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Governance Minutes ArchiveNovember 7, 1988
Minutes University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 Dr. McComas called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present:Mr. Forbes, Mr. Ridenour, Dr. Perry, Dr. Scanlon, Ms. Sgro (for Dr. Goodale), Dr. Geasler, Mr. Gherman, Dr. Harris, Dr. Teekell (for Dr. Hooper), Dr. Heterick, Dr. Nichols, Dr. Steger, Dr. Doswald, Dr. Bonham (for Dr. Sorensen), Dr. Smith, Dr. Torgersen, Dr. Ritchey, Dr. Moore, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Seago, Dr. Fleming, Dr. Carrig, Dr. Lovingood, Dr. Wiggert (for Dr. Henneke), Dr. Davis, Dr. Eng, Dr. Grossman, Dr. Kingston, Dr. Conn (for Dr. Blieszner), Dr. Batie, Dr. Snoke, Mr. Riddle, Mr. Lush, Mr. Baker, Mr. Morris, Mr. Battaglia, Ms. Wood (for Mr. Tyrrell), Mr. Rahal. Guests: Dr. Tom Hunt, Chair, Honor System Review Board; Mr. Michael Maxwell, Chief Justice, Honor System Review Board; Mr. Jacob Perkins (for Mr. Baker at 4:00). Absent: Mr. Forbes, Dr. Eyre, Dr. Sullins, Mr. Townsend. 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Conn announced that David Levin, Senior Program Officer, US Information Agency, would be at the Cranwell International Center from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, for an open forum with Virginia Tech's Fullbright Fellows. Dr. Conn asked Council members to share this informa- tion with their constituencies. Dr. McComas announced that Mr. Lon Savage asked to be relieved of his duties as Secretary of Council because he has changed roles. Larry Harris will now serve as Secretary. Dr. Doswald reported that the Provost Search Committee is now ready to begin meeting once a week. Three subcommittees have been appointed: (1) the CV Screening Subcommittee, chaired by Dr. Fleming, will screen all applications and bring their recommendations to the full committee for review; (2) the CV and Reference Subcommittee, chaired by Dr. Grayson, will contact the references of the successful candidates, review the complete dossier, and bring their recommendations to the full committee; (3) the Telephone Subcommittee, chaired by Dean Torgersen, will involve members of the full committee in making telephone contacts regarding the successful candidates. By early December the committee expects to ask for letters of reference. In January telephone contacts will be made. Off-campus inter- views are planned for February, and on-campus interviews are planned for early March. Dr. Doswald reported that of the 93 candidates from 1987, 35 wish to remain candidates; a total of 94 nominations have been received to date, 14 have declined, and 23 have declared candidacy; 29 new applications have been received. As of this date there are 87 active candidates. Dr. McComas reminded Council that the quality of the applications is more important than the total number of candidates. Pursuant to an action of Council taken last spring (April 18), Dr. McComas announced that several members of Council will be asked to serve as a task force to study the structure and function of committees and commissions. The membership of and charge to the task force will be announced in the near future. Page 2 University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 Dr. McComas introduced Dr. Ray Smoot, Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer. Because the position of Vice President for Administration and Operation no longer exists and because the Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer was just recently created, it will be necessary to change the Constitution of Council to reflect these changes in membership. A resolution addressing these and other title changes will come before Council at the next meeting. Such changes to the constitution require approval of the Board of Visitors. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to amend the agenda to include a Faculty Senate Resolution commending Dr. Paul E. Torgersen for his service as Interim President. The motion CARRIED. 3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 5, 1988 The University Council minutes of the meeting of September 5, 1988 were approved as distributed. 4. RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO PAUL E. TORGERSEN FOR SERVING AS INTERIM PRESIDENT Whereas Dean Paul E. Torgersen served for eight months as Interim President of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Whereas during that time he applied himself to the task with great energy, and Whereas he demonstrated the commitment of the University to concerns for student life on campus, and Whereas he reaffirmed the dedication of the University to the highest academic and intellectual standards, and Whereas he worked diligently and well in representing the university in the legislature and offices of the State government, and Whereas he actively traveled to alumni groups to carry forward the impor- tant contacts with those long-time members of the University family, and Whereas he brought a welcome openness to the Office of the Presidency, and Whereas he continued to show his good humor and easy style in the perform- ance of his tasks, and Whereas he willingly gave up some of his time from his beloved tennis while in the interim presidency, Therefore be it resolved that the Faculty Senate, on behalf of the Faculty, express heartfelt gratitude and enthusiastic congratulations to Dr. Paul E. Torgersen for a job well done. The resolution was read. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution and to publish it in its entirety in these minutes. The motion passed UNANIMOUSLY. Dr. McComas said the resolution was very appropriate and that the Universi- ty had come together under Dr. Torgersen's leadership, making it easier for Dr. McComas to assume the role. Mr. Baker announced that the Commission on Student Affairs, on September 1, also passed a similar resolution. Page 3 University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 5. