreditation is essential to attract and retain students and faculty.

Q: What are The Principles of Accreditation?

A: The Principles of Accreditation (PDF) are the agreed-upon standards with which member institutions must comply. The Federal Government has delegated accreditation to a private body, and one might think of the principles as regulations. The standards govern a broad array of issues, including governance, financial resources, human resources, physical resources, the curriculum, athletics, and philanthropy, among others. Member universities must demonstrate compliance with the totality of the principles every 10 years. Every five years, they must demonstrate compliance with a subset of the principles. In between these routine compliance processes, should SACSCOC believe a university is out of compliance with one or more principles, it may require that university to provide information documenting its compliance.

Q: Why was the University sanctioned?

A: In response to the resignation and subsequent reinstatement of President Teresa A. Sullivan, SACSCOC required that the University document compliance with three principles – Principle 1.1 (Integrity), Core Requirement 2.2 (Governing Board), and Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5 (Faculty Role in Governance). After reviewing the response from the University’s Board of Visitors, the Board of Trustees of SACSCOC found the University non-compliant with Core Requirement 2.2 and Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5. In a recent press conference after the announcement, the president of SACSCOC cited concerns related to minority control of the board (Core Requirement 2.2) and policies surrounding faculty role in governance (Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5).

In January 2013, the University will receive formal notification of the finding from SACSCOC. This notification is expected to provide greater detail on the rationale of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. In addition, a special review team will visit the University in 2013 to investigate the University’s non-compliance.

It should be noted that no violation was found with respect to Principle 1.1 (Integrity).

Q: Can you be more specific as to why SACSCOC issued this Warning?

A: In an Associated Press (AP) story from Dec. 11, reporting on the SACSCOC announcement to put the University on Warning, SACSCOC President Belle Wheelan said that SACSCOC believes the institution was not in compliance with a rule that a minority of governing board members can’t be in charge and another rule that institutions should have a policy that clearly identifies the faculty’s role in governance. In the AP report, Wheelan said the commission sent the school a letter in June saying it might be out of compliance, and the school’s governing board sent a response “that we didn’t feel sufficiently responded to our inquiry.”

She added that SACSCOC asked for additional information in October and she then took the issue to the SACSCOC board of trustees. “Based on the information we had received, they decided they needed to put the institution on Warning,” Wheelan said.

Wheelan said SACSCOC would decide next December whether to take further action. That could include continuing the Warning, putting the school on Probation, revoking its membership or removing the Warning.

Q: What does a sanction of Warning mean?

A: Warning is the lesser of two public sanctions applied to institutions found non-compliant with one or more of the principles. In the Policy on Sanctions, Denial of Reaffirmation, and Removal from Membership (PDF), SACSCOC defines Warning as:

“The less serious of the two sanctions, Warning is usually, but not necessarily, levied in the earlier stages of institutional review and often, but not necessarily, precedes Probation. It cannot, however, succeed Probation. An institution may be placed on Warning or Probation for noncompliance with any of the Core Requirements or significant noncompliance with the Comprehensive Standards. Additionally, an institution may be placed on Warning for failure to make timely and significant progress toward correcting the deficiencies that led to the finding of noncompliance with any of The principles of accreditation. An institution may also be placed on Warning for failure to comply with Commission policies and procedures, including failure to provide requested information in a timely manner. The maximum total time during one monitoring period that an institution may be on Warning is two years.”

Q: What is the duration of the Warning?

A: The University was placed on Warning for a period of 12 months. During this period, the University is expected to correct deficiencies or make satisfactory progress toward compliance. SACSCOC Board of Trustees will reconsider the sanction in December 2013.  A special committee will visit the institution in fall 2013. At that time, SACSCOC may remove the sanction, continue the sanction, elevate the sanction to Probation, or remove the University from membership.

Q: What are some of the changes that the Board of Visitors has already made regarding governance issues?

A: The Board this summer created the Special Committee on Governance and Engagement, charging it to review board governance policies. In November, the Board approved three new policies designed to promote greater accountability and transparency.

Revisions to the Board of Visitors Manual provide clarity on procedures for electing and removing presidents. Resolutions passed by the board also set up comprehensive guidelines for evaluating a president’s performance and provide for more direct involvement by faculty in board deliberations.

1. Presidential election, appointment and removal: The board’s manual now stipulates that actions related to the employment status of a president will require a publicly noticed board meeting and a vote of the full Board of Visitors.
   

   The manual now states: “Appointment, removal, requested resignation, or amendment of the contract or terms of employment of the President may be accomplished only by vote of a majority (or, by statute, two-thirds in the case of removal) of the whole number of Visitors at a regular meeting, or special meeting called for this purpose.”

2. Presidential evaluation process: The board also voted to institute quarterly evaluation meetings. The meetings provide an opportunity to “review progress on goals and established benchmarks, and to advise the president on current priorities of the Board.” Those involved in the quarterly reviews will provide input to the annual Presidential Assessment Committee and will measure specific progress made toward meeting benchmarks spelled out in the University’s strategic plan. The Quarterly Review Committee includes the vice rector and the chairs of the Educational Policy, Finance, and Advancement and Communications committees. The Presidential Assessment Committee includes the rector, vice rector, and the most recently retired-from-office former rector still on the board, or in the absence of such, a senior member of the board appointed by the rector.
3. Shared governance: The board also unanimously approved a resolution to more closely involve the faculty in its work. The resolution authorizes the rector to consult with the president to appoint one non-voting consulting member from the faculty to each standing committee that doesn’t already have faculty representation.

At the time of the meeting, Helen Dragas, rector of the University, said: “We also understand the need for and believe in greater openness and accountability. We will continue gathering research and ideas from a variety of sources – including potentially tapping outside expert resources – so that the University may become a model for higher education governance in the commonwealth. We will be sure to clearly communicate this progress promptly to all interested entities, including SACS.”

Q: What impact could this attention have on the University’s reputation?

A: The University of Virginia has long enjoyed a strong reputation among peer institutions and in the public arena. It is well regarded for excellence in academics, the undergraduate experience, medical care, research, public service, sound fiscal management, and its top-ranked professional schools and graduate programs. In the past decade it has become known for its comprehensive financial aid program as well as for its commitment to expanding and enhancing both global education and arts programs.

While the events of the past summer and the recent Warning issued by SACSCOC have focused public and media attention on the University, these issues do not have an impact on the daily operations of the University. Students continue to receive an excellent education, faculty continue to conduct groundbreaking research and patients continue to receive world-class care.

Executive Vice President and Provost John Simon in his Dec. 12 statement to the community said the Warning was not intended as a criticism of the University’s academic quality and programs. Other leaders in higher education agree. In the Associated Press story, Molly Broad, the current president of the American Council on Education and former president of the University of North Carolina, was quoted as saying “the concern is over the university’s governance and really had nothing to do with the academic quality of the university. The Warning is a reminder that the university is a public trust and that the governance responsibilities are shared among the rectors, the president and the faculty. It should be taken seriously, but in my view it’s a temporary setback for the university and with the solid support across the campus, I believe will quickly be in U.Va.’s rearview mirror.”

