Faculty Assembly
Faculty Assembly Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2004
Members present: Christopher Abelt, David Armstrong, Deborah Bebout, James
Beers, Chandos Brown, Elizabeth Canuel, Clay Clemens, Robert Diaz, Alan Fuchs,
Nancy Gray, Lu Ann Homza, Martha Houle, Katherine Kulick, David Leslie, Robert
Orwoll, Ann Reed, Ron Rosenberg, Wanda Wallace, Tom White.
Ex-officio member present: Robert Archibald
Members absent: Tom Linneman, Alan Meese.
I. Call to order. President Abelt called the meeting to order at 3:32 P.M.
II. Approval of Minutes. The minutes for the meeting of September 28, 2004 were approved unanimously without changes.
Chris Abelt reported that the first meeting of the Faculty Priorities committee has not yet occurred but he is meeting with Provost Feiss following the Faculty Assembly meeting to discuss plans for the initial meeting of this committee.
Susan Grover Report: Director of Equal Opportunity. Member of EO/Sexual Harrassment Committee. Handouts distributed.
(1) Campus Climate Analysis (CCA): EO Committee received comments about concerns
about racial climate on campus. An informal analysis of situation that included
comments received out of various campus offices, comments from students, input
from Sam Sadler's office, etc. indicated that minority students were unhappy
with their situation on campus. Grover felt that there were enough negative
comments that it is important that the FA get the word out to faculty in our
respective areas.
(2) In response to CCA and CoGS, EO office devised a list of suggestions for
faculty in order to provide best climate possible. CoGS expanded list and did
comparison with other programs. Provided with list of things we can do to provide
hospitable climate on campus. Abelt suggested that we post the list to the FA
website. Bill Stewart suggested that we distribute this information to student
goverment associations on campus. Kulick asked about the relationship between
the EO committee and the committee on diversity. Provost Feiss noted that the
committee on diversity has met twice, and will meet for third time next week.
It will divide into sub-committees to address specific topics yet to be finalized.
The goal is to develop a list of short- and medium-term strategies for enhancing
diversity. Sadler suggests we must do a systematic analysis of climate issues
beyond anecdotal evidence. Gray asked whether there was funding to support events
to increase campus awareness of these issues. Grover responded that there was
no funding in hand but that her office was happy to help. Provost Feiss expressed
concern that we keep informed about various committees and activities to avoid
redundant initiatives. The last page of the document distributed lists suggestions
for potential next steps. Grover asked the FA to think about what the faculty
may want to do.
(3) Orientation of new faculty and TAs. Handout to describe EO to these groups
- define policies, gives contact info, etc.
Abelt asked chairs of diversity committee whether they could report to FA in the spring. A problem with charging Academic Affairs committee is that we do not yet know what diversity committee is planning to do. Abelt asked FA to think about whether there is a place of one of the FA sub-commttees to meet and discuss issues. Abelt asked permission from the FA to post info distributed on its website. The request was approved unanimously.
Kulick - Update of Phased Retirement: Kulick provided an update on the guidelines for a phased retirement program developed by the FA. The Provost forwarded his comments on the FA's guidelines to the PRC and the PRC and Faculty Compensation Board have subsequently returned comments to the Provost. A draft document is being revised to address suggestions and reconcile differences with the original proposal. A revised proposal will be returned to the FA. Abelt asked whether there were substantive changes made to the original document. Kulick noted that the changes addressed issues related to eligibility. Kulick also noted that there were potential issues related to the need for a 30-day gap between retirement and assuming a subsequent relationship with College. Members of the Faculty Compensation Board are checking with VA Tech regarding their procedures. Rosenberg noted that for matter is of such great importance, there is a need to investigate the rules and their ramifications with an authoritative source such as the Attorney General's office.
Provost Feiss Report: Progress with the Charter Initiative is continuing. College administrators are beginning a series of state-wide meetings and it is expected that a draft charter agreement will be ready soon. The draft document requires BOV input before it can be distributed.
SACS Review - The SACS review will begin about one year from now but preparations are being made. During the off-campus phase, SACS will review all of our documents and submits questions. There will be a site review in Spring 2006. David Aday is campus coordinator. The Provost indicated that the review has the potential to be useful and productive and will influence how his office conducts assessment and planning.
The Provost noted that a search committee has been formed for the position of Director of the Muscarelle Museum.
The Provost also updated the FA on progress with the Capital Campaign. Susan Petty-John is acting Vice president for Development and a campaign consultant has agreed to join as Campaign Counsel.
The Provost informed the FA about an issue raised by a member of BOV about allowing Freshmen to register based on credit hours earned, including AB and IB. An experiment will be conducted this year to see what happens if Freshmen register by social class rather than academic class. The Provost will revisit this issue in the future and request additional input from faculty.
Sam Sadler will post a draft of a report The College must make to NCAA in order to be reaccredited by NCAA. This report provides an analysis of the extent to which we are in compliance with NCAA regulations.
There being no additional business, a motion was made to adjourn at 4:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted by E.A. Canuel, Faculty Assembly Secretary.
