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Governance Minutes ArchiveFebruary 1, 1993
Minutes University Council Meeting February 1, 1993 Dr. McComas called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present: J. McComas, C. Morton, J. Wolfe (for E.F. Carlisle), A. Spencer (for M. Ridenour), M. Williams (for E. Blythe), T. Tillar (for G. Russell), C. Steger, G. Crofts (for H. Doswald), R. Sorensen, T. Hunt (for J. Buffer), G. Brown, S. Ritchey, J. Marchman (for W. Clough), H. Burkhart (for G. Brown), P. Eyre, J. Eustis, C. Stott, D. DeWolf, M. Sporakowski, J. Robinson, A. McNabb, R. Daniel, G. Bunce, J. Ficenec, J. Snoke, L. Geyer, D. Smith, D. Hewitt, P. Miller, K. Kubin, N. Dodl, R. Heller, L. Richardson, K. Martin, C. Cox, M. Murray, B. Tatarka, G. Nolan (for K. Kahn), J. Fisher (for K. Mottley), M. Jackson, C. Daniels, J. Darnell, T. Snead, Bob Olin. Guests: P. Hyer, Office of the Provost; B. Burleson, Spectrum; M. Hurd, President, Residence Hall Federation; E. Brown, CUS; P. Rony, Department of Chemical Engineering Absent: E. Stout, R. Smoot, T. Goodale, L. Swiger, P. Feret, J. Tlou, J. Rothschild, G. Holtzman, T. Rakes, F. Thye, J. Robertson, X. Jackson, C. Pinder, F. Phillips, T. Higgins, M. Belsley 1. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. 2. Approval of Council Minutes of January 18, 1993 The University Council minutes from the meeting of January 18, 1993 were approved as submitted. 3. New Business * Dr. deWolf noted that the University Committee on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Purpose and Responsibilities came before the Commission on Faculty Affairs and, after the usual consultation and discussion, was approved by CFA. The resolution carried forward for a second reading. * Dr. Daniel noted that the Awarding a Certificate of Recognition for Additional Major has been tabled since 1987. He explained that approximately 200 students per year would be eligible for one of these certificates. We could actually implement this procedure in time for the 1993 graduation since the certificates could be printed on campus. The resolution carried forward for a second reading. 4. Ongoing Business Dr. DeWolf reiterated that the Proposed Revision of the Faculty Grievance Procedure has been an ongoing process for several years and it is likely that more revisions will be made in the future. However, at the present time, the 1987 proceedings are the ones on the books legally (legal in the University context). The current revision has gone through all the customary University procedures and Dr. DeWolf feels that grievants would prefer the present revised set of grievances, although incomplete in the eyes of some, rather than the old ones, currently on the books. Having been a participant in the grievance procedure, Dr. Peter Rony expressed his concern that that the new revisions are flawed. He expressed concern over the new procedures not pursuing the scope of possibilities which he feels the faculty at this University deserve. He expressed further concern that attempts had been made to "slip this new procedure" through, and that University Council has a responsibility to communicate with all faculty on this legal matter. Dr. Rony expressed his hopes that University Council will not pass the grievance procedure in its present form. Dr. Jerry Robinson expressed his concerns regarding the difficulties that might be forthcoming if errors (which he cited) are not corrected in the grievance procedures. Dr. Leon Geyer responded that the Commission on Faculty Affairs has the responsibility, under the Faculty Handbook and the Constitution, to come forward with a grievance procedure. Dr. Geyer pointed out that the policy was currently before the Council for discussion, not the procedures. The procedure section addresses the actual steps of a grievance and that section belongs to the Faculty Senate, not to University Council. He stated that the CFA had studied the document well over a year ago, made many changes, and reprocessed the document through the formulation. After that, another CFA took a look at the new draft and spent time deliberating and debating this issue. Dr. Geyer pointed out that the majority of CFA are faculty members and did have input into this document. Dr. Geyer noted that the Faculty Senate revised its grievance procedures in 1991 and will once again revise its procedures to respond to this document. He further described the responsibilities of the Reconciliation Committee and the Faculty Review Committee. Dr. Geyer also attempted to clarify several other issues of concern and Dr. DeWolf spoke to the length of time it might take to resolve a grievance. After much discussion from members of the Council, a motion was made to defer this important subject to the next meeting at which time the Commission on Faculty Affairs will bring back a revised edition of the Grievance Procedures. 4. In successive motions, and after brief discussions, Council approved the minutes of the following meetings: a. Commission on Faculty Affairs, December 18, 1992. b. Commission on Research, December 9, 1992. Anne McNabb spoke on several issues of importance: (1) the Intellectual Properties Committee, which is the only committee formally reporting to the Commission on Research, produced a document defining its reporting relationship; and (2) a document on misconduct in scholarly activities (required of all institutions receiving federal money) will be coming before University Council in the near future. 5. For Information Dr. McComas addressed the article which recently appeared in The Washington Post on the Center for Innovative Technology. Despite the fact that the only major accomplishment discussed in the article was the UVa project on diabetes, Dr. McComas assured us that many more activities have been conducted. Virginia Tech has done approximately $11M of contracted research. This research has brought economic development to the Commonwealth by generating an accompanying $30M from private industry and the federal government. Dr. McComas pointed out that the Center for Innovative Technology is just now reaching the point where it can really make a difference and where the dollars invested are beginning to pay off. Dr. McComas discussed the support that extension amendments have received at the General Assembly. It is still unknown whether or not Virginia Tech will get the full funding of $3.4M. If the full amount is not received, another round of budget reductions may occur. Dr. McComas reiterated that all-in-all, there has been good feedback from officials concerning extension's performance and potential. Dr. McComas informed the members of Council that the State Council report will not be acted upon at this particular time. Therefore, there is time to pursue both the long-term strategy as well as addressing the near-term concerns. He noted that a larger meeting would be held in which all the Boards of Visitors from the affected universities might meet with the State Council and discuss concerns. Dr. Peter Eyre noted that the College of Veterinary Medicine has received the bids for their new building and that they are still trying to get state support for the Equine Center. Ms. Ann Spencer stated that there will be a review of the Key Advantage Program performed by an independent consultant. She noted that Mr. Ridenour is working on a Standing and Expanded Benefits Advisory Group which will include employee representatives throughout the state. Anyone who has concerns or feedback regarding Key Advantage may forward them to Mr. Ridenour or Dr. McComas. 6. Announcements Dr. McComas reminded Council that there will be no meeting on February 15, 1993 due to the Board of Visitors meeting. The next scheduled Council meeting is March 1, 1993. The meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cornel N. Morton Executive Assistant to the President CNM/bjl
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