The University continues on an even keel and, in the spirit of continuous improvement, is moving forward to address the critical issues that are facing not only U.Va., but all of higher education. This is being done in full partnership with the Board of Visitors.

Q: Does the sanction affect the student experience or academic programs?

A: No. The sanction was imposed due to governance-related issues. The sanction does not imply any criticism of the University’s academic quality or programs, nor will it impact the overall student experience to which University students are accustomed.

Q: Does the sanction affect the University’s eligibility for federal support?

A: No. The sanction does not affect the University’s eligibility to receive federal funding, including financial aid and sponsored research.

Q: Does the sanction impact the University of Virginia’s College at Wise?

A: No. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is separately accredited by SACSCOC. While the University and the College at Wise share the same governing board, the sanction was imposed upon the University of Virginia, not the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Q: Will the SACSCOC decision impact the University’s triple-A bond ratings?

A: The three major credit agencies — Fitch, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s —for nearly 10 years have given the University of Virginia their most coveted triple-A bond ratings. U.Va. and the University of Texas System are the only public universities to earn triple-A bond ratings from all three credit agencies. Both S&P and Fitch have reaffirmed the rating since the president’s reinstatement.

In announcing ratings each year, the agencies make note of certain factors that they look at when making their decisions. They include: the University’s status as a premier U.S. public university; undergraduate and graduate student demand; strong fiscal management; diversity of revenue; exceptional investment management by the University of Virginia Investment Management Company; considerable liquidity; solid financial resources; manageable debt burden; the presence and stability of the Medical Center; and the progress of the $3 billion capital campaign.

While the agencies have paid close attention to the recent decision by SACSCOC, we don’t believe that it will have an impact on future ratings. Our institutional financial operations continue under strong leadership and are considered to be extraordinarily healthy.

Sexual misconduct on college campuses is a serious issue, filled with understandable tension and
emotion. In recent days, a U.Va. case that was adjudicated last spring has been the topic of discussion on
attorney Wendy Murphy’s Facebook page.

Under federal law protecting the privacy of student education records, known as FERPA, the University
is not permitted to disclose the facts of any case alleging sexual misconduct without a signed release from
both the complaining and accused students. Because we have no such releases in the case referenced by
Ms. Murphy, we are unable to publicly discuss the details that resulted in the finding handed down in that
case. Moreover, it is our sense that public comment on our part not only violates expected privacy rights,
but it also may contribute to the suffering of the students and families on both sides. We can simply state
that Ms. Murphy’s Facebook posting contains multiple misstatements and omissions of facts that are
material to that case.

In every case brought under our new policy, we follow a prescribed procedure, which is also published
and available to our community for review. An Associate Dean of Students explains to a complaining
student in detail how to make a report of sexual assault to the Charlottesville, Albemarle County or
University Police Department, depending on where the alleged assault occurred. The student is also
informed on how to make a complaint to the University’s Sexual Misconduct Board and is provided with
information on the many support options provided by the University. If the complaining student does file
a report with local authorities, then the police initiate an investigation and the local criminal prosecutor
makes an independent determination whether to file criminal charges.

Whether or not criminal charges are filed by the local prosecutor, the complaining student still has the
option to file a formal complaint of sexual misconduct under the University’s policy with the University
Dean of Students, who refers such complaints to specially trained investigators in the office of the Vice
President and Chief Student Affairs Officer. These two investigators may have access to the evidence
collected by the police and also conduct independent interviews of the complainant, accused student, and
any other fact witnesses identified by the evidence or the parties. When the investigators recommend
such action, the case is referred for a formal hearing before the Sexual Misconduct Board (SMB), a panel
of five students and faculty members who receive special training by a nationally recognized expert in the
field of sexual misconduct on college campuses.

Prior to and during the board hearing, each party is assisted by a specially trained staff member who
advises and supports each party. Each party is afforded extensive procedural due process protections
pursuant to our procedures. An option of testimony via closed circuit television is offered when a party
feels uncomfortable being in the same hearing room with the other party. Following the hearing, the
panel deliberates and makes an ultimate finding by a preponderance of the evidence. When the
complaining student is dissatisfied by the finding of the SMB, that student has a right of appeal to the
Judicial Review Board (JRB), an independent panel of two faculty members and one student (currently
chaired by an experienced attorney on the faculty of the School of Law). The JRB conducts a review on
the record for error by the SMB hearing panel.

All of the procedural steps and protections outlined above were observed in the case that is the subject of
Ms. Murphy’s Facebook posting. The Facebook poster, Ms. Murphy, is a private attorney who has filed a
complaint in this case with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
The University of Virginia has cooperated fully in the OCR’s investigation, including providing the full
case file and making available for interview all persons involved in the adjudication and hearing of this
case. Many professionals are involved in these cases – University Student Affairs staff, hospital and
Student Health personnel, Women’s Center staff, University and Charlottesville police, and local
prosecutors. All of them carry the safety of our students and the prevention of sexual misconduct at the
forefront of their minds. As should be expected by our community, they also are committed to
adjudicating these very difficult cases within the bounds of due process for both the complainant and the
accused.

We are concerned that Ms. Murphy’s Facebook posting omits key facts and contains misleading and
inaccurate information about this case and how our procedure works. We urge victims of sexual
misconduct to continue to come forward and seek the University’s assistance. We remain committed to
working with the University and larger community to improve and strengthen our response to sexual
misconduct. We welcome constructive dialogue on this issue.

• University News and Responses

University News and Responses

October 2, 2012

• Regarding Affirmative Action

• University News and Responses
• News Coverage of Reinstatement
• Related Sites

In an unexpected move on June 10, 2012, the Board of Visitors announced that Teresa A. Sullivan would step down as president of the University of Virginia.

Since that time, the University community has responded passionately with strong opinions on all sides. There have been robust debates about the faculty’s role in University governance, a rally and silent vigil in support of Sullivan, an all-night Board meeting in the Rotunda, and widespread media coverage.

On June 26, the Board of Visitors voted unanimously to reinstate Sullivan to her post.

What follows is a chronological archive of statements, videos, and news coverage, including press releases and email communications from Governor Bob McDonnell, Rector Helen Dragas, President Sullivan, Provost John Simon, the deans of the University’s 11 schools, the Faculty Senate, the Honor Committee, and the Alumni Association.

The statements are organized in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent.

Please address any questions, corrections or requests to webmaster@virginia.edu, or contact Zachary Wheat at (434) 243-2096.

