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Governance Minutes ArchiveDecember 2, 1991
Minutes University Council Meeting December 2, 1991 Dr. McComas called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present:J. McComas, C. Forbes, M. Ridenour, E.F. Carlisle, R. Smoot, J. Hillison (for L. Geyer), T. Goodale, D. McAlister (for C. Steger), J. Eustis (for P. Gherman), L. Harris, G. Hooper, J. Nichols, R. Sorensen, J. Crunkilton (for J. Buffer), W.G. Clough, R. Bates (for H. Doswald), P. Eyre, D. Smith, D. Hewitt, L. Rees, N. Dodl, P. Miller, R. Heller, J. Robertson, G. Holtzman, J. Ficenec, B. Crittenden, N. Marriott, T. Rakes, A. Snoke, L. Barroso, C. Vargo, C. Luch, K. Mottley, M. Cacheris, P. Larkin, B. Rexroad Guests: Bill Burleson, Spectrum; Cornel N. Morton, EO/AA; Neil Stewart, Graduate Honor System; Russ Cole, CSAC; Laura Tessmer, Residence Hall Federation Absent: E. Blythe, S.J. Ritchey, F. Thye, G. Bunce, M. Byrne 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as distributed. The motion PASSED. 2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 4, 1991 The University Council minutes of the meeting of November 4, 1991 were approved with corrections. 3. FIRST READING, COMMISSION ON RESEARCH RESOLUTION 1991-92C, CONCERNING PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE VIRGINIA STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT. Dr. Hooper explained that this resolution was developed in response to the July, 1991, revision of the Virginia State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act. It states that a Virginia Tech employee can hold a personal interest in a business which has a research and development contract with the university if the employee's personal interest is made known to and approved by the University before entering into the contract. He added that by law the appropriate dean and department head must know in advance if a corporation conducts business with the Research Division. The resolution was carried forward for second reading. 4. SECOND READING, COMMISSION ON FACULTY AFFAIRS RESOLUTION 1991-92B, GEOGRAPHICAL TRANSFER POLICY. FIRST READING, NOVEMBER 4, 1991 . Dr. Hillison stated that the original resolution as distributed was amended according to recommendations that the document be more specific with regard to calculating salary adjustments. Specifically, he noted, the policy states that "a cost of living adjustment will be added to the faculty member's base salary during the period they are employed in a high-cost area as defined for classified employees in the Virginia compensation Plan issued by the State Personnel Director." He informed Council that CFA has approved the amended resolution; it also has the endorsement of the Faculty Senate. He moved approval of the resolution. The resolution PASSED. 5. SECOND READING, COMMISSION ON GRADUATE STUDIES RESOLUTION 1991-92A, CONCERNING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE VIRGINIA TECH GRADUATE HONOR SYSTEM, DATED APRIL 19, 1991. Dr. Hooper moved approval of the resolution. The resolution PASSED. 6. SECOND READING, COMMISSION ON RESEARCH RESOLUTION 1991-92B, CONCERNING A POLICY ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES. Dr. Hooper highlighted the textual changes (underlined in the amended resolution) made as a result of previous discussion of the document (e.g., including student and staff representatives on the Intellectual Properties Committee). He also clarified that VTIP (Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties) policies are separate and distinct from the policies contained in this document. In response to a question about the number of patents awarded at Virginia Tech, Dr. Hooper reported that a record number (over fifty) have been generated at this university since the beginning of the academic year. This translates, he noted, to a national ranking of 18 or 19 in the total number of patents awarded to a university. Dr. Heller asked that VTIP's policies be made available to Council. Dr. Hooper invited anyone who is interested in receiving a copy of these guide- lines to contact him directly. Ms. Vargo pointed out that the resolution approved earlier (Item #5) incor- rectly lists the GSA as "Graduate Student Association," while it should read "Graduate Student Assembly." Dr. Hooper stated that the final draft will correct that misprint. He then moved approval of the resolution. The resolution PASSED. 7. IN SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS, COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. a. Commission on Extension, October 1, 1991. b. Commission on Graduate Studies, October 2, 1991. c. Commission on Undergraduate Studies, October 14, 1991. 8. FOR INFORMATION a. Minutes of the University Communications Resources Committee, September 25, 1991. In the absence of a UCR committee representative, Dr. McComas asked that any questions regarding these minutes be held until the next University Council meeting. b. Minutes of the Virginia Tech Athletic Committee, September 26 and October 16, 1991. Mr. Ridenour spoke about the "Second Century Campaign," which will raise funds for Athletic Association facilities and scholarships. He explained that because state funds cannot be used to support the Athletic program, their budget becomes a "very tight one to manage." Dr. Crittenden stated his belief that the distribution of tickets for the UVA game (held in Charlottesville) was unfair to students, whose athletic fee should have enabled them to at least purchase tickets for this game. Rather, he noted, season ticket holders bought most of the available seats. Mr. Ridenour explained that the smaller stadium in Charlottesville translates to fewer tickets for both season ticket holders and students. Dr. McComas agreed that the current system should be reviewed so that students have a greater opportunity to purchase tickets for games held at UVa. He asked Mr. Ridenour to discuss this issue with David Braine. Dr. Heller observed that some of the weight-lifting equipment in the gym is in poor condition. Dr. Goodale responded that because this equipment is maintained through the recreational sports department (not the Athletic Dpartment), it becomes an issue for his office. He agreed to further investigate this situation. 9. QUESTION/ANSWER FORUM Dr. Hillison requested an update on the latest round of budget reductions. In response, Dr. McComas informed Council that a contingency plan for a 3% reduction would be completed later that afternoon. While it is "very general" in nature so that adjustments can be made as necessary, it does not call for furloughs or layoffs through the remainder of this academic year. Dr. McComas addressed the need for a "coordinated response" among all state universities. He also spoke to the need to avoid raising student tuition levels -- particularly for out-of-state students. Mr. Ridenour then described how a 5% reduction during the 1992-93 academic year might be managed, if this becomes necessary, through salary savings on unfilled positions and reduced equipment purchases and operating budgets. The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Larry A. Harris Executive Assistant to the President LAH:lg
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