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Governance Minutes ArchiveOctober 18, 1993
Minutes University Council Meeting October 18, 1993 Dr. Paul E. Torgersen called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present: P. Torgersen, C. Morton, L. Peters, E. Henneke, J. Eversole (for R. Smoot), T. Goodale, M. Williams (for E. Blythe), G. Russell, L. Swiger, R. Paterson, R. Sorensen, G. Brown, J. Eustis, P. Edwards, J. Armstrong, C. Stott, L. Shumsky, R. Olin, E. Brown, D. de Wolf, G. Holtzman, J. Ficenec, N. Castagnoli, W. Greenberg, D. Smith, K. Kubin, N. Dodl, W. Knocke, V. Fu, E. Kornegay, L. Richardson, K. Martin, S. Whiller, B. Misra, M. Church, C. Mitchell, R. Stephenson, K. Morales, J. McMillan, F. Homan, J. Perkins, R. Rowley. Guests: B. Burleson, Spectrum; P. Hyer, Provost's Office; L. Moore, Governance Committee; S. Brooker-Gross, Provost's Office; J. Rothschild. Dr. Paul E. Torgersen welcomed members of the University Council and guests. He introduced himself as the acting chair according to his new position as acting president. Dr. Torgersen shared that due to prior commitments, Dr. Carlisle would, in most cases, chair University Council through the remainder of this semester. Dr. Torgersen shared several thoughts on the changes occurring in the world, both in terms of perceptions of what higher education is all about and, in particular, Virginia Tech's role in higher education in the Commonwealth. He said that the economic situation does not look good at the moment. Dr. Torgersen shared with University Council that he plans to begin traveling next week to visit with as many key legislators as possible before the General Assembly convenes. Dr. Torgersen informed Council that in the past he found that one-on-one relationships with legislators is very important and that he feels it is very important to reassure legislators that higher education is worth supporting. Dr. Torgersen also shared his capital campaign ideas. He explained that, at best, what we want to do is begin to cultivate some of our more successful and more affluent alumni and friends at this time. 1. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed. 2. Approval of Council Minutes of September 20, 1993 A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the meeting of September 20, 1993 as submitted. The motion passed. 3. First Reading, Resolution 93-94A Clarifying A/P Faculty Representation in University Governance. Dr. Pat Hyer discussed a procedure for incorporating the administrative and professional faculty into the governance system. This group is comprised of approximately 600 faculty who are not currently represented by the Faculty Senate or by the College Associations. As this group became larger, it was important to try and have an outlet/voice in the governance system. The role of A&P Faculty in governance has already been approved by University Council and the Board of Visitors. Dr. Hyer explained that the resolution brought forward today provides the specific language and guidelines for the structure of this commission. This resolution will be reviewed by the Staff and Faculty Senates later this week (as all changes to the constitution require). 4. First Reading, Advisory Council on Human Rights and Social Responsibility, Resolution 93-94B, Concerning Dissolution of Advisory Council. Dr. Joyce Rothschild represented the resolution and explained why the Advisory Council on Human Rights and Social Responsibility unanimously concurred in its abolition. She shared with University Council that this Advisory Council was first implemented to ensure that the Virginia Tech campus is culturally diverse and to make sure that the various groups are recognized and communicate effectively with each other and interact harmoniously. But it became evident, while pursuing these goals, that the Advisory Council was actually redundant with several other offices/committees on campus. The Advisory Council had a very congenial year, learned a lot about student and faculty minority recruitment and retention, concerns of gay students, etc. but decided, in the end, that this Council should be abolished. 5. Second Reading, Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy Resolution 92-93B, Committees that Report to the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy. Dr. Ezra Brown moved approval of the resolution. After Dr. Brown summarized the resolution and a brief discussion ensued, the motion passed. 6. Second Reading, Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy Resolution 92-93C, Course Proposal Process (revised April 17, 1993). Dr. Ezra Brown moved approval of the resolution. After Dr. Brown summarized the resolution and a brief discussion ensued, the motion passed. 7. In successive motions, and after brief discussions, Council approved the minutes of the following meetings: a. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies, April 21, 1993. b. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Research, September 8, 1993. c. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Undergraduate Studies, September 13, 1993. 6. For Information a. The minutes from the Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning, August 17, 1993. b. Dr. Cornel Morton reminded commission chairs to remain for about an hour after the meeting adjourns to discuss implementation of the new Constitution and Bylaws, etc. 6. Announcements Dr. Torgersen acknowledged that the University Council is a very important group on campus and he genuinely welcomes any advice they might want to share regarding what we can and should be doing in the weeks and months to come. Dr. Torgersen expressed his recognition of Dr. McComas' very strong leadership to this University and expressed his sorrow that Dr. McComas could not be with us at this time. Dr. Torgersen feels there is a strong sense of esprit de corps across the University. He thinks the morale is high and he is optimistic that we can continue to be a good university, moving towards becoming a great university. Dr. Torgersen reminded the Council members that their support and encouragement are very important. Ms. Rachel Rowley, Vice President of SGA, announced that there would be a student rally on the Drill Field on Wednesday discussing the budget crisis. She asked that all faculty permit and encourage their students to attend. 7. Questions and Answers Several questions arose regarding the negative media attention that higher education has received lately. What can the faculty do regarding the media's perception of higher education? Are our comments on research positive enough? Should we concentrate on the positive side more to offset the negative statements? Dr. Torgersen responded to these questions by stating that he has been advised that perhaps we should not react too quickly to the newspaper/media stories. He also shared that many students feel they are getting better instruction because this is a research university. Dr. Torgersen had just enjoyed an experience with the Class of '43 at their induction into the Old Guard. He said that they feel really good about Virginia Tech; they do not need reassurance about our University and were quite willing to quickly discount the newspapers articles. Dr. Torgersen feels that we must capitalize on our supporters and alumni and not let the external environment break our spirits. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cornel N. Morton Executive Assistant to the President CNM/bjl
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Last modified on: Tuesday, 25-Sep-2001 13:57:50 EDT