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS, RESOLUTION 1987-88C, CONCERNING FACULTY ETHICS. This resolution creates a Committee on Faculty Ethics and provides for amendment to the FACULTY HANDBOOK. The resolution comes forward as a recommendation of the Joint Faculty Senate-Commission on Faculty Affairs Task Force on Faculty Ethics. The Committee on Faculty Ethics, if approved, would be added to the standing committees of the Faculty Senate and would be composed of "one faculty member from each college, and one each from the library and the Extension Division faculty, appointed by the President of the Faculty Senate with the advice of the Senate Cabinet. All members of this committee must have tenure or be on continued appointment. The Senate President designates one member of the Committee to serve as chair. Voting members of the Committee on Faculty Ethics serve a two-year appointment, and are limited to serving two consecutive terms. The functions and duties of the Committee on Faculty Ethics are to receive and consider all charges of violations of faculty ethics (as defined in Section 2.2) of the FACULTY HANDBOOK. The resolution proposes new language for a statement which is "intended to serve as a guide for new faculty and as a reinforcement for the ideals and goals of experienced faculty." If passed, Section 2.2 of the FACULTY HANDBOOK would be replaced. Several editorial changes were suggested. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 6. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS, RESOLUTION 1988-89 1, FACULTY REVIEW COMMITTEE. The Faculty Review Committee was established to perform certain functions in the faculty grievance process and in the promotion and tenure process. Dr. Scanlon moved that first reading be waived because the workload of the committee is such that it imposes an unreasonable burden on the membership as presently constituted. The motion was seconded. The resolution calls for expanding the membership, removal of the Vice President of the Faculty Senate as chair, and for the appointment by the President of the Faculty Senate, in consultation with the cabinet, of a faculty member as chair of the committee. Dr. Scanlon said the Faculty Senate supports the resolution and would not request deferral. The motion to move the resolution forward to second reading CARRIED unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion CARRIED. 7. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON GRADUATE STUDIES 1988-89, RESOLUTION FOR THE CREATION OF A "DEFENDING STUDENT" STATUS FOR QUALIFYING GRADUATE STUDENTS. This resolution creates a student status (for registration purposes) of "Defending Student," spells out the requirements for such status, and states that the "Defending Student's Fee" shall not be more than the cost of one semester hour. Dean Teekell said the resolution designates the "defending student" as any graduate student who Page 4 University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 o has fulfilled all residency and course requirements and would not be taking or auditing any courses that semester, and o has completed the scheduling of his or her final examination prior to the beginning of that semester. In response to a question regarding failure of a final exam, Dr. Teekell said there would be no change in procedure. The student would need to register again. He said the status would apply to both masters and doctoral candidates. It was noted by David Lush that the Graduate Student Assembly also approves this resolution. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 8. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, VIRGINIA TECH HONOR SYSTEM, CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION. Dr. Hunt said the Constitution of the Virginia Tech Honor System comes before Council for the approval of several amendments. (A copy of the Constitution is attached to the Agenda of November 9. The proposed amend- ments are typed in bold.) Dr. Hunt said this Constitution has been effect for one year and the amendments reflect items omitted, items which need clarification, and items which need to be added as determined by experi- ence. Dr. Arnold suggested a friendly amendment to delete reference, on page 13 of the Constitution, to the Student Constitutional Affairs Board which has been dissolved. The Constitution of the Virginia Tech Honor System was carried forward for second reading. 9. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, BOC-1988-A, RESOLUTION CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL. This resolution calls for adding to the membership of Council the Chair of the Black Organizations Council, for the purpose of providing feedback to Council on issues from the Black faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. Ms. Sgro reported that the resolution was authored by the Black Organizations Council and was brought forward by the Commission on Student Affairs. Dr. Arnold suggested that Council incorporate the request into the broad review of the composition of Council. Mr. Baker suggested that, if this approach is taken, a compressed time schedule be set for the task force to complete its work. The students prefer to have action on this issue this year. Mr. Lundy said the Black Organizations Council is a network for the black community as a whole and represents students and faculty. He said the intent was not simply one of affirmative action, but of recognition for the need of Council to help minorities and vice versa. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 10. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, RESOLUTION ON REGISTRA- TION OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS. The policy on the registration of student organizations is defined in Policy Memorandum #96 and states "The Commission on Student Affairs must approve the registration documents in order for a student group to become registered." This resolution would change the policy by requiring that registration of student organizations be completed in the Office of Page 5 University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 Student Organizations and that these registrations would then be reported to the Commission on Student Affairs with no requirement for approval. In response to a question, Ms. Sgro said that student organizations must agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the University. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 11. SECOND READING: COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS, RESOLUTION 1987-88B, CONCERNING APPOINTMENT OF NAMED PROFESSORSHIPS AND CHAIRS (FIRST READING, SEPTEMBER 5, 1988). As set forth in the minutes of September 5, this resolution establishes formal procedure for appointing named professorships and chairs. It was moved and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion CARRIED. 