University News and Responses

Mar. 14, 2013

• “College and University Governance: The University of Virginia Governing Board’s Attempt to Remove the President”, a Report from the American Association of University Professors

Mar. 5, 2013

• Communication from the Rector to the Faculty Senate Executive Council (pdf)

Mar. 4, 2013

• Statement by the Faculty Senate on the Washington Post Article of March 2, 2013

Feb. 8, 2013

• U.Va. Rector’s Response to the American Association of University Professor (AAUP) draft report (pdf)

Nov. 12, 2012

• U.Va. Response to Request by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (pdf)

Nov. 9, 2012

• Third Amendment to President Sullivan’s Employment Agreement (pdf)
• U.Va. Board Extends Sullivan’s Employment Contract to 2016
• Board of Visitors votes Nov. 9 to extend the president’s contract (video – starts at 5:45)

September 4, 2012

• UVa Alumni for Responsible Corporate Governance Legislative Briefing Paper

July 16, 2012

• Timeline: Teresa Sullivan’s Resignation and Reinstatement
• Joint Statement from the Rector and the President of the University of Virginia

July 11, 2012

• Special message from President Teresa A. Sullivan

June 29, 2012

• Statement from Helen E. Dragas Regarding U.Va. Board Appointments
• Statement from President Sullivan on board appointments
• George Cohen’s Statement in Response to Governor McDonnell’s Appointments to the Board of Visitors
• U.Va. Scholars Discuss Liberal Education in Light of Recent Events
• New Picks for U.Va. Board Add Breadth of Higher Ed Expertise and Experience; Dragas Reappointed
• Governor McDonnell Announces U.Va. Board of Visitors Appointments
• A Special Message to Parents of U.Va. Students

June 28, 2012

• Social Media Focused on National Spotlight on Sullivan Story
• Statement from Dean Kim Tanzer: A stronger A-school community
• Statement from Dean Dorrie Fontaine: Together. Stronger. Bolder.

June 27, 2012

• Month’s Events Provide a Jump Start for the Faculty Senate
• Statement from Dean James Alyor: A New Beginning
• Statement from Dean Meredith Woo: Moving Forward

June 26, 2012

• President Sullivan Addresses Supporters on the Lawn
  
• U.Va. Board of Visitors Reinstates Sullivan as President
  
• Sullivan Reinstate, and Attention Turns to Challenges Ahead
• Statement of Teresa A. Sullivan Addressing Those on the Lawn 
• Statement of Teresa A. Sullivan to the Board of Visitors
• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on the University of Virginia Presidency
• Statement from SCHEV Director Peter Blake Regarding the Reinstatement of Teresa Sullivan
• Resolution to Rescind the Second Amendment to the President’s Employment Agreement
• Statement of Rector Helen Dragas to the Board of Visitors on June 26, 2012
• Remarks by Heywood Fralin to the Board of Visitors
• Board of Visitors Votes to Reinstate Sullivan as President
• U.Va. Board of Visitors Reinstates Sullivan as President

June 25, 2012

• Board of Visitor’s Meeting Tuesday to be Streamed Live
• Letter from the Trustees of the Darden School Foundation
• Letter from the University of Virginia Women’s Center
• “To Fight for the Truth” – Robert Bruner, Dean of the Darden School of Business
• Fill the Lawn with Grace and Dignity: A message from George Cohen, Chair, Faculty Senate
• Darden School Professor Speaks from Her Heart and Mind at UVA Rally for Teresa Sullivan

June 24, 2012

• Rally for Honor Seeks Re-instatement of U.Va. President Teresa Sullivan
• College Foundation Memo to the Board of Visitors
• Statement from Carol Wood, University Spokesperson, in response to the Wall Street Journal Article of June 24

June 23, 2012

• Statement by the following members of the University of Virginia’s Council of Foundations in Support of President Sullivan
• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on the University of Virginia Presidency

June 22, 2012

• Statement by Rector Dragas in Response to Governor McDonnell
• Zeithaml Steps Back as Interim President-Elect; McDonnell Demands a Resolution
• Statement from Gov. Robert F. McDonnell
• Letter from Gov. McDonnell to the Board of Visitors (PDF)
• U.Va. Dean Carl Zeithaml Meets with the Media Again
  
  » Download the Audio
• Clarification regarding the use of a PR firm
• Message from Carl Zeithaml regarding interim presidency
• General Faculty Council: Resolution Calling for the Reinstatement of President Sullivan
• Statement by the Graduate Students in the Corcoran Department of History Regarding President Sullivan’s Resignation

June 21, 2012

• Letter from UVa Faculty who are also Alumni
• Statement of Helen E. Dragas, Rector, University of Virginia
• Statement from Deans of the Colleges, Dean of Admissions, and University Librarian to the Board of Visitors
• Message from President Sullivan on Civility
• In Support of President Sullivan
• Statement of the Chairs of Departments and Directors of Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Virginia

June 20, 2012

• Open Letter from SEAS Department Chairs (PDF)
• Zeithaml: Love for the University Led Him to Accept Interim Presidency
• UVA Faculty Senate electronic and social media portals: now open!
• Interim President-Elect Zeithaml’s Press Conference
  
  » Download the Audio
• Faculty Senate Vigil in Support of President Sullivan
• Faculty Senate: A Call to Action
• Email from Carl Zeithaml to McIntire alumni

June 19, 2012

• Vice President Patricia M. Lampkin’s Message to Parents of All Current Students
• Vice Rector Mark Kington’s Letter of Resignation to Gov. McDonnell
• Release from Carl Zeithaml, dean of the McIntire School of Commerce, after being named interim president
• Carl Zeithaml, Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce, Named Interim U.Va. President
  
• At U.Va., the Longest Days
• U.Va. Today Blog: Late Night Learning

June 18, 2012

• Sullivan’s Statement to the Board of Visitors
• Rector Helen Dragas’ opening statement of the special Board of Visitors meeting
  
• Student Representative Statement to Board of Visitors
  
• U.Va. Today Blog: Faculty Senate Posts Video of Sunday Meeting
• Faculty Senate Executive Council statement on its meeting with Board

June 17, 2012

• Faculty Senate Ratifies No-Confidence Vote
  
• Provost John Simon’s Address to the Faculty Senate
  
• Non-Voting Student BOV Member Hillary Hurd’s Statement to Students
• Honor Committee statement on Board’s handling of Sullivan’s resignation
• General Faculty Council: Resolution on the Resignation of President Sullivan

June 15, 2012

• Email from Tom Faulders, President of the Alumni Association, to Alumni
• Email from Paul G. Mahoney, Dean, School of Law
• Open Letter to the Board of Visitors from the School of Nursing faculty senators and chairs
• UVA Faculty Senate to Meet in Emergency Session on Sunda
• Response of the College of Arts & Sciences Steering Committee
• Student Council’s Request to the Board of Visitors

June 14, 2012

• Faculty Declares Lack of Confidence in Rector, Vice Rector, Board
• Peter Kiernan offers public letter, resigns from Darden Foundation Board of Trustees
• Provost Employee Communication Council Resolution on the Board of Visitors Decision Concerning President Sullivan
• Email from Steven DeKosky, VP/Dean, School of Medicine
• Email from Edward Howell, VP/CEO, U.Va. Medical Center, to Friends of the Medical Center
• Message to the U.Va. Community from EVP/Provost John Simon and EVP/COO Michael Strine
• Response from Rector Helen Dragas to members of U.Va. Faculty

