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Governance Minutes ArchiveMarch 6, 1990
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Faculty Senate March 6, 1990 32 Pamplin Hall 7:30 p.m. Present:Senators Arnold, Barker, Batie, Baumgartner, Beyer, Birch, Allen for Bunce, Canestaro, Conn, Crittenden, de Wolf, Dudley, Dugger, Duke, Eiss, Eng, Etgen, Farkas, Geller, Geyer, Goss, Hillison, Kingston, Kriz, McDaniels, Marriott, Flick, O'Neil, Polan, Saunders, Scanlon, Falkingham for Snoke, Sorrentino, Thompson, Walker, Webster, Wokutch. Absent: Senators Morrill, Salvaggio, Ventre. Visitors:Provost Fred Carlisle, Vice President of Finance Ridenour, Mr. Larry Harris and Mr. Darrell Martin (President's staff), Mr. Dave Nutter (Public Affairs), Mr. Bob Kannel (VTTV), Mr. Ken Martin (Extension), Ms. Susan Truelove (Spectrum). President Scanlon called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. and welcomed guests and new Senator George Flick who replaced Larry Nielsen. 1. Announcements 1. Senator Francis Ventre is ill. A card has been sent to him from the Faculty Senate. 2. Officers have met twice with President McComas. The President has formed an ad hoc committee to advise on the budget. He is working to improve communications through additional issues of Spectrum. 3. Officers have also met with Provost Carlisle and student leaders. 4. The preliminary draft of the University Planning Document will be discussed by the cabinet on March 9 in 400 D Burruss. 5. Employee Relations Advisory Committee needs a volunteer. 2. Program President James McComas addressed the Faculty Senate. 1. In the ongoing budget and planning process, reductions appear at this point to be $20,000,000, or about 5.5% per year. The opportunity exists to recover some of this money through a student service charge. 2. A university-wide ad hoc committee has been appointed to work on the budget reduction process, and has already met. 3. The Board of Visitors has been asked to move their meeting up to April so that salary notices would be available earlier. 4. Because of the calibre of the faculty, a revision in the benchmark peer group has been obtained, without which faculty salary increases may well have been nonexistent. At this point it looks like increases will be between 4.5-5.1%. 5. A two-step classified salary increase in July and December will also total somewhere between 4.5-5.0%. This will be built into the salary base. 6. A major budget unknown is in the area of unavoidable costs. We also don't know what will happen to the Library Acquisitions budget. State university libraries in neighboring states have had to limit or stop acquisitions and even reduce library hours due to budgetary considerations. 7. We have been working hard to have language deleted which would require graduate students to pay substantially more than undergraduates. There has been almost hostility toward graduate and out-of-state students, and we and other universities have been trying to educate members of the legislature in this regard. 8. It would be very helpful if you were to drop a note to Richard Cranwell, Senator Marye and Joan Munford to thank them for their support of graduate students. 9. We have learned in this process that not enough non-academic leaders have been making the case for protecting the investment in higher education. To my knowledge, not one editorial nor one leader outside higher education has spoken out for restoring cuts or avoiding further reductions. This shows you the challenge that we face at this time. 10. We are working on trying to get a blue ribbon panel together of 50-60 leaders who will support higher education in Virginia. 11. The General Assembly was very concerned about pushing back the lottery bill, so they have borrowed money from the state retirement system in order to try to move projects back closer to their original schedules, meaning it will cost less to build the buildings by doing it sooner. Blacksburg has limitations as far as the recreation facilities it can offer to students. We are therefore working toward a new $25 million dollar recreation facility, at a cost of about $83 per student per semester. The state is considering authorizing planning for the next year, and then in the next legislative session construction would be authorized. 12. The governor and state council would like to see a comprehensive study of student fees. There have been some accommodations made between the legislative and executive branches and we have done our best to respond to both groups and to cooperate. 13. A listing of the fees charged by all the public schools in the state is available. Our fees are lowest of the 15 schools; with tuition factored in we move up from number fifteen to only number twelve. 14. The university development office is initiating a special campaign for merit and minority achievement scholarships to try to help the university by supporting these programs. We have double the number of merit scholars of any other university in the Commonwealth. The University of Maryland has just announced that they'll award 1000 full- ride scholarships for entering freshmen next year. We must be more competitive. 15. A new athletic campaign has recently been announced. Athletes represent this university, and I feel that we have turned the corner in the nature of that representation. Funds contributed to athletics are given to a special fund not generally available for other uses. We are also trying to raise scholarships for non-revenue and women's sports. 16. The Campaign for Excellence raised 118 million dollars. When the university planning process is complete, we'd like to use the goals and priorities identified to launch another campaign. 17. The Faculty is internationally recognized and that speaks well for this university. 18. Regarding Affirmative Action, there has been a 58% increase in minority applications this year. Our minority undergraduate enrollment (particularly for blacks) is less than 5%. Regarding the status of women in this university, 42% of the undergraduate student body is female, which is lower than that of the national average for public universities (about 51%). Eighteen percent of our faculty are women, far short of the national and benchmark peer group figures. 