12. SECOND READING: COMMISSION ON RESEARCH, RESOLUTION 1987-88A, CREATION OF AN ACADEMY OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (FIRST READING, SEPTEMBER 5, 1988). For a description of this resolution, see Item 6 of the Minutes of Council of September 5, 1988. Dr. Scanlon said the Faculty Senate referred the resolution to the Commis- sion on Faculty Affairs and the Commission has not come to consensus. He moved that the resolution be referred. The motion was seconded. The motion CARRIED. 13. COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. a. Commission on Faculty Affairs, May 20, September 2 b. Commission on Graduate Studies, May 18, September 7, September 21, October 5 c. Commission on Research, May 11 d. Commission on Student Affairs, May 12, September 1, September 15, October 6 e. Commission on Undergraduate Studies, May 9, September 12, September 26, October 10. It was noted that the Commission is considering a resolution to change the current policy on faculty authored textbooks. 14. Dr. McComas explained that two consultants, Dr. Herman Smith and Dr. Freddie Groomes, have been engaged to review our affirmative action and equal opportunity to determine if the structure is effective as a way to carry out those programs. The consultants will also address the status of the EO/AA Committee, its membership and the questions of whether it should be a committee or a commission. A written report with formal recommen- dations will be shared with Council. 15. Noting an item in the minutes of the Library Committee, Dr. Arnold questionned whether the University Library Committee had the authority to restrict attendance at its meetings. In response, Mr. Gherman explained that the restriction was the result of a library controversy two years ago. He said he would take to the Library Committee the concern regarding attendance and report the results back to Council. Page 6 University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 16. Dr. Harris indicated that a number of recommendations from the Self- Study will come before Council for action. Council might consider refer- ring those regarding commissions and committees to the task force. Some recommendations were referred to Council which might be more appropriately considered by other groups or the President might refer these elsewhere as he thinks appropriate. An example is the recommendation concerning the name of the Virginia Tech Student Aid Association. 17. Dr. McComas said he will announce soon the appointment of a group to study the name of the University. The group composed of faculty, students, alumni, and a member of the Board of Visitors will be a broadly-based group of about twelve people. Dr. McComas explained that the issue has been raised in several forums and he had concluded that the name of the Univer- sity should be reviewed. 18. Dr. McComas reported that he and other members of his staff recently met with the editorial board of two Richmond newspapers and the ROANOKE TIMES AND WORLD NEWS. Dr. Perry and Mr. Ridenour reported on academic and non-academic areas, respectively. Dr. McComas said he felt these had been very positive opportunities to interact with these groups and better acquaint them with some of the University's concerns and issues. 19. Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech will be cooperating in a joint effort to take a look at the research mission in order to influence the Commission on the University in the 21st Century. The current focus seems to be on numbers, location, and what might be taught rather than on the changing nature of our society and what further changes will be taking place within the next two decades. Attention to the question of who ought to be addressing and taking respon- sibility for those changes seems to be totally missing from the Commis- sion's agenda. This group might decide to look at the curriculum of the university as they did for teacher education. There is some talk about abolishing tenure. The senior institutions must help the Commission from being side-tracked into inappropriate concerns of this sort. Thought should be given to what students should be taught in the next century. Special hearings will be requested so that the universities may share their views with members of the Commission. 20. Mr. Ridenour said Virginia Tech has been asked by the City of Roanoke, VWCC, and the CIT to assume leadership for the Roanoke Graduate Center. Space has been identified on Church Street in downtown Roanoke, near the Municipal Building, with parking and restaurants available nearby. Plans are being made to renovate the space into offices and classrooms. It is expected that the initial part of the facility will be ready by the first of January. It may be necessary to use some space at VWCC as well. Class- rooms from across the community will continue to be used when appropriate. Dr. Hooper and Dr. Perry are working with the program and have met with UVA and Radford University. Discussions with Hollins and Roanoke College are planned to reassure them that the intent is not to replace, but to be partners with them. In response to a question about Telestar, Dr. Perry said the Roanoke Center could be favorably compared to the Hampton Road Center with the difference being that there is no local graduate institution or one that is very involved with graduate work in Roanoke. Dr. Perry said that he does not see the Roanoke Center having a large, resident faculty as does Telestar. Dr. McComas said that a Director of the Roanoke Center will be needed to coordinate our efforts in this area. A needs assessment will be done of the Roanoke community and what can be provided by the three universities to Page 7 University Council Meeting November 7, 1988 meet those needs. He said this gives Virginia Tech an opportunity to provide leadership in the only large metropolitan community close to Blacksburg. 21. Mr. Baker announced a "Speak Out" later today, an open student forum which, he said, would provide faculty an opportunity to hear student opinion. 22. Dr. McComas recently met with Dorothy McDiarmid. She is supportive of continuing out-of-state student enrollments at Virginia institutions. Dr. McComas also said he finds many government leaders and leaders in the House and Senate have a very positive attitude about higher education in Virginia. The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Larry A. Harris Special Assistant to the President gf
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