June 13, 2012

• Board to Meet Monday to Consider Interim President Candidates
• President Sullivan’s Strategic Plan (Originally Drafted May 3, 2012)
• Email from Architecture Dean Kim Tanzer to Architecture Alumni
• Email from McIntire Dean Carl Zeithaml

June 12, 2012

• Student Board of Visitors representative supports Sullivan’s resignation
• Open Letter from Arts & Sciences Chairs and Program Directors
• Email from Nursing Dean Dorrie Fontaine

June 11, 2012

• Vice President Patricia M. Lampkin’s Message to Division of Student Affairs
• Student Council’s Statement on the Departure of President Sullivan
• Faculty Senate Statement
• Email from Curry Dean Bob Pianta
• Email from Arts & Sciences Dean Meredith Woo

June 10, 2012

• Gov. Bob McDonnell’s statement on President Sullivan stepping down
• Email from Engineering Dean James Aylor
• Email from Darden Dean Robert Bruner
• Teresa Sullivan To Step Down Aug. 15 as U.Va. President
• Rector Dragas’ Remarks to VPs and Deans
• Full Text of Email Announcing Sullivan’s Stepping Down

News Coverage of Reinstatement

Nov. 9, 2012

• Teresa Sullivan, U-Va. president, given contract extension (Washington Post)
• UVa Extends President Sullivan’s Contract After Rocky Summer (Chronicle of Higher Education)

September 21, 2012

• U-Va. board to accreditors: “There is no more explanation to give.” (Washington Post)

September 12, 2012

• The UVa Drama Just Won’t Quit (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

September 11, 2012

• What the Failed Removal of U.Va. President Teresa Sullivan Means for Higher Education (New York Times)

August 15, 2012

• U-Va. shows that what we have here is failure to communicate (Washington Post)

August 8, 2012

• Fourteen Prominent Alumni Send Open Letter, Claim BOV Breached Corporate Duties (WUVAonline.com)

July 31, 2012

• McDonnell puts more educators on university boards after U-Va. crisis (Washington Post)

July 29, 2012

• U.Va. emails reveal efforts at damage control in president’s ouster (Richmond Times Dispatch)

July 28, 2012

• Newly released emails paint picture of UVa leadership before the fall (Daily Progress)

July 11, 2012

• Sullivan makes first remarks to faculty and staff since reinstatement (Daily Progress)

July 2, 2012

• Board members’ gifts to U.Va. exceed $77 million (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• Dragas reappointment won’t quiet U.Va. unrest (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• Ligon: U.Va. community recognized Sullivan’s leadership (commentary) (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• Teresa Sullivan Reinstated (WCAV CBS 19)

July 1, 2012

• UVa. upheaval: 18 days of leadership crisis (Washington Post)
• University of Virginia: Striking image (editorial) (Richmond Times Dispatch)
•  Heywood Fralin a big cog in UVa machine (commentary) (Roanoke Times)
• UVA Student Council Fails to Reach Consensus (WVIR NBC-29)

June 30, 2012

• McDonnell reappoints Dragas to U.Va. board (Virginian-Pilot)

June 29, 2012

• UVa Reaps Donations After Reinstating President; Purdue Loses Major Gift Over Daniels Appointment (Chronicle of Philanthropy blog)
• Social media played integral part in pro Sullivan movement (Charlottesville Daily Progress)
• Sullivan’s reinstatement inspires a flood of donations to UVa. (Washington Post blog)
•  Husband, wife donate $2.2M to UVa in wake of Sullivan reinstatement (Charlottesville Daily Progress)
• Commentary: Trouble With Transparency (Inside Higher Ed)

June 28, 2012

• Commentary: Covering unpleasantness at U.Va. (Virginian-Pilot)
• Pro-Sullivan donations come in as UVa takes a post-crisis breath (Charlottesville Daily Progress)
• Full impact of U.Va. crisis not yet known (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• Commentary: Leading UVa. back to the top (Washington Post)
• Governor McDonnell Vetting Candidates for UVA Board of Visitors (WVIR NBC-29)
• UVa Historians Analyzing Impacts of Sullivan Saga (WCAV CBS 19)

June 27, 2012

• UVA has its president back. But the fight to save our universities has only just begun (Slate.com)
•  What We Learned at UVa (Chronicle of Higher Education blog)
• U. Va. quiet, contemplative a day after board vote (WTTG Fox5 Washington, D.C.)
• UVa’s Faculty Leaders Gain New Power After President Is Reinstated (Chronicle of Higher Education)
• Public Universities Grapple with Money, Technology and Mission (PBS NewsHour)
• U.Va. turmoil had one benefit – energizing alumni (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Timeline of the U.Va. crisis  (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• A day to remember at Jefferson’s Academical Village (Richmond Times Dispatch)
•  Rebuilding Mr. Jefferson’s University (Inside Higher Ed)
• UVa’s Accreditor Says Sullivan Ouster Has ‘Raised Questions’ About Compliance (WCAV CBS 19)
• EDITORIAL: With Sullivan’s recall, UVa. can begin looking at its future (Washington Post)
• EDITORIAL: The right end to U.Va.’s chaos (Virginian-Pilot)
• University of Virginia reinstates Teresa Sullivan (Marketplace.org)
• UVA Board of Visitors Reinstates Sullivan as President (WVIR NBC-29)
• Elation, renewed commitment mark reaction to Sullivan’s return (Charlottesville Daily Progress)
• UVa Board Reinstates Ousted President After Outcry (Associated Press)
• Admissions 101: Will uproar make UVa. less popular? (Washington Post blog)
• Historic day at UVa: Sullivan reinstated after two weeks of turmoil ( Charlottesville Daily Progress)

June 26, 2012

• University Board Reinstates Leader (Wall Street Journal)
• UVa. student: We staked it out and we won’t (video) (Washington Post)
• U-Va. board votes to reinstate Teresa Sullivan (Washington Post)
• Board Reinstates University Of Virginia’s President (NPR)
• U. Va. Board of Visitors votes unanimously to reinstate Teresa Sullivan (Virginia Business Magazine)
• U-Va. board votes to reinstate Teresa Sullivan (Washington Post)
• U.Va. board reverses decision, brings back Sullivan (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• UVa. President Teresa Sullivan reinstated (USA Today)
• Teresa Sullivan speaks after being reinstated U-Va. President (Washington Post)
• Ousted Head of University is Reinstated in Virginia (The New York Times)
• UVa. controversy: How are top public universities governed? (Washington Post blog)
• In Midst of Controversy UVA Archives Works to Preserve History (WVIR NBC-29)
•  Fixing College (New York Times)
• UVa Faculty Senate Urges “Grace and Dignity” (WHSV ABC-3)
• UVa.: What the showdown will and won’t resolve (Washington Post blog)
• Public Universities See Familiar Fight at Virginia (New York Times)
•  Disruptive Innovation: Rhetoric or Reality? (Inside Higher Ed)
•  In UVa. Community, Sullivan Quickly Won Wide Support (OregonLive.com)
• Prospective, Current UVa Students not Negatively Affected by Sullivan Saga (WCAV CBS 19)
• University of Virginia student leaders stop short of saying ‘Reinstate Sullivan’ (Washington Post blog)
• The Right Way to Lead Higher Education Through the Digital Age (Chronicle of Higher Education blog)
• Trustees of Darden School Foundation Support UVa Deans’ Message (WCAV CS 19)

