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Governance Minutes ArchiveSeptember 20, 1993
Minutes University Council Meeting September 20, 1993 Dr. E. Fred Carlisle called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present: E.F. Carlisle, C. Morton, M. Ridenour, J. Eversole (for R. Smoot), T. Goodale, M. Williams (for E. Blythe), G. Russell, P. Liverpool, L. Swiger, P. Edwards, R. Paterson, H. Bonham (for R. Sorensen), J. Buffer, O. Griffin (for P. Torgersen), P. Meszaros, L. Richardson (for J. Eustis), P. Eyre, L. Shumsky, R. Mitchiner, J. McKenna, E. Brown, G. Holtzman, D. de Wolf, G. Brown, W. Greenberg, N. Castagnoli, P. Miller, K. Kubin, N. Dodl, W. Knocke, D. Smith, V. Fu, J. Robertson, L. Richardson, K. Martin, B. Misra, S. Wheeler, M. Murray, C. Mitchell, M. Church, R. Rowley, E. Morales, J. McMillan, B. Tatarka, R. Stephenson Guests: L. Geyer, Former President of the Faculty Senate Dr. E. Fred Carlisle welcomed University Council and introduced himself as the acting chair in Dr. McComas' absence. He shared Dr. McComas' health situation with the Council by explaining that Dr. McComas was in good spirits, was up and walking. Dr. Carlisle explained that there was no specific information regarding a long-term prognosis of Dr. McComas' illness but that it was thought that Dr. McComas would be recuperating for a three-four week period. Dr. Carlisle explained that the University would function in the standard way that it did whenever Dr. McComas was away on vacation; that nothing exceptional or unusual would occur and that all of Dr. McComas' responsibilities would be dealt with by the administrative staff. Dr. Carlisle then asked all members of University Council to introduce themselves, and share a little about themselves and what areas they represent. 1. Adoption of Agenda A motion was then made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed. 2. Approval of Council Minutes of May 3, 1993 A motion was then made and seconded to approve the revised minutes from the meeting of May 3, 1993 as submitted. The motion passed. 3. First Reading, Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy Resolution 92-93B, Committees that Report to the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy. Dr. Ezra Brown and Dr. Leon Geyer explained that this resolution will address the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy's responsibility under the revised system to restructure the committees that report to it. The resolution mentions the various committees, the charge and membership of each committee, as well as the periodic reviews. 4. First Reading, Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policy Resolution 92-93C, Course Proposal Process (revised April 17, 1993). Dr. Ezra Brown explained that the purpose of this resolution is to allow the Commissions on Undergraduate Studies and Graduate Studies, respectively, to approve appropriate course proposals, check sheets, minor requirements, courses for University Core, and that these items are deemed approved for University governance purposes. 5. In successive motions, and after brief discussions, Council approved the minutes of the following meetings: a. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Research, April 14 and April 28, 1993. b. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Student Affairs, April 15, 1993. c. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Undergraduate Studies, April 12 and April 26, 1993. 6. For Information a. The minutes from the Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning, April 16, April 30, May 18, June 9, July 7, and July 29, 1993. b. Dr. Cornel Morton discussed commissions/committees/councils, their memberships, reporting structures, responsibilities, etc. The governance flow chart was provided to University Council to help clarify reporting structures. Dr. Morton asked commission chairs to develop an informational reporting relationship with their respective committee chairs. He also asked commission chairs to communicate with him and Ms. Lowe so that we might have the most up-to-date governance information. He also shared with the Council members that a task force, appointed to revise the bylaws of University Council, would begin meetings soon. 6. Announcements 13. Question/Answer Session A member of University Council raised a question regarding the nasty articles that had been appearing in the newspaper regarding higher education and whether or not Virginia Tech would be responding to those allegations. Dr. Carlisle explained that the University might decide to respond to the budget situation and the newspaper articles at the same time. The administration is trying to decide which method would represent Virginia Tech most accurately. One consideration is a coordinated response from major research universities in the Commonwealth. Dr. Charles Steger is also focusing on a plan to deal with these issues. He will be addressing legislators, speaking to parents during Parents Weekend, writing op ed articles, etc. Mr. Minnis Ridenour responded that Virginia Tech would develop a response but that it was very important not to create an even greater problem. He shared with Council that a meeting has been planned for university presidents, where he, Dr. Carlisle, and Mr. Decker will represent Virginia Tech. During that meeting, various options will be discussed and a response will be developed in order that it is specific and contains very clear points. Dr. Carlisle reiterated the need for a response from Virginia Tech but again emphasized the need for us to deal with specific issues, not focus strictly on unfavorable newspaper articles. Dr. Kennith Martin asked for clarification on the committee that has been formed to study the Key Advantage Program. He shared with Council that this program is of great concern to many and wondered what the University is doing to help alleviate the problems associated with this health care program. Mr. Ridenour explained that there is a new committee in place to study this issue. They are currently reviewing the Key Advantage program and will be presenting some recommendations to the administrators and legislators. Mr. Ridenour encouraged Virginia Tech employees to convey their concerns to Anne Spencer and her Employee Benefits Committee. 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