Faculty Assembly
Faculty Assembly Meeting Minutes
May 11, 2004
Members present: Christopher Abelt, Robert Archibald, David Armstrong, Deborah
Bebout, James Beers, Chandos Brown, Liz Canuel, Clay Clemens, Robert Diaz, Nancy
Gray, LuAnn Homza, Martha Houle, David Leslie, Tom Linneman, Robert Orwoll,
Ann Reed, Ron Rosenberg, Laurie Sanderson, William Stewart.
Members absent: Jonathan Arries, Lan Cao, Alan Fuchs, Katherine Kulick, Roger
Ries, Larry Ventis, Wanda Wallace.
I. President Rosenberg called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M.
II. Report of Administrative Officers: President Sullivan. The General Assembly
has approved a budget. It is awaiting the signature of the Governor. This is
his twelfth year as President. He has seen the government culture transformed,
especially over the last six years. Higher education will not be treated as
it was before. William and Mary has responded in several ways. One is the Charter
University initiative. The other is to develop a financial plan based on minimal
state support. The GA budget treats William and Mary better this year. There
is an increase in operating support of $1.3M, and $400K for ETF. The Provost
was given $200K from the BOV for faculty research. In terms of financial aid,
100% of the need is met for in-state students and 85% of the need for out-of-state
students. Faculty will receive an average 6% raise effective Dec. 1st, 2004.
Half of this comes from the state, but half of this was through authorizing
an increase in tuition. There will be 5% increases for those in administrative
and professional positions. The BOV set aside funds for up to 5% raises for
classified employees. The mechanism for classified raises is more complicated
and may involve regrading positions. The faculty raises are just the start of
a four-year plan to bring salaries back toward the 60th percentile. The President
is optimistic about what can be accomplished in private fund raising. He predicts
that we will begin to feel its effects soon.
Steward Gamage. She reported that although funding of higher education was the
bottom priority of eleven areas in the state, we fared much better at the GA.
One of the reasons for our better treatment was the Faculty Survey. She said
that the restructuring initiative will be an uphill battle.
Provost Feiss. Contracts will be issued on Thursday (May 13). There are two
administrative searches, one for the registrar and on for admissions, that will
have candidates on campus soon. The BOV approved a change in the by-laws that
allows for a non-voting faculty member of the BOV. The Rector will select the
member from the list of past-presidents of the FA. They may be reappointed for
up to one additional (year) term.
President Rosenberg thanked the Provost and the efforts of Katherine Kulick. He commented that the FA was successful in dealing with several issues: post-tenure review, phased retirement, research support and non-academic leave.
III. Elections
Ron Rosenberg asked whether there were any more nominations for President. Hearing
none, a vote was taken, and VP Chris Abelt was elected unanimously. Liz Canuel
was nominated and elected unanimously for the office of secretary. A list of
committee membership was distributed and endorsed with one change. Bob Diaz
agreed to continue as chair of the Committee on Planning and Resources. The
Committee on Academic Affairs and the Committee on Faculty Affairs met to select
committee chairs. COAA will be chaired by Clay Clemens in the fall and by Ann
Reed in the spring. FAFAC will be chaired by Debbie Bebout.
Chris Abelt announced that the Faculty Assembly retreat will be held on August 19.
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Chris Abelt, Faculty Assembly Secretary, pro temp