June 25, 2012

• Back to the Future for UVa (Chronicle of Higher Education)
• Trustees for key U.Va. foundation back Sullivan (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• Teresa Sullivan: The ousted U-Va. leader who may regain the post (Washington Post)
• Who’s Who on the U.Va.’s governing board (Washington Post)
• What UVa needs after the Sullivan mess (Washington Post blog)
• Defending the Humanities (Inside Higher Ed)
• High Noon at the Rotunda (Inside Higher Ed)
• The University of Virginia — ground zero for change (Washington Post)
• Question in UVa. tumult: What should premier public universities be? (Washington Post)
• How the New Yorker’s Atul Gawande Caused the Debacle at UVA (CBS News)
• What would Thomas Jefferson think of the UVa. turmoil?  (Washington Post)
• University of Virginia students feel betrayed after ouster of Teresa Sullivan  (Washington Post)
• Disputed ouster of UVA president could be ‘teachable moment’ (USA Today)
• WTJU Community Mic Call Ins on President Sullivan/BOV Issue
  Call In One
  Call In Two
  Call In Three
  Call In Four
  Call In Five

June 24, 2012

• The Virginia Fracas: U.Va.’s faculty revolts when the trustees move against the status quo (Wall Street Journal)
• Statement from President and former President of Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni (Cavalier Daily)
• Sunday on the Lawn, Rally for Honor
  
• UVa admissions critique fails to consider important context (Daily Progress)
• At University of Virginia, Sullivan supporters rally for hours (Washington Post)
• The University of Virginia: Tough times (Richmond Times Dispatch Editorial)
• Wounded UVa can be repaired (Daily Progress)
• Rally held in support of ousted U.Va. president (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• A look at the board of visitors (Richmond Times Dispatch)

June 23, 2012

• U.Va.’s interim president addresses challenges for the first time (NBC 29)
• How the New Yorker’s Atul Gawande Caused the Debacle at UVA  (CBS News)
• Disputed outser of UVa. president could be ‘teachable moment’ (USA Today)
• Social Media Becomes Outlet for Sullivan Support (NBC 29)
• UVA Arts & Sciences Dean Responds to Rumors of Cuts (NBC 29)

June 22, 2012

• Gov. McDonnell Statement, Wants Clear Action from BOV Tues (WCAV CBS 19)
• U.Va. board to reconsider Sullivan ouster (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• UVa Board to Consider Reinstating Ousted President  (ABC News)
• Sullivan reinstatement considered; interim president suspends role (Washington Post)
• U-Va. dean tapped for interim president suspends preparations for new job (Washington Post)
• UVA’s Ouster: A Symptom of Our “Reboot” Culture (TIME)
• McDonnell Releases Statement on UVA Presidency, Letter to BOV (NBC 29)
• Helen Dragas: The leader who forced out U-Va.’s president (Washington Post)
• The University of Virginia: Why I still have faith in my alma mater (Washington Post)
• Are Public Universities Still Public? (NPR)
• Ouster of UVA president was justified — Sullivan’s dismissal highlights what’s wrong with higher education today (Fox News)
• Zeithaml steps aside, ends negotiations with UVA Board of Visitors (C-ville Weekly)
• U-Va. board to reconsider President Sullivan’s employment (Washington Post)
• What If Sullivan Is Reinstated? Experts Consider How Power Dynamics Could Change at UVa (Chronicle of Higher Education)
• Zeithaml takes interim UVa. role under fire, says he didn’t support decision to remove Sullivan (Washington Post blog)
• U-Va prof: Why governing board gets an ‘F’ for Sullivan ‘project’ (Washington Post blog)
• The Decline and Fall of a Public University: How Status Anxiety Doomed the University of Virginia (The Plank on TNR.com blog)

June 21, 2012

• U.Va.’s interim president addresses challenges for the first time (Inside Higher Ed)
• The Worrisome Ascendance of Business in Higher Education (Chronicle of Higher Education)
• Ouster of UVA president was justified — Sullivan’s dismissal highlights what’s wrong with higher education today (Fox News.com)
• The Decline and Fall of a Public University: How Status Anxieties Doomed the University of Virginia (The New Republic)
• Teresa Sullivan University Of Virginia Ouster Led By Political Donors Lacking Academic Experience (Daily Me)
• Lag in online learning worried U.Va. board’s leaders (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Howell says legislative inquiry on U.Va. is premature (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Interim U.Va. president says he opposes Sullivan’s ouster (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Craig: What Would Jefferson Do? UVa Community must have its say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Gibson: What Would Jefferson Do? How secrecy backfires (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Neal: What Would Jefferson Do? Time to innovate or die (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• U.Va. no UMW (The Free Lance-Star)
• Supporters Quietly Plot Teresa Sullivan’s Return as President of UVa (The Ticker – The Chronicle of Higher Education)
• PERSPECTIVE: UVa board needs to be more transparent (Culpeper Star-Exponent)
• Interim UVa president: Choice was hard (Roanoke.com)
• 2 New Resignations Rock the University of Virginia (New York Times)
• American Association of University Professors Investigation (PDF)
• Sullivan’s severance — one year sabbatical plus offer of professorship (Charlottesville Daily Progress)

June 20, 2012

• U.Va. board members aim to reinstate Sullivan (HamptonRoads.com)
• UVA community continues push to reinstate ousted president (NBC12 News)
• “Expertise Is So 20th Century” (Daily Me)
• New University of Virginia head says president’s firing a mistake (Washington Examiner)
• McDonnell noncommittal on reappointing U.Va. rector (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• Jeff’s Notes: U.Va. soap opera (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• University Uproar: Ouster of UVA President Draws Fire (Time.com)
• UPDATE: U.Va. interim president does not support Sullivan ouster (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
• UVa’s interim president seeks to rebuild trust (Inside Nova)
• U.Va.’s vice rector resigns; Sullivan severance detailed (WSLS 10)
• U.Va.’s vice rector resigns; Sullivan severance detailed (The News & Advance)
• UVa’s interim president seeks to rebuild trust (Washington Examiner)
• Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Calls For UVA Board To Resign (Wusa9.com)
• UVA Faculty Senate Organizes Fight for Sullivan’s Reinstatement (NBC29)
• Delegate offers to pay for U.Va. probe (HamptonRoads.com – Blogs)
• U.Va’s new interim president says he doesn’t support board’s decision to remove Sullivan (Virginia Business)
• Emails showed U.Va. board feared university lagged in online courses (Richmond Times Dispatch)