19. Recruitment is expected to be much more competitive in the future, both inside and outside the Commonwealth with an expected decline in high school graduation rates: 10% in Virginia; 13% in Ohio; 11% in Kentucky; 24% in Maryland; 15% in West Virginia. The strength of the undergraduate program also enhances the graduate program, as does our research mission. Research can be our passageway to increased national and international recognition; 100 million dollars is now being expended on research by this university. We need to share the message with the General Assembly that research is important. 3. Agenda The agenda was adopted with the addition of a report from the budget reduction committee and the constitution revision committee. 4. Minutes The minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting of February 13, 1990 were approved. The minutes of the Faculty Senate Cabinet meetings of February 16 and 23 were accepted. 5. Council, Commission and Committee Reports UNIVERSITY COUNCIL-Senator Eng-19 Feb and 5 Mar 90 19 Feb: First reading of University Library Committee Resolution 1989-90 A, which states that "no new branch libraries be created without specific additional funding being made available for that purpose." Dr. Eng reported to University Council on the outcome of a meeting of the Faculty Senate Cabinet and Senate members of University Council. The consensus was that the ongoing examination of the governance system should be expanded beyond simple restructuring of council, commissions and committees to examine the underlying premises of the current system. Dr. McComas announced that an Ad Hoc committee on budget reductions would be formed to participate in discussions on budget cuts. Membership will include five people nominated by the Senate. Also, there will be other appointments to make sure that representation includes each college, a UDP, and graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. McComas noted that there were few, if any, public voices expressing concern over the proposed budget reductions in higher education in the Commonwealth. This makes it more difficult for our case to be heard in Richmond. Dr. McComas announced that Dr. Steger has agreed to serve as Acting Vice President for Public Service. He will continue as Dean of Architecture and Urban Studies. 5 Mar: First Reading, CFA Resolution 1989-90 A, proposing language for the Faculty Handbook which establishes the concept of fixed terms for department and division heads. This resolution is identical to CFA Resolution 1988-89 D. First Reading, CUS Resolution 1989-90 A, proposing that the Registrar provide a midterm grade report for each first term student at the University. This is to be informational for the student and his/her academic advisor and dean, and not to be part of the official transcript. The report for each course is to be "Satisfactory ("C" or better) or Unsatisfactory". Second Reading, Library Committee Resolution 1989-90 A, regarding branch libraries. During the discussion, it became clear that no branch libraries would be established even if specific monies were identified for that purpose. The Resolution was referred back to the Library Committee. There has been ongoing discussion of the Report of the Task Force on University Council, Commissions and Committees. Dr. Larry Moore distributed proposed changes to the report's suggestions. Dr. McComas asked Provost Carlisle to chair an ad hoc committee of Faculty Senators, Task Force members, graduate and undergraduate students, and others to come up with a plan which has the broad participation and support of the university community. COMMISSION ON EXTENSION-Senator Marriott-6 Mar 90 An update on the selection of a Director for Extension was given which stated that the last of the five candidates will be interviewed on March 7. The selection committee plans to submit the three top candidates as an unranked slate on March 12 to the Provost and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences to conform to their request. Dr. Jim Wolfe, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, reported that he will discuss nine of the 18 recommendations on "Evaluation of Faculty Effort in Extension and Service" with the Provost and when appropriate with the Vice President for Public Service, Director of Extension and Academic Deans that are involved. Other recommendations from the Committee Report will be taken by the Provost to the Commission on Faculty Affairs. Dr. Ned Lester reviewed the policy revision issued on February 1, 1984 by Dr. William Lavery on the Continuing Education Policy. A motion was passed to request that this policy be reviewed by the Vice President of Public Service with an interest in the Commission on Extension involvement with the re-visitation of this policy. The Commission also agreed to place the evaluation of an Academy for Public Service Excellence on the September agenda. COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS-Senator de Wolf-2 Mar 90 The outcome of research assignment requests and awards for 1989-90 was forwarded to CFA. It was reiterated during a short discussion that only 5% of tenured faculty may be on research assignment at any one time. A letter from the National Research Council soliciting comments and ideas about the possible effects upon faculty of the elimination of mandatory retirement at age seventy was forwarded to CFA by Dr. Scanlon. A list of possible issues was enclosed, and discussed briefly. It was decided to consult knowledgeable individuals (Doug Martin of Employee Benefits, among others) who often deal with these issues. COMMISSION ON GRADUATE STUDIES-Senator Snoke-21 Feb 90 Dean Teekell has been elected Vice President of the conference of Southern Graduate Schools for 1990-91. Dr. Charles Kennedy, head of the commencement task force, met with the Commission