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Governance Minutes ArchiveMarch 6, 1989
Minutes University Council Meeting March 6, 1989 Dr. Perry called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present:Mr. Ridenour, Dr. Scanlon, Dr. Goodale, Dr. Smoot, Dr. Johnson (for Dr. Geasler), Ms. Johnson (for Mr. Gherman), Dr. Harris, Dr. Hooper, Dr. Nichols, Dr. Doswald, Dr. Sorensen, Dr. Torgersen, Dr. Ritchey, Dr. Pyle (for Dr. Eyre), Dr. Moore, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Seago, Dr. Fleming, Dr. Lovingood, Dr. Henneke, Dr. Davis, Dr. Eng, Dr. Grossman, Dr. Kingston, Dr. Blieszner, Dr. Sullins, Dr. Batie, Dr. Snoke, Mr. Riddle, Mr. Lush, Mr. Townsend, Mr. Gilbert (for Mr. Baker), Mr. Battaglia, Mr. Tyrrell. Guests: Lydia S. Vergara, University of Southeastern Philippines; John Ashby, Spectrum. Absent: Dr. McComas, Mr. Forbes, Dr. Heterick, Dr. Steger, Dr. Smith, Dr. Carrig, Mr. Morris, Mr. Rahal. 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Perry introduced a guest, Professor Lydia S. Vergara, University of Southeastern Philippines, who is visiting the University to observe the governance system. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA An editorial correction was made to Item 2 of Old Business. Two topics, Waste Policy Institute and deferring graduate tuition in summer, were added for discussion at the end of the agenda. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. The motion PASSED. 3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 6, 1989 The University Council minutes of the meeting of February 6, 1989 were approved as corrected. 4. FIRST READING: COMMISSION ON STUDENT AFFAIRS, EO/AA RESOLUTION 120289, ADDING THE CLAUSE "SEXUAL ORIENTATION" TO THE EO/AA STATEMENT. By way of introduction, Dr. Perry clarified that this resolution was put before Council by the Commission on Student Affairs, not the EO/AA Commit- tee as a note at the top of the resolution might suggest. Dr. Goodale explained that the resolution was brought to the Commission on Student Affairs by Lambda Horizon and that it would alter the University's nondiscrimination clause to include sexual orientation. Because the resolution affects the University's statement on equal opportu- nity and affirmative action and because the EO/AA Committee and Office have responsibility for this statement, Dr. Perry suggested that the resolution could be referred to the EO/AA Committee for review. Concerns were raised by members of Council regarding the legality of the resolution as it would relate to outside agencies and whether the term "sexual orientation" is the proper language. A motion was made and seconded to refer the resolution to the EO/AA Committee with special concern for language. General Counsel will also be asked to review the resolution. The motion passed. 5. SECOND READING, COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES, RESOLUTION 88-89A, FACULTY AUTHORED TEXTBOOKS (FIRST READING, FEBRUARY 6, 1989). For full description of this resolution, see Minutes of University Council, February 5, 1989, Item 3. Dr. Perry explained that this resolution essentially narrows the Universi- ty's concern with respect to the use of faculty-authored textbooks and would eliminate the required approval by the Commission on Undergraduate Studies. Approval for use of faculty-authored textbooks would be the responsibility of the department chair. In response to a question by Dr. Henneke, Dr. Perry said that the intent of the original policy was to protect the faculty member; however, implementa- tion of the policy was often regarded as intrusive. Dr. Arnold reminded Council that the faculty member is not the sole owner of the copyright. Dr. Perry responded to a question by Dr. Eng that the Commission on Under- graduate Studies would not be approving use of faculty-authored textbooks, but that a faculty member could use this means for "protection" if desired (and may be standard procedure in some departments) from the department or college. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed. 6. REPORT ON SELF-STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS 3-5 AND 3-6 REGARDING UNIVERSITY-RELATED CORPORATIONS. Mr. Ridenour distributed a report prepared by Dr. Smoot and Ms. Spencer. The report will be discussed at the next Council meeting. It was noted that officers of all corporations are also members of the boards with the exception of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. 7. SECOND READING: COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS 1987-88C, FACULTY ETHICS (FIRST READING, FEBRUARY 6, 1989). For complete description of the resolution, please refer to the Minutes of Council of February 6, 1989, Item 5 and the Minutes of Council of November 7, 1988. Dr. Scanlon indicated that the Faculty Senate is recommending the addition of Item 5 stated in the Resolution, "Uphold the University Honor Code and adhere to its Implementation" and Item 12, "Report all violations of these guidelines in writing to the Committee on Faculty Ethics." He reported that all other changes are editorial in nature. Mr. Townsend moved that the resolution be amended to include graduate and undergraduate students in the membership of the Committee on Faculty Ethics. The motion was seconded. Dr. Grossman responded that the intent of the resolution was to provide the faculty a means to police themselves and that the amendment would move away from this direction. Mr. Townsend argued that students have extensive interest in action of faculty and that he felt confidentiality would not be a problem. Dr. Scanlon added that membership has been given careful consideration and that the resolution states that all members must have tenure or continued appointment. Dr. Harris suggested that the closest parallel to a Committee on Faculty Ethics would be promotion and tenure committees which do not have student repre- sentation. Dr. Sorensen said that the proposed committee would take up matters of peer review and that there could be legal ramifications if persons who were not faculty members served on the committee. It was also noted that the Commission sponsoring the resolution, the Commission on Faculty Affairs, has among its membership graduate and undergraduate students, non-voting, with voice. Dr. Perry asked for a motion to table the amendment in order to permit its consideration by the Commission on Faculty Affairs. Council will act on both the amendment and the resolution at a future meeting. Dr. Hooper so moved with second by Dr. Arnold. The motion to table the amendment passed. 8. IN SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS, COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. a. Commission on Faculty Affairs, January 20, 1989. It was noted that the Commission on Research would not pursue adoption of its resolution establishing an Academy of Research Excellence. Secretary of Council was asked to determine whether any further action was required by Council on this resolution. (Note: On November 7, 1988 Council voted to "refer" the resolution to the Commission on Faculty Affairs, thus removing it from the agenda.) b. Commission on Graduate Studies, December 16, 1987. c. Commission on Student Affairs, January 19, February 2, 1989. 9. WASTE POLICY INSTITUTE Vice Provost Hooper reported that the Waste Policy Institute will stand next to the University, but will not be a part of it. Its purpose will be to examine policy issues that can remediate problems of hazardous waste. The Board of Directors will include faculty representation. Initially the Institute will be a part of Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties (VTIP). This relationship will be reviewed within a year and consideration given to how or whether the Institute might exist in a permanent sense. 10. DEFERRING GRADUATE TUITION IN SUMMER Dr. Smoot reported that consideration is being given by the Commission on Graduate Studies to finding a way to defer graduate tuition in summer. This is important because tuition payments are due before paychecks from assistantships are received. Dr. Smoot assured Council that whatever means is worked out would be implemented this summer. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Larry A. Harris Special Assistant to the President LAH:gf
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