June 19, 2012

• Interim president chosen for UVa (Associated Press )

June 18, 2012

• U.Va. board faces test over Sullivan’s ouster (Richmond Times Dispatch)
• OP-ED: Aspiring to achieve greatness (Paul Tudor Jones II) (Charlottesville Daily Progress)
• UVa. faculty hold raucous meeting over ousted president (Washington Post)

June 14, 2012

• Response From UVa Rector to Faculty and Notice of Board Meeting (WCAV CBS 19)

June 13, 2012

• Suzie McCall creates United for Honor Facebook page

June 11, 2012

• University of Virginia president to step down (Washington Post)
• Early Exit at U. of Virginia (Inside Higher Ed)

Related Sites

• Board of Visitors
• Faculty Senate
  • Faculty Senate on Facebook
  • Faculty Senate on Twitter
  • Faculty Senate soliciting input
• UVA Magazine: Responses to President Sullivan’s Resignation
• Facebook: Rally for Honor
• Facebook: Students, Friends, & Family United for the Reinstatement of President Sullivan

I am writing to tell you that the University met with five members of the Obama Presidential Campaign on Wednesday. The campaign requested the use of one of two outdoor University venues  — the Amphitheater or the Harrison Institute-Small Library plaza.  After reviewing the campaign’s request for either of these two sites and the impact on the University, the University declined the request for the following reasons:

• As you know, Aug. 29 is the second day of classes overall and the first day of classes on the Monday/Wednesday/Friday academic schedule.
• The use of either of the desired sites would require closing buildings adjacent to the sites for the entire day.
• The cancellation of 186 classes would occur if the site were the Amphitheater or closing of the libraries and Newcomb dining if the site were the Harrison-Small plaza. This would result in an extraordinary disruption of the second day of the new semester.
• In addition to the disruption to classes, the University would have to bear the full cost of security — a substantial and open-ended expenditure of staff time and money.
• By University policy, we would also have to offer the same accommodations and bear the same costs for the Romney campaign.  Our federal and state tax-exempt status requires that we not favor any candidate.

The Secret Service will have final approval on the site chosen and would dictate the security requirements, but at a minimum the buildings adjacent to the event venue would need to be closed on Aug. 29.  Adjacent buildings would be searched and secured with officers posted in each starting at least 6 hours prior to the event.

Additional details:  The use of McIntire Amphitheater would require the closing of the following buildings on Aug. 29: Bryan Hall, Cocke Hall,  Garrett Hall, Minor Hall, and possibly Maury and Monroe halls. The parking lots behind Bryan and Clark would have to be closed for the day, as well as a portion of McCormick Road.

The use of the Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library would require the closing of the Alderman Library, Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library, the temporary dining facility, Peabody Hall, and possibly Monroe Hall, the rooms along the West Range and a portion of McCormick Road.

Costs: the host site would be responsible for all security costs as determined by the Secret Service. The security costs would include, but not be limited to: staffing the intersections along the motorcade route (anticipate more than 200 officers would be required at a cost of $90,000 or more); security required at U.Va. and at the airport (obtaining officers from the local police departments and state police at U.Va.’s expense); canine dogs (obtaining them from police departments statewide).

While there are certainly financial implications to a state university that has seen faculty and staff salary freezes for the past five years, the primary reasons for declining the offer were related to disruption of the first days of classes.

A national election is something we want our students to be involved in — and hope that it is something they will rally around. The timing of this request simply could not be accommodated at these two requested locations because of the start of classes. This was not an easy decision, especially given our Jeffersonian legacy.

The University informed Jim Loftis, the leader of the campaign advance team, who said that he completely understood the decision given the impact it would have on the academic schedule.

Carol Wood, U.Va. Spokesperson

The first phase of Rotunda renovations will address conditions that threaten the building’s integrity. The leaking roof and oculus skylight will be replaced, and exterior brick walls, windows and ornamental sheet metal will be repaired.

The cost of the roof replacement is $4.69 million, $2.7 million of which is an appropriation from the Virginia General Assembly. An additional $2.5 million to cover the exterior work will come from maintenance reserves.

The University is currently undertaking a fundraising campaign to raise $26 million that will match funds from the state to cover the total $51 million needed for the full Rotunda restoration.

Repairing Thomas Jefferson’s iconic building is not the only work in the Academical Village and Central Grounds.

Work during the summer and fall of 2012 including replacement of the Lawn’s grass, renovations to Lawn and Range bathrooms and interiors, East Range roof replacement, Pavilion X interior upgrades and more.

For a full story on renovations and construction, click here.

University followed General Assembly process in response to FOI for review of faculty member’s 34,000 e-mails

May 25, 2011 — In argument before the Circuit Court of Prince William County yesterday, counsel for the University represented to the Court that the University had been following the process established by the General Assembly for responding to complex Freedom of Information Act requests seeking voluminous records, where, as here, the request is so broadly worded and lengthy (11 pages).

See http://www.virginia.edu/foia/climatechange/ which demonstrates that the University’s Office of General Counsel has been in frequent and regular contact with counsel for the requesters, as encouraged by state law where there are disputes, seeking to clarify their request and to work out a reasonably manageable process that would respect the mandates of both federal and state law. In accordance with the resulting agreement that had developed from the professional cooperation of counsel for both sides, the University began review of the records and recently provided counsel for the requesters with the first responsive records. That delivery was made, pursuant to the working agreement with counsel for the requestors, notwithstanding their having filed suit.

Judge Gaylord Finch took all of the substantive issues under advisement and said he would issue a ruling by June 15. He commented from the bench on how impressed he was at how much progress had been made on the request.

The court is expected to decide whether, as a matter of state law, the University is entitled to reimbursement for the cost of reviewing documents to be sure the records are both responsive and that disclosure will not violate specific federal and state law protections, or whether this cost must be borne by the taxpayers of Virginia.

Also, in their continuing cooperation in trying to manage an incredibly huge and costly project, counsel for the parties submitted to the Court a proposed order, which was accepted by the Court, stipulating to mutually agreeable deadlines.

Summary

In November 2009, a computer at the University of East Anglia (UK) Hadley Climatic Research Unit was hacked and emails of scientists in the unit were made public. Climate change skeptics soon began to use portions of the illegally obtained material as evidence of alleged scientific fraud. One of the authors of the hundreds of hacked files and emails was Michael Mann. Mann is currently a member of the faculty of the Department of Meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, where he has been since 2005. Before taking that position he was a member of the faculty at University of Virginia’s environmental sciences department in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences from 1999 to 2005.

Investigations at both the University of East Anglia and Penn State found no evidence of wrong-doing by Mann or any of the other scientists who were authors or recipients of the hacked emails.

