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Governance Minutes ArchiveSeptember 10, 1993
MINUTES Commission on Faculty Affairs September 10, 1993 1:15-3:00PM 400D Burruss Hall Members Present: Larry Shumsky, Don Creamer, Felix Pierce, Jim Buffer, Marilyn Norstedt, Robert Sumichrast, Golde Holtzman, Fred Carlisle, Sam Riley, and Bill Williams Others Present: David de Wolf, Pat Hyer 1. Meetings times were set for 2:15-4:00PM on the following dates: September 24, October 8 & 22, November 5, December 3, January 7 & 21, February 4 & 18, and April 1, 15, & 29. 2. Retirement Transition Program Update (presented by Hyer). Information was presented about the number of participants by college or administrative area. It also was announced that the program has been extended indefinitely by action of the Board of Visitors at its April 1993 meeting. 3. Student/Faculty Relationships (presented by Shumsky). It was announced that President McComas wants a statement prepared. The focus of the statement is on sexual harassment. The matter has been referred to the EO/AA Committee. 4. Election (or Assignment) of CFA Members to the EO/AA Committee (presented by Shumsky). No action taken. 5. Family and Medical Leave (presented by Hyer). Updated language of the policy to conform with federal law was distributed as approved by the Board of Visitors at its August 1993 meeting. Discussion centered on work load assignments given by administrators--especially department heads--and concluded that such assignments are management issues not faculty governance issues. If handled poorly, however, such management decisions are grieveable. 6. Liability Insurance for Faculty (presented by Shumsky). The discussion centered on whether faculty are indemnified by the University's current insurance policies. Carlisle assured the Commission that faculty are indemnified; still, he agreed to ask Jerry Cain, the University counsel, to prepare explicit language to make the issue clear. 7. Student Attendance Policy (presented by Shumsky). Discussion centered on whether current policy on student attendance in class is sufficient. Discussion was far-ranging. The current policy was read. Though several on the Commission voiced support of the current policy, others suggested that it be reconsidered in light of perceptions about it. Shumsky announced that CUS and CSA will be contacted to coordinate any reconsideration of policy. 8. Extraordinary Faculty Appointments [Eminent Scholars] (presented by Carlisle). Concern has been expressed about the explicit role of faculty on extraordinary appointment such as UDP, ADP, Endowed Chairs, or Emeritus. Discussion reflected a possible need to clarify these roles; however, discussion also revealed that the Commission was not sure of the questions to be answered or the problem to be solved. Shumsky agreed to convene a group of appropriate personnel to clarify the questions that need addressing. 9. Tenure and Promotion Procedure (presented by Shumsky). The discussion was prompted by complaints received from some faculty that selected individuals have been promoted by procedures not stated in the Faculty Handbook. Carlisle defended the most recent example of the promotion of Charles Steger by arguing that the decision was authorized by the Handbook. Concern seemed to focus on whether Carlisle had at some point in the process concerning Steger stated that the Handbook served as only one source of authority for taking such action. Carlisle denied making such a remark. Shumsky will take the next step by convening a "working group" to further discuss the CFA's role in this matter. 10. Meeting was adjourned at 3PM. Don G. Creamer
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