to discuss the reasoning behind the decision not to award the doctoral degrees at the University Commencement. Reasons cited included the fact that with increased enrollments the length of the program had become much longer so that we could not continue to do everything the same way as in the past, the doctoral degree awarding takes over 20 minutes, and the length of the program was felt to contribute to the bad behavior that has been the norm the last few years. Others reacted by commenting that the issues of bad behavior and program content should be separated, the degree awarding was important to many of the students and their families and friends, seeing the PhDs receive their degrees from the President set a good example for the undergraduates (and their families), and the alternative college/department programs were not of uniform quality. It was pointed out that the decision was made by the Provost, not the task force. The Commission reaffirmed its vote from the previous meeting to support the GSA's resolution that the commencement committee reconsider the decision. The suggestion was made that if the decision is not changed, that efforts be made by the GSA and the Provost to make the alternative procedure an appropriately dignified program for all colleges and departments. The Commission voted in favor of having Dean Teekell work with the research division to come up with a set of guidelines regarding restrictions on the publication of proprietary information in dissertations and/or theses. The Commission is reexamining the policy of having a D grade count as an F for graduate students. Opinions should be shared with Arthur Snoke. It was reported that a student who followed the procedure put forth by Professor Cherie O'Neil to get a tax exclusion for tuition payments, successfully defended that exclusion in a tax audit. COMMISSION ON RESEARCH-Senator Bunce-No report COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS-Senator Geyer-1 Mar 90 Student Budget Board Allocations for 1990-91 were presented for review. Appeals are scheduled for a later meeting. CSA re-drafted elections procedure for campus-wide elections removing limitations on spending, as well as, starting times for campaigns. Campaign expenses must be accounted for and published in a timely manner. Final report of the Judicial Task Force on Non-Academic Judicial Actions was presented to CSA. The goal is to provide due process for students, keep the jurisdiction close to the problem and use students in the role of developing values. Any full-time student who has completed 70 hours may be a nominee for the Student Member Board of Visitors. The three final nominees will be recommended by CSA to the Board of Visitors. A subcommittee of Dean Beverly Sgro, Student Body President, Dave Gilbert and Faculty Senate Representative, L. Leon Geyer will investigate appropriate academic standards for Student Government elections. COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES-Senator Dugger-26 Feb 90 A Curriculum Committee was discussed. There will be 15 members on the committee with three being Faculty Senators. A large number of courses have come through, especially through Ag Technology. Voice registration by phone is under study. ATHLETIC COMMITTEE-Senator Saunders-22 Feb 90 Virginia Tech and seven other schools have committed to the formation of an Eastern Seaboard Conference, to be an all sports conference. The Atlantic Coast conference has voted not to expand. The Metro Conference has hired a consultant. The discussion of athletics and academics begun last meeting was continued with coach Frank Beamer and Provost Carlisle present to participate. Coach Beamer, in representing the coaches viewpoint, said that if Tech is expected to play the calibre of teams currently scheduled, then the coaches need to have the ability to recruit on the same level as the competitors, otherwise Tech can expect only marginal success in athletics. He encouraged the athletic department to define the goals of athletics at Tech. If marginal success if satisfactory, then the coaches will continue as they are currently. But if the goal is something more, then the schedule should be adjusted to play schools that have similar academic standards. He cited several examples of student athletes who, failing to meet Tech's admission requirements, were recruited by universities with a national reputation in academics and went on to have successful athletic careers and graduate. Dr. Carlisle feels that athletics is a part of academics and not in competition with it. He has encouraged the admissions committee to think broadly about admissions, to be an enabler and a supporter, and to think of Tech as a comprehensive university, not just science and engineering. Admissions should recognize a range of special talents, not just math and verbal skills. Athletes bring a special talent, as do those in the arts, and all of these should be recognized while not diminishing performance in math and science. The committee accepted the challenge of defining the goals of athletics at Virginia Tech, to be discussed at the next several meetings. BUILDING COMMITTEE-Senator Kingston-No meeting COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK COMMITTEE-Senator Falkingham for Senator Snoke-28 Feb 90 Communications Network Services is now Communications Resources, with four groups: Network Services; Research and Development; Media Production Services; and Learning Resources. University Council was, however, also presented with a fifth group, Scholarly Communications Project; we don't know the status of this last group. There was a memo from Larry Harris to the Committee Chair regarding a lack of procedures for effective communication between committees such as ours and University Council. At a recent University Council meeting, there was no one able to respond to Council questions about a recent policy decision of the Communications Network Committee. There was also no clear consensus in the Council as to at what level the Council should get involved in such