In December 2009 the University of Virginia began receiving requests under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for emails of Mann and retired professor Patrick Michaels. The requests came from individuals and organizations on both sides of the climate change debate, and the University responded to all of them consistently and in line with the requirements of the Act. In all cases in which records were requested, the University agreed to search for the documents but also sought to recover the costs of searching for and providing the records, pursuant to the law and consistent with University policy.

The requests to U.Va. picked up considerably after Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to the University in April 2010 seeking much of the same information that previously had been sought through FOIA. U.Va. challenged and continues to challenge the CIDs in court on grounds that have nothing to do with access to documents to which the public is entitled pursuant to law.

Published accounts of the University’s response to these FOIAs have perpetuated two persistent misstatements of fact: (1) that the University was hiding the emails of Mann, who has published research supporting the idea that climate change is partially caused by human activity, and (2) that the University “handed over” emails from Michaels, a retired member of U.Va.’s environmental sciences faculty who is now a senior fellow in environmental studies at the Cato Institute and a Distinguished Senior Fellow in the School of Public Policy at George Mason University and who has been skeptical of human-influenced climate change.

Here are the facts:

• When the first request was made for Mann’s emails in December 2009, the University performed a thorough search of central email archives and concluded that Mann’s emails were no longer stored in them. This was not a surprise as normal procedure is that a faculty member’s email is purged when he or she leaves the University. In the course of researching records potentially responsive to the CIDs, which were broader than previous records requests, the University discovered a previously unknown surplus computer stored in the environmental sciences department that retained electronic documents relating to Mann.
• The University recognizes that faculty emails composed, sent, and retained in the conduct of official University business are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. (Of course, many public records under Virginia law are nonetheless subject to exemptions that ensure compliance with confidentiality, privacy or other state or federal laws and requirements.) U.Va.’s challenge to the CIDs in court is on grounds that are not related to access to documents under FOIA.

The questions and answers below clarify some of the inaccurate statements that have been made about the University, the FOIA process and how we have responded to various requests under the Act. In addition, we have posted all substantive correspondence related to FOIA requests for both Mann’s and Michaels’ email and other materials related to the issue. Review the correspondence.

FAQ

Q.How does the University handle Freedom of Information Act requests?

A.Requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are referred to the University’s Office of Public Affairs. Public Affairs reviews each request, determines an appropriate response under FOIA and tracks the process until the project is completed. The office works with records custodians throughout the University to compile and supply necessary records and to otherwise comply with FOIA requirements.

Q. How are Freedom of Information Act requests different from the Attorney General’s Civil Investigative Demands?

A. Freedom of Information Act: Virginia law provides for any citizen of the commonwealth, or any representative of a media organization that circulates in Virginia or broadcasts in or into the state to have access to public records. There are a number of exclusions, including personnel records and certain academic records. The law allows agencies to recover their costs for “accessing, duplicating, supplying or searching for the requested records.” As authorized by law, U.Va. asks for advance payment of these costs when they meet or exceed $100.

Read more about the Virginia FOIA.

A. Civil Investigative Demand: A Civil Investigative Demand (CID) is a government action that is the equivalent of a subpoena. The Attorney General states that the current CIDs seek records in order to discover whether certain grants received by Michael Mann may have violated Virginia’s Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, Va. Code §§ 8.01-216.1 through 8.01-216.19. The University is asserting its rights to challenge the CIDs in court on a number of grounds including both a lack of articulated cause to believe that any fraud was committed and academic freedom.

Q: Who is making these requests for information about Michael Mann and Patrick Michaels?

A. The requests have come from persons and entities on both sides of the climate change debate, including various individuals, Greenpeace, the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Environmental Law Center at the American Tradition Institute. The University has responded to each request consistent with its procedures and the requirements of law.

Q: Why did the University initially state that it had emails for Patrick Michaels but not for Michael Mann?

A. The difference relates to the policies for faculty who retire from the University (e.g., Michaels) and those who leave to take other positions (e.g., Mann). Retired faculty such as Michaels may retain their email accounts upon their request, but the accounts of those who resign to take positions elsewhere, such as Mann, are supposed to be deleted after they successfully transition to their new institution.

Q: Why did the University say it didn’t have any Mann emails and then say it did?

A. After the original request from Del. Bob Marshall in November 2009, engineers did a thorough search of the University’s central e-mail system. None of Mann’s e-mails were located during that search. In the course of researching records potentially responsive to the CIDs, which were broader than previous records requests, the University discovered a previously unknown surplus computer stored in the environmental sciences department. That computer retained electronic documents relating to Mann.

Q: Why hasn’t the University produced all of the requested records?

A. The University has consistently stated that it will produce all responsive, non-exempt records that are public documents if those requesting them are willing to pay the reasonable costs of supplying the records to which the University is entitled under FOIA. Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act provides for agencies to recover their costs in “accessing, duplicating, supplying or searching for the requested records.” The law does not require the University to expend considerable time and effort in responding to complex FOIA requests without reimbursement of its costs. Under such circumstances, failure by the University to require such reimbursement would be unfair to the taxpayers of Virginia, who otherwise would have to bear the costs of fulfilling these private requests.

Q: Did U.Va. give Michaels’ emails to Greenpeace?

A. No. After a series of emails and narrowing of the group’s request to reduce its costs, and a letter confirming what the amount of those costs would be, U.Va. heard nothing more from Greenpeace.

So, how is it all paid for?

A new U.Va. site ­called Financing the University 101 has the answers.

How much does the University receive in state funding?

What are the University’s main expenses?

How is tuition determined?

What role does philanthropy play?

How is the endowment used in financing the University?

Find answers to these and many other questions about the University of Virginia’s finances. U.Va., it turns out, depends on diverse sources of funding, including patient revenues, tuition, research grants, philanthropy, auxiliary revenues and state appropriations.

Click here to visit the full site.

Statements and News from U.Va.

Robert Bruner, Dean of the Darden School of Business: Course, Courser, Coursant, Coursé (blog)

UVA Today: Faculty Senate Task Force Releases Report on U.Va. Online Learning Initiatives
July 18, 2012 — The first-ever overview of the University’s online education initiatives, detailed in a new Faculty Senate report, outlines a surprising variety of offerings.

Download: President Sullivan’s note to the Board of Visitors that accompanied the Faculty Senate’s report on online Learning Initiatives. (PDF, July 17, 2012)

Download: Overview of Significant Programs in Online Education at the University of Virginia (PDF, July 17, 2012)

Message from Meredith Jung-En Woo, dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences to College faculty (July 17, 2012)

Darden: UVA Partners With Online-Learning Pioneer Coursera
July 17, 2012 — The University of Virginia today announced that it will partner with Coursera, a new educational platform, to offer online classes and explore the development of Web-based courses and course materials.

