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Governance Minutes ArchiveFebruary 7, 1994
University Council Minutes, February 7, 1994 Dr. Paul E. Torgersen called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Present: P. Torgersen, C. Nickerson, F. Carlisle, M Ridenour, E. Stout (for L. Peters), B. Braun (for C. Steger), R. Smoot, T. Goodale, E. Blythe, G. Russell, P. Knox (for P. Edwards), L. Roy (for R. Paterson), R. Sorensen, M. Lewis (for J. Buffer), H. Griffin (for E. Henneke), J. Wall (for P. Meszaros), E. Graybeal (for J. Eustis), B. Meldrum (for P. Eyre), C. Stott, L. Shumsky, R. Mitchiner, R. Olin, J. McKenna, E. Brown, G. Holtzman, J. Ficenec, D. De Wolf, R. Olin, W. Greenberg, K. Webb (for E. Kornegay), P. Miller, J. Niles (for N. Dodl), W. Knocke, D. Smith, V. Fu, B. Obenhaus (for L. Richardson), K. Martin, S. Wheeler, M. Murray, C. Mitchell, B. Rowland. Guests: S. Brooker-Gross, Provost Office; P. Hyer, Provost Office; L. McMahon, Spectrum Opening Remarks: Dr. Paul Torgersen expressed regret for missing several Council meetings. He noted that the demands on his time have been unusually heavy, with special emphasis being required in development and legislative activities. Dr. Torgersen introduced Carole Nickerson to Council as the new Executive Assistant to the President, a role formerly occupied by Dr. Cornel Morton. Dr. Morton has moved into the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. 1. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed. 2. Approval of Council Minutes of November 29, 1993 A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the meeting of November 29, 1993 as submitted. The motion passed. 3. First Reading, Commission on Faculty Affairs Resolution 93-94B, Policy on Classroom Attendance. Dr. Larry Shumsky presented an updated version of Faculty Affairs Resolution 93-94B, Policy on Classroom Attendance. He reviewed the history of this resolution as follows: last spring, Dr. McComas suggested that the current language in the Faculty Handbook concerning class attendance be updated and clarified because of a perception among many students that class attendance is optional. Many faculty believe that the resulting low attendance leads to poor performance amongst students and obligates faculty to monitor attendance to demonstrate that absenteeism is a factor in low grades. A committee consisting of Dr. Jim McKenna, Dr. Bud Brown, Dr. Steve Janosik, and Dr. Larry Shumsky was formed to study relevant sections of the Faculty Handbook and to make substantial modifications. The proposed revision in Section 3.6.1 in the Faculty Handbook places the responsibility upon the faculty to provide students on the first day of classes each semester with a course syllabus that includes course objectives, topical outlines, and the expected performance for which grades will be assigned, as well as the instructor's attendance policy if any. Section 3.6.2. indicates that it is the student's responsibility to make arrangements for any missed work, and that when faculty members cannot meet a class, it is their responsibility to notify their department head or chair as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made. There was some confusion regarding this statement. Dr. Torgersen requested clarification on whether or not the policy makes it obligatory for instructors to notify their department head in all cases. Dr. Shumsky indicated that, depending on department policy, notification is not required in all cases. Opposing viewpoints to the resolution were expressed. Dr. Golde Holtzman objected that the policy will take another responsibility away from the students, and commented that we are educating people to be good followers rather than leaders by assuming their responsibilities. Further discussion made it apparent that while the Commission on Faculty Affairs philosophically agrees with Dr. Holtzman, irresponsible classroom attendance is a serious problem, with a general attitude among students that regular attendance is not necessary. The Commission desires to send a clear, firm message by clarifying the ambiguous sections of the Faculty Handbook that address attendance. Another speaker objected to meeting irresponsibility with legislation. GSA member Carl Mitchell questioned whether in some cases faculty teaching methods might not be responsible for poor attendance. Dr. Shumsky responded that faculty responsibility had been discussed, and noted that unfortunately lack of attendance is characteristic not only of poorly taught courses, but that faculty widely recognized as excellent teachers, many with teaching awards, also confront a lack of attendance. 