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Governance Minutes ArchiveFebruary 15, 1988
Minutes University Council Meeting February 15, 1988 Dr. Torgersen called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present: Dr. Torgersen, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Ridenour, Dr. Perry, Dr. Steiss (for Dr. Hooper), Dr. Cross (for Dr. Sullivan), Dr. Nichols, Dr. Doswald, Dr. Sorensen, Dr. Parson (for Dr. Smith), Dr. Johnson (for Dr. Geasler), Mr. Gherman, Dr. Conn, Dr. Heterick, Dr. Van Krey, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Randolph, Dr. Seago, Dr. Fleming, Dr. Henneke, Dr. Ludwig, Dr. Kornegay, Dr. Blieszner, Dr. Novak, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Choby, Mr. Baker, Mr. Donelly, John Battiston (for Mr. Battaglia), Kenneth Abel (for Mr. Reynolds), Mr. Baird. Guests: Mr. John Ashby, Spectrum; Dr. Douglas McAlister, Commission on Extension. Absent: Dr. Steger, Dr. Stephenson, Dr. Ritchey, Dr. Eyre, Mr. Savage, Dr. Lovingwood, Dr. Misra, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Sullins, Dr. Patterson, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Murir. 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Torgersen announced that he has been spending a lot of time in Richmond visiting with legislators. He reported that Virginia Tech's funding requests are being well received by legislators, and that it would probably be another month before approval is known. Dr. Torgersen said he has been speaking to alumni groups around the state. He reported that the alumni are very positive and supportive of the Univer- sity. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as distributed. The motion PASSED. 3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF JANUARY 4, 1988 At the request of Dr. Bill Stephenson, Dr. Torgersen asked that the minutes of January 4 (Page 2, Paragraph 3, Line 3) be amended to include Dr. Stephenson's name, along with Dr. Kornegay, as having spoken against the policy on event approval. The University Council minutes of the meeting of January 4, 1988 were approved as amended. 4. SECOND READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, 1987-88C, RESOLUTION CONCERNING EVENT APPROVAL, FIRST READING: JANUARY 4, 1988. Dr. Cross said the Commission concurred with the resolution as presently written (See Minutes of January 4, 1988, Item 9). A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion carried. ________ 5. FIRST READING: COMPUTER COMMITTEE, RESOLUTION 1, 1987-88, CONCERNING SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT This resolution sets forth a "statement concerning intellectual rights and commends it to the attention of the University community," as follows: Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to work of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledge, right to privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution. Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integri- ty, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community. Dr. Heterick said this resolution is not to set policy for the University but to make the statement that other universities around the country are making. It is to remind the University community that even though it is quite easy technically to copy computer material, the material contains all the usual copyright and authorial privileges any other medium does. In response to a question from Dr. Perry, Council agreed that, if approved, the resolution would be distributed as a policy memo; and, at that time, consideration would be given to further dissemination. 6. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, 1987-88D, RESOLUTION CONCERNING STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES ATTORNEY COURT REPRESENTATION This resolution "recommends that court representation for certain cases involving students be instituted into the guidelines of the Student Legal Services Program." The resolution was placed on the agenda by the Student Government Associ- ation, not the Commission on Student Affairs, in an attempt to speed up the process so that action could be taken and the change implemented before the current terms of student leaders expire. The resolution was also submitted to CSA, which subsequently amended it and took action upon it. Dr. Perry asked for the term, "certain cases," to be defined. Council members expressed interest in seeing the guidelines. Mr. Ridenor said the CSA should review the resolution and determine if it is consistent with the original intent of the Student Legal Services Program. Mr. Donelly withdrew the resolution since it is concurrently before the CSA and will come before Council for first reading at the next meeting. 7. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON EXTENSION, RESOLUTION 1988-A, CONCERNING CONSULTING ACTIVITIES FOR EXTENSION FACULTY. Dr. Jim Johnson said that policy regarding consulting activities of exten- sion faculty is set forth in the Faculty Handbook. The intent of the _________________ policy and procedures stated in this resolution is "to give further assur- ance that consulting approval is not granted for assistance that is the normal responsibility of faculty members within the Extension Division." Dr. McAlister added that the resolution covers extension faculty, not extension agents who come under the classified system. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 8. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON EXTENSION, RESOLUTION 1988-B, CONCERNING EXTENSION ASSOCIATE POSITION. The Commission has found a need to have a position between those of exten- sion faculty and extension agent in order to provide institutional fiscal flexibility in attracting and retaining professionals in non-faculty personnel categories. The resolution requests the state to establish an Extension Associate category to include all positions which do not logically fit into the current classified or faculty system. Dr. Conn moved that the resolution be referred to the Commission on Faculty Affairs. The motion was seconded and carried. ________ 9. IN SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS, COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. a. Commission on Extension, September 2, 1987; January 15, 1988. In response to a question about low attendance at the January 15 meeting, Dr. Torgersen will ask Dr. Geasler to encourage members to attend meetings of the Commission. b. Commission on Faculty Affairs, November 6, November 20, December 4, December 18. In regard to items on Faculty Liability/Student Organiza- tions, Dr. Conn said the Commission on Faculty Affairs is recommending (1) that all student organizations who want to be recognized must be recognized formally and (2) that these recognized organizations have an appointed faculty advisor. With a letter of appointment, faculty members would be serving these organizations as a part of their duties and would, therefore, be covered by the University's liability insurance. Dr. Conn called attention to a segment of the November 20 minutes stating that recently enacted legislation provides that officers of certain non-profit organizations "will have immunity from liability if they are acting in an official capacity, are non-compensated, and are not driving a vehicle." He said that since a number of organizations have leaders who receive compensation, the Commission on Student Affairs will want to address this aspect of the issue. Mr. Ridenour said it is very important that this resolution soon be brought back to Council for action. A number of other issues are pending this action. c. Commission on Graduate Studies, January 6, 1988. d. Commission on Research, December 9, 1987; January 13, 1988. In regard to the Report of the Sub-Committee on Construction and Renovation attached to the December 9 minutes, Dr. Torgersen said he concurs with the examples and problems cited. He asked that the record show he acknowledges the concern that these issues need to be addressed in the not too distant future. Mr. Ridenour said Dr. Ford has been asked to make a full review of the facilities area. He said these problems and how to resolve them will be addressed. He said it will be determined if these are valid concerns and whether they are beyond the control of the office involved. Dr. Sorensen said the report does not overly react to the problem. Dr. Arnold, in regard to Item 3C of the minutes of January 13, noted that Commission Research Resolution 86-87A, Policy and Procedures for Sponsored Programs Supported by the Virginia Tech Foundation, has been withdrawn. e. Commission on Student Affairs, December 10, January 14 and 28. In regard to the December 10 minutes, Mr. Baker called Council's attention to the attached Collegiate Times article regarding the faculty liability ________________ issue. 10. For information only: Athletic Association Board of Directors Minutes, September 22, 1987; Communications Network Committee Minutes, December 15, 1987; Computer Committee Minutes, November 4, 1987; Minutes of the Commit- tee on Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, December 8, 1987 and January 19, 1988; University Library Committee Minutes, January 6, 1988. Dr. Torgersen said at the next meeting of Council Mr. Ridenour plans to distribute a proposed statement regarding the establishment of an athletic commission or committee. The proposal would come before Council at the following meeting on first reading. In regard to the EO/AA Minutes of January 19, Dr. Arnold asked about distribution of the report "Toward the Year 2000: Affirmative Action at Virginia Tech." Dr. Torgersen said he would transmit the report to Deans, Department Heads, Directors, and University Council members. The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lon K. Savage Executive Assistant to the President LKS:gf
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