Comment by Rector Dragas on Coursera announcement (July 17, 2012)

Comment by President Sullivan on Coursera announcement (July 17, 2012)

J. Milton Adams, U.Va. vice provost for academic programs, discusses U.Va.’s partnership with online course provider Coursera, announced July 17, 2012.

Download the Audio

UVA Today: University of Virginia Enters Agreement To Distribute Courses Online
July 17, 2012 — Bringing education to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection, U.Va. has announced a partnership with Coursera, a provider of free, online courses. Starting in 2013, the College of Arts & Sciences will offer three courses, and the Darden School of Business will offer one.

UVA Today: Faculty Senate, Teaching Resource Center Challenge Faculty to Enhance Fall Courses
July 6, 2012 — The U.Va. Faculty Senate and Teaching Resource Center, with support from the Office of the President, are offering faculty members a new opportunity to design technology-enhanced courses. But they’ll have to act quickly.

UVA Today: ‘Engineers PRODUCED in Virginia’ Creates Employment Pipeline for State’s Technology Companies
July 21, 2011 — From astronauts to leaders of Fortune 500 companies, the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science has a record of educating technically astute and leadership-ready engineers. Soon, more of Virginia’s numerous technology-driven companies will be able to find – and hire – these U.Va. engineers, thanks to new internship and career advice offered by the school’s unique distance education program.

News Coverage of U.Va.

New York Times (Opinion Pages): The Trouble With Online Education
July 19, 2012 — ”AH, you’re a professor. You must learn so much from your students.” This line, which I’ve heard in various forms, always makes me cringe. Do people think that lawyers learn a lot about the law from their clients? That patients teach doctors much of what they know about medicine?

Chronicle of Higher Education: Going Public the UVa Way
July 18, 2012 — “Why does a stationary skater remain stationary?” That’s a question that Lou Bloomfield asks his students in the opening lecture of “Physics 1050: How Things Work,” which he has taught at the University of Virginia for 21 years.

Inside Higher Ed: U.Va. and 11 others become latest to plan MOOCs
July 17, 2012 — A dozen more universities have signed partnerships with Coursera, a company that provides hosting services for massively open online courses (MOOCs), the company announced today. Coursera’s new partners include the University of Virginia, whose highly …

Washington Post: U-Va. takes major step in online education
July 17, 2012 — The leadership crisis that rent the University of Virginia last month arose partly out of fear that other elite schools were moving into the vanguard of a coming digital revolution, and that U-Va. stood to be left behind. That argument, advanced by the …

The Daily Progress: UVa announces new online courses venture
July 17, 2012 — University of Virginia officials have announced a new partnership with a company specializing in offering massive open online courses. The deal, which will offer non-credit classes, was in the works for several months, according to school officials.

Chronicle of Higher Education: After Leadership Crisis Fueled by Distance-Ed Debate, UVa Will Put Free… (subscription)
July 17, 2012 — By Nick DeSantis Before the University of Virginia’s president, Teresa A. Sullivan, was abruptly removed from office last month, her critics on UVa’s governing board expressed anxiety about being left behind in the emerging technological arms race on …

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Colleges expand audiences with online courses for the masses
July 15, 2012 — David Evans usually teaches about 50 students in one of his computer science classes at the University of Virginia. In February, he offered a free course on how to build a search engine, and 94,000 people signed up.

The action represents the University’s recognition of economic realities of families, political pressures on rate increases, and continues to reflect the steady decline of state support for higher education. The new rates also continue U.Va.’s focus on retaining its best faculty and attracting the best faculty to Grounds.

For Virginia residents, tuition and fees in 2012-13 will increase by $430 annually to $12,006. The increase for out-of-state students is 4 percent, or $1,448 annually, to $38,018.

The total cost of education, which includes, tuition and fees, first-year orientation fee, room and board, books, travel and miscellaneous expenses, is projected to be approximately $25,400, an overall increase of 4 percent, for an in-state student. At $51,600, the cost of a University education for an out-of-state student continues to be more than double that for an in-state student.

The University expects to continue to meet the full need of students who qualify for financial aid, through the AccessUVa program. Funding for AccessUVa is projected to reach $94 million in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

During this time, PCRM has requested public records regarding the use of our cats, and the University has complied. PCRM continually has misrepresented much of the information in press releases, letters, and most recently in a newspaper ad. PCRM also contacted the Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney to intercede on behalf of the cats. The Commonwealth Attorney’s response supporting the University is included on this website.

There has been a great deal of misinformation about what we are doing and why. Perhaps the most troubling misinformation PCRM has put in its marketing materials is that our cats are not treated well and suffer from “severe pain and, at times, death.”

This is simply not true. We have used the same three cats for seven years. They are treated with the greatest of care, are very healthy – and are in no way harmed. In fact, our veterinarian works closely with our veterinary technicians to ensure that the cats are properly anesthetized and carefully monitored throughout a procedure, and that they receive post-procedural analgesia as needed. Only one cat is used in each session and there is only one session each quarter. The cats have ample toys, comfortable beds, and regular visits from staff members who engage in play. It is reassuring to note that, even when approached by visitors to the lab, the cats show no fear of people in white coats and approach all with affectionate rubs. When our cats are retired, they will be adopted to the home of a staff member.

We pay careful attention to how many times a cat is intubated and periodically examine the cats’ airways for any evidence of trauma. Our physicians view these cats as partners in teaching a procedure that requires great skill under pressure when it is performed on a premature newborn.

More than 1 million newborns either die or are seriously injured from perinatal asphyxia each year, but the majority can be successfully resuscitated if an an adequate airway can be secured — in less than a minute after breathing difficulty has been detected. Our physicians have carefully determined that in the case of infants weighing less than four pounds, no current simulator provides adequate training in tracheal intubation, the insertion of a tube into a baby’s airway when he or she is in distress. That said, anyone taking the training must first become proficient on a simulator.

We continue to look for a simulator that is able to mimic a live infant in distress. While we hope to find one sooner rather than later, we do not believe that it’s in the best interest of the premature infants — whom our physicians will be called on to treat — to cease training with animals in response to a misinformed public relations campaign. That is not good medicine.

If you would like to read more about this issue, we have included several other documents that tell the University’s story.

Steven T. DeKosky
Vice President and Dean of the School of Medicine

In addition, they have unjustly attacked the credibility of a number of University staff members who have dedicated their lives to the health and well-being of our patients and our students. These assertions that U.Va. leaders have engaged in any unethical practices are unsupported and simply untrue.

The University physicians and nurses who have come under attack are individuals who have committed decades to providing the best possible care to our patients at the University, whose work has been recognized as extraordinarily competent and compassionate by individuals directly observing it and benefiting from it, and who continue to be regarded as role models in these qualities for the next generation of young physicians and nurses in training. They live by the highest professional and ethical standards.

In an effort to set the record straight, the University developed this Q&A to provide truthful information for reasonable individuals who might want to ask legitimate questions about the services provided by University-associated clinicians to their patients.

Go to the Q&A