matters. A motion was passed in the CNC to compile all past policy information in one reference document that would have legitimacy and status in the eyes of the University. The motion also stated that when a policy is passed, the appropriate Communications Resources unit should provide documentation to show how that policy will be implemented. Luke Ward is developing plans for a proposed student E-mail service; a pilot project is going on at the present time. It is hoped that the costs will be low enough that they can be included in overhead. Also discussed were faculty access to networks, in-service training for faculty and students on networks, and the possibility of changing the name of the committee to Communications Resources Committee to better reflect the scope of its coverage. COMPUTER COMMITTEE-Senator Birch-No meeting EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE-Senator Thompson-No meeting EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES COMMITTEE-Senator Dudley- (Unable to attend because of class conflict) LIBRARY COMMITTEE-Senator Duke-No meeting Meeting will be held March 7 to discuss GSA resolution regarding book drops near the library and faculty circulation policies. SCHOLARSHIP AND STUDENT AID COMMITTEE-Senator Kingston-No meeting SELF-STUDY MONITORING COMMITTEE-Senator Arnold-No meeting SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS COMMITTEE-Senator Barker-No meeting PARKING/TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE-Senator Polan- The full committee will meet later in March to consider the work of the Rules and Regulations Subcommittee. The subcommittee is busy now considering all aspects of parking, including improving detail of expectations in the brochure. FACULTY SENATE OF VIRGINIA-Senator Conn-No meeting DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES-Senator Bunce- FACULTY SUPPORT COMMITTEE-Senator Snoke-No report OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS Ad Hoc Committee on Budget Reductions-Senator Conn-6 Mar 90 This was the first meeting of this committee, which is under chairmanship of Provost Carlisle and Executive Vice President Ridenour. Budget Director Kathryn Johnson and Spectrum Staff Member John Ashby were present. The committee is intended to be advisory, working jointly with central administration, deans, and others to address budget reductions. The committee will not come up with its own plan. A recommended budget goes to the Board of Visitors toward the end of April. Concern was expressed by the Provost about the need to squash rumors (or confirm them, if appropriate). The Provost also stated that he had just received from Deans and other Unit Heads their 3, 5, 7% contingency plans, but had not yet studied them. While the Provost had thought about some of the likely options to achieve the necessary budget reductions, he had made no decisions as yet (except possibly for budgets within the central administration). We need to address the situation in a planning mode. Minnis Ridenour went through the budgetary numbers currently available, using the same handouts as those used at the last meeting with Deans, Department Heads, and Faculty Senators. He pointed out that we will know much more by the end of this week when the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn. The House/Senate conference committee should report out by Thursday, and the committee's recommendations will be discussed at the Deans/Department Heads/Senators meeting on Friday at 3 pm. In response to a question about the possibility of offsetting any loss of positions (caused by the base budget reduction) by the additional positions likely to be granted by the General Assembly, the Provost said that this was unlikely. The new positions were justified in the University's original budget request in order to strengthen undergraduate instruction and this is the purpose for which they will be used. Also, the number of new positions would be insufficient to offset the likely loss of positions. When pressed, the Provost "guesstimated" that this loss might amount to as many as 50 positions (but this is not a firm figure). The ad hoc committee will probably meet again on Monday, March 19 (after Spring Break) and thereafter on an intensive basis. 6. OLD BUSINESS Senator Baumgartner asked if the Forum on University Governance had been scheduled. Senator Scanlon stated that it would be held in April. 7. NEW BUSINESS CSA Resolution 1989-90 A regarding adding a member to CSA: Senator Eng read the constitutional revision recommended by the Commission on Student Affairs. It reads: "The University Council, on recommendation by the Commission on Student Affairs, unanimously approved a resolution which expands the membership of the Commission on Student Affairs to include the Chief Justice of the Virginia Tech Honor System. Following is a text of the resolution as approved by University Council. Whereas, the Virginia Tech Honor System has the responsibility for educating the undergraduate student body on policies governing academic conduct, and; Whereas, the Virginia Tech Honor System seeks to accomplish its mission of education through the dissemination and sharing of information to undergraduate students, faculty and administrators, and; Whereas, the Virginia Tech Honor System's membership on the Commission on Student Affairs would formalize a mechanism for on-going communication between the Virginia Tech Honor System and its primary constituents, undergraduate students and faculty, therefore; Therefore, let it be resolved that the Constitution of University Council be amended in Section 1.4, Article IV dealing with CSA Membership to include "Chief Justice of the Virginia Tech Honor System."" Senator Kingston moved adoption. MOTION CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rosemary Carucci Goss, Secretary ADDENDUM Treasurer's Report April 2, 1990 Balance on hand, 5 March, 1990 $247.25 Virginia Tech Catering (SGA reception) 152.83 Balance on hand, 2 April, 1990 94.42
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