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Governance Minutes ArchiveJanuary 13, 1988
Minutes COMMISSION ON RESEARCH January 13, 1988 President's Board Room 3:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: L. J. Arnold, J. H. Hillison (for F. M. Asche), J. Cairns, Jr., P. K. Edwards, P. P. Feret, W. L. Flowers (for M. R. Geasler), D. B. Hodge, J. C. Lee (for W. G. Huber), D.G.I. Kingston, D. F. McTaggart, J. R. Bishop (for M. D. Pierson), M. Potts, G. G. Schurig, A. W. Steiss, R. A. Teekell, J. F. Wolfe MEMBERS ABSENT: R. A. Comparin, V. R. Fu, F. W. Stephenson INVITED GUESTS: G. R. Hooper, M. D. Shelton, C. D. Waring 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Governor's budget for 1988-90 has been presented to the General As- sembly. Key elements of our submission may be addressed through the amendment process. A recent issue of the CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION included a very positive statement about Virginia's support for higher education. 2. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 9, 1987 MEETING The minutes of the December 9, 1987 meeting were approved as distrib- uted. 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. COMPUTING COMMITTEE It is too early to determine what impact the reduction in computing rates might have on SMARTDOLLAR consumption. b. PURCHASING COMMITTEE It is expected that a Council on Information Management (CIM) will be established in this session of the General Assembly to assume approval responsibilities currently assigned to Department of In- formation Technology. A set of guidelines relative to new purchasing procedures have been circulated to the Vice Presidents and Provost for comments. c. RESOLUTION 86-87A COMMITTEE Implementation of the Resolution would not be possible because of potential conflicts with existing state regulations. Mr. Ridenour has suggested that a substitute resolution be drafted to address the intent of the initial proposal within the current State regu- lations. The Committee will continue to explore ways in which changes can be made in our existing policies or, if necessary, a new resolution will be drafted which will address some of these objectives. MOTION was made and seconded that Resolution 86-87A be with- drawn. Motion passed. 4. RESEARCH ASSOCIATES/RESEARCH SCIENTISTS Dr. Perry has asked if some better distinction can be made between Re- search Associates and Research Scientists. As of December 1, 1987, 161 Research Associate and 27 Research Scientists have been appointed for 1987-88. The primary distinction between these appointment categories is the de- gree of involvement in and responsibility for the establishment of a project or area of research. Research Associates are primarily profes- sional staff working under the supervision of a principal investigator. In many cases, these staff assignments could be carried out in other than an academic setting, e.g., in a consulting firm or government agency. Research Scientists are expected to have a much greater in- volvement in setting the research agenda and may serve as co-principal investigators. Research Scientists also may have greater involvement in academic programs by serving on graduate committees and sharing their expertise with students and colleagues. It was the general consensus that the flexibility for the choice should be maintained at the department level. It was suggested, however, that further communication as to the intent of these appointment categories may help to divert attempts to promote Research Associates to Research Scientists. The best approach would be to redefine the position and then rehire the individual, if the necessary qualifications are met. 5. RESEARCH MISCONDUCT Dean Teekell reported that Dr. David Conn, Commission on Faculty Af- fairs, has asked that a Task Force be established to look at the issue of Research Misconduct. He has proposed that representatives be ap- pointed from the other two Commissions to this Task Force. A member expressed concern about the term "misconduct," preferring "conduct." Others suggested terms like "ethical research" and "ethical behavior." The Chairman invited any Commission member who might wish to serve on this Task Force to contact him. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS COMMITTEE The Supplemental Grants Program is a $100,000 a year program that has been administered under the Vice President for University Relations and Development. The Supplemental Grants Committee is being reconstituted under the Provost's Office to include representatives from the Commis- sions on Graduate Studies, Extension, and Research, and the Academy of Teaching Excellence. Dr. Arnold volunteered to serve on this Commit- tee. 7. RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR FY 1986 Two memoranda concerning the NSF data were distributed. Virginia Tech ranked 44th in R&D expenditures in FY 1986 and 28th in terms of total dollars expended from industry sources. Only three universities in the top 50 showed percentage increases greater than Virginia Tech. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. The next meeting will be January 27, 1988 at 3:30 p.m. in the President's Board Room. owl:mar
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