4. First Reading, Commission on Faculty Affairs Resolution 93-94C, Faculty Rank and Promotion Policies for Administrative and Professional Faculty. Dr. Pat Hyer presented the resolution on Faculty Promotion Policies for Administrative and Professional Faculty. The policy alternatives that administrative and professional faculty who have the initial and nominal faculty rank of lecturer and a functional title appropriate to their position may be assigned a standard faculty rank of assistant, associate, or full professor if their assignment is related to the instructional mission of their academic department. These faculty may be considered for promotion in rank by submitting their credentials through the usual departmental promotion process for collegiate faculty. The resolution states that "the assignment of, or change in, a standard faculty rank carries no aspect of tenure." 5. Second Reading, Commission on Faculty Affairs 93-94A, Faculty Senate's Ethics Committee. Dr. Larry Shumsky summarized the resolution , explaining that the Committee on Faculty Ethics, upon reviewing a faculty ethics violation charge, will document the process used, its findings, and its reasoning when formulating a written recommendation. After a brief discussion, the motion passed. 6. Second Reading, Commission on Research 93-94A, Ownership and Control of Research Results. Dr. Olin summarized the resolution, explaining that it deals with ownership and control of research results at Virginia Tech. The resolution clarifies that the university may assert its rights to the ownership of research results that are wholly, or partly, funded with university resources. Dr. Olin explained that this policy will be listed in the Faculty Handbook, Graduate Student Policy and Procedure Manual, Research Faculty Handbook, Information System on the Mainframe, and Classified Staff Handbook. After a brief discussion, 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 Faculty Affairs, October 22, November 5, and November 19, 1993. b. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies, September 15, November 5 and November 17, 1993. c. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Research, October 27, 1993. Dr. Robert Olin stated that the Commission on Research is concerned about undergraduate students' perception of research at Virginia Tech and is attempting to identify and quantify perceptions. d. Approval of the minutes of the Commission on Student Affairs, November 4, November 18, and December 2, 1993. 8. For Information Minutes from the Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning, September 29, October 22, November 5, November 17, and December 2, 1993. 9. Announcements Dr. Torgersen reminded University Council that the next meeting is February 21, 1994 at 3:00 p.m. in the Brush Mountain Room, and that the March 7, 1994 meeting will be canceled due to Spring Break. Dr. Torgersen also reported that he is spending considerable time becoming oriented to various segments of the university, and is working closely with Executive Vice President Minnis Ridenour, and Director of Governmental Relations and Special Activities Ralph Byers, in representing Virginia Tech's interests to the General Assembly in Richmond. He noted that the mood in Richmond is supportive of higher education in general, and supportive of Virginia Tech in particular. He is optimistic that a number of budget amendments, submitted on our behalf, will receive support, but noted that projected revenue remains uncertain. He remarked on the university's many friends in Richmond including our own Dr. Beverly Sgro, Secretary of Education, and our alum the Honorable Tom Moss, the Speaker of the House, among others. Dr. Torgersen, Mr. Ridenour, and several Council members briefly discussed the State Council of Higher Education's support for a salary increase amendment. Dr. Torgersen called attention to a Senate resolution, with House of Delegates concurring, that mandates a significant study of higher education in which the Commission on the Future of Higher Education would be established "to undertake a comprehensive review of all policies and regulations affecting higher education. The review shall include, among other things, system-wide and institutional policies; unnecessary duplication of academic programs; incentive mechanisms to promote greater efficiency, effectiveness, and academic productivity; accountability for student learning; institutional personnel practices related to faculty productivity, evaluation, and rewards, including promotion and tenure; general state policies and regulations that may inhibit state-supported colleges and universities from discharging their missions; the relationship between state-supported colleges and universities and their affiliated foundations; and the roles of public, independent, nonprofit, and for profit institutions in providing post secondary education to the citizens of Virginia." This study is to be completed in 1 1/2 years and the cost is not to exceed $12,000, which will be used mainly for travel. Dr. Torgersen suspects that this Senate resolution will be enacted. The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carole Nickerson Executive Assistant to the President /bjl
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