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Governance Minutes ArchiveFebruary 10, 1992
Minutes University Council Meeting February 10, 1992 Dr. McComas called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present:J. McComas, C. Forbes, M. Ridenour, E.F. Carlisle, J. Falkinham, T. Goodale, D. McAlister (for C. Steger), P. Gherman, L. Harris, G. Hooper, E. Blythe, L.A. Swiger, H. Doswald, R. Sorensen, J. Buffer, J. Osborne (for G.W. Clough), S. J. Ritchey, P. Eyre, D. Smith, D. Hewitt, P. Miller, L. Rees, N. Dodl, J. Robertson, R. Heller, G. Holtzman, J. Ficenec, B. Crittenden, T. Rakes, A. Snoke, Lisa Jansen (for L. Barroso), C. Luch, C. Vargo, M. Byrne, T. Snead (for K. Mottley), T. Stoll, B. Rexroad, P. Larkin, Guests: Bill Burleson, Spectrum; Cornel N. Morton, EO/AA; Nancy Simmons, Faculty Senate Absent: R. Smoot, F. Thye, G. Bunce, N. Marriott 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 JANUARY 20, 1992 The University Council minutes of the meeting of January 20, 1992 were approved as submitted. 3. FIRST READING, COMMISSION ON RESEARCH RESOLUTION 1991-92D, CONCERNING SPECIAL RESEARCH FACULTY APPOINTMENTS. Dr. Hooper explained that the growth in research and related activities at Virginia Tech has necessitated modification of the FACULTY HANDBOOK as it relates to special research faculty appointments. The proposed resolution would add the classifications of Senior Research Associate and Postdoctoral Associate to the FACULTY HANDBOOK and clarify matters relating to the fringe benefits for these individuals. The other two classifications of Research Scientist and Senior Research Scientist will remain as they are at present. This resolution, he stated, is fully endorsed by the Commission on Faculty Affairs. Dr. Heller suggested that the statement, "The processes of advertising, interviewing and selection as appropriate to the position should be followed," was vague and does not address the special situation of Virginia Tech graduates who become post-doctoral students. He asked if these individuals would have to apply for these positions, even though they might already be performing the work? Dr. Hooper responded that these positions would be subject to state guidelines for advertising and hiring, but added that he would further explore this issue and modify the resolution if needed. Dr. Hewitt noted that the qualifications for appointment to Research Scien- tist seem to be consistent with those for Assistant Professor, and those for Senior Research Scientist are equivalent to those for Professor. Consequently, he inquired, is there a research appointment that equates to the level of Associate Professor? Dr. Hooper indicated that he would edit the resolution to reflect these concerns. The resolution carried forward for second reading. 4. FIRST READING, UNIVERSITY LIBRARY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 1991-92A, CONCERNING THE PROPOSED POLICY ON LIBRARY DEPOSIT COPIES OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS. Dr. Dodl explained that the University Libraries receive numerous requests for publications produced at this university, but are often unable to provide them. This resolution, he stated, is intended to make available in the University Libraries all technical reports, working papers, conference proceedings and other types of publications produced within the university. Toward that end, colleges, departments and centers will be asked to send two copies of each publication to the Head of the Acquisitions Department. The resolution carried forward for second reading. 5. IN SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS, COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. a. Commission on Extension, November 5, 1991. b. Commission on Faculty Affairs, January 24, 1992. Dr. Falkinham moved approval of the minutes with the following changes: (1) the correction of two typographical errors in paragraph 8; (2) Carl McDaniels will replace Marge Murray on the Alumni Distinguished Profes- sor Selection Committee, as noted in paragraph 2; and (3) the phrase in paragraph 8, item (8), "Procedures for Approved Faculty Search," should be removed. Dr. Harris asked when CFA would have the revised draft of the faculty grievance procedures ready for University Council. Dr. Falkinham replied that the policy was still undergoing revisions, but that he expected it to be completed soon. c. Commission on Graduate Studies, November 20, 1991. d. Commission on Research, December 11, 1991. Dr. Hooper discussed item 4 of these minutes, "Ownership of Data," at length, noting that a committee has been formed to develop a comprehen- sive policy governing these often complicated situations. e. Commission on Student Affairs, December 5, 1991. Dr. Goodale identified the changes to the CSA minutes of November 7 and November 21, 1991. He also announced the upcoming Hate Crimes Forum on February 19th, in Squires Student Center. f. Commission on Undergraduate Studies, December 9, 1991. 6. FOR INFORMATION a. Minutes of the Computer Committee, September 4, October 2, and December 4, 1991. b. Minutes of the University Committee on Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, December 17, 1991. c. Minutes of the University Library Committee, November 13, 1991. d. Recommendation to Extend University Governance Committee Memberships. In connection with implementation of the new University Governance System, Dr. McComas recommended to Council that it consider extending the terms of existing committee members through the 1992-93 academic year. Dr. Harris reviewed the timing of the process by which the memberships of the eight new commissions and three new councils will be established, effective July 1, 1992. Given the effort needed to accom- plish this task, Dr. Harris stated that it would be advantageous to defer action on committee memberships until the new memberships on commissions and councils have been resolved. Dr. Hooper moved that Council extend the membership of the committees for up to one year (with the exception of those individuals who would have to step down due to graduation or retirement). The motion carried. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS o Dr. McComas spoke about the university's very positive response to the United Way Campaign, highlighting the organizational efforts of Thomas O. Williams, overall Campaign Chairperson, and Ann Spencer, Director of Personnel Services, who chaired the Virginia Tech effort. He commended the generous contributions of faculty and staff in the face of dispiriting economic conditions. o Dr. McComas called on Mr. Ridenour to report on the two bills now before the General Assembly regarding general obligation bonds. Mr. Ridenour described the two proposed packages: (1) the Governor's bond package that will provide $401 million dollars for higher education in 1992-94, and (2) a more comprehensive bond package introduced by Delegate Cranwell (which includes the Governor's proposal) for about $1.2 billion dollars. He then highlighted the specific projects that will be funded if the bonds are passed, noting that $46 million dollars will be made available to Virginia Tech if the Governor's budget bill is approved. He also described the sole Virginia Tech amendment which would restore $9.2 million dollars for the Cooperative Extension Service. Ms. Byrne described the state-wide effort of students to present their concerns about budget cuts to the state legislature, as well as their support for a general obligation bond. Dr. McComas added that he felt the students had represented themselves and their concerns in a very positive manner. Ms. Vargo then asked how general budgetary informa- tion was being conveyed to the parents of students. Dr. McComas replied that a newsletter for parents has been launched by the Student Affairs Office. The budget situation is being addressed via this newsletter. o When asked by Dr. Hewitt if the early retirement program would again be available and whether the positions freed by early retirement this year have now been returned to the university, Dr. McComas responded that nothing has been said by Richmond to suggest the program will be repeated. Mr. Ridenour noted that the university has been given authorization to fill positions that were created by early retirement. Dr. Carlisle explained that these positions will be reallocated along with new positions the university received last year. o Mr. Gherman announced that he would be assuming the new position of Special Assistant to the Vice President to work on matters related to the electronic village project. Ms. Joann Eustis will be interim director of University Libraries, effective March 1, 1992. Dr. Heller inquired about the employee drug and alcohol policy. He noted that there are places on campus, such as the Donaldson Brown Center, which routinely serve alcohol at social functions. Dr. McComas responded that the policy applies to alcohol served during working hours at the work site. The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Larry A. Harris Executive Assistant to the President LAH:lg
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