Members of the Faculty Senate met today in the Harrison Special Collections Library to discuss issues ranging from the need for faculty representation on the Board of Visitors and the benefits of increased student housing, to the importance of faculty authority over curriculum. In addition, senators listened to a presentation outlining a proposed restructuring of the group.
History Prof. Jeffery Rossman presented a proposal addressing the desire for a faculty representative on the Board of Visitors.
"It's about communication in both directions and having a faculty voice at the table where so many important decisions are made," Rossman said.
Rossman's report listed several peer institutions in Virginia which have non-voting faculty members on their boards. Some examples include Virginia Tech, William & Mary and James Madison University.
"The good news is it's a very long list of Virginia universities that have faculty members on the board," Rossman said. "The reports are very positive ... It's a Commonwealth tradition already, so why don't we get on board?"
Architectural History Prof. Daniel Bluestone outlined the benefits of on-Grounds housing for students, noting that after their first year, many are left "scrambling" to find affordable housing in the area.
"We are doing miserably compared to what we call other peer institutions," Bluestone said. "We are being incredibly irresponsible about building a student center of intellectual life."
Bluestone noted that Thomas Jefferson's vision for the University did not call for "an artificial distinction between academic and personal life," and that housing that is integrated into an academic environment can enrich a student's experience at the University.
In addition, Bluestone added that a lack of affordable housing in the area also affects the ability to recruit and hire new faculty.
Physics Prof. Blaine Norum presented a report of the Senate Subcommittee on Teaching and Research.
The report offered numerous recommendations on teaching and research; however, the "authority over curriculum and faculty review of proposed changes in policy" was deemed a point to prioritize by senators.
According to Norum, this recommendation was brought about by concerns voiced earlier this year over the Semester at Sea program.
Lastly, Senate Secretary Theresa Culver, a Civil Engineering professor, outlined a report by the Senate Restructuring and Representation Committee that calls for new committee additions to the Senate and a reorganization of Senate meetings.
"We should try to change our current mode of operation," Culver said. "[Past meetings] have been informational with very little interaction."
Culver continued, citing the need for increased communication among faculty.
"There are a lot of potential areas where communications could be improved," she said. "We could make a much better effort of letting people know what committees are out there."
The Senate will meet again April 28, with President John T. Casteen, III and Provost Gene Block, to vote upon proposals presented at yesterday's meeting. Some motions could not be voted upon because the Senate failed to have enough members present to make quorum.
Read More
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
What does the University’s contract with dining service Aramark entail?
By Brandon Kile | 2 days agoThe Cavalier Daily submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the University for its contract with Aramark to understand the specific terms of the agreement.
