The Faculty Senate discussed its distrust in the University Board of Visitors at its Friday meeting, citing specifically the current search for a permanent president and the upcoming search for executive vice president and provost. The Faculty Senate also heard from Interim President Paul G. Mahoney and later passed a resolution affirming the body’s commitment to academic freedom and the University’s mission.
Faculty Senate Chair Jeri Seidman opened the meeting by providing a brief update on the ongoing University-wide compliance review by the Office of University Counsel.
The compliance review follows a series of inquiries beginning April 11 from the Department of Justice about the University’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies and adherence to federal law under former University President Jim Ryan.
Seidman said that over the summer she had asked University Counsel Cliff Iler questions about the compliance review and said she was expecting a draft of responses from Iler by Sunday. Because of this, she asked that the senators refrain from asking Mahoney questions about the compliance review given that they would likely be answered by Iler in the next few days.
Seidman then invited Mahoney to speak and answer a few questions from the group. Mahoney opened by emphasizing his belief in the importance of academic freedom at the University.
“I think I can say quite confidently that academic freedom is not only a core value of mine, but a core value of the University,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney made remarks on a few research advancements at the University, such as the construction progress of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute for Biotechnology. He then moved into answering questions from the senators.
Politics Prof. James D. Savage asked Mahoney about the state of the University’s federal research funding, given that the DOJ threatened to terminate federal funding amidst the allegations that the University was not complying with federal law. The University had lost over $60 million in research funding even prior to Ryan's resignation.
“Compliance with federal law is a tradition of research,” Mahoney said. “The question of our continued funding really hinges on the way in which [the compliance review is] resolved.
Nursing Prof. Kimberly D. Acquaviva asked Mahoney for confirmation on whether he has met with President Donald Trump, either in-person or virtually, since he took the position as interim president. Acquaviva said she had heard rumors of his involvement with Trump, so she wanted him to affirm or deny it. Mahoney denied that he has done so.
Data Science Prof. Paul B. Perrin asked Mahoney for an update on the executive vice president and provost search and expressed concern that the University will not be able to attract top candidates while an interim president is in place. Since former executive vice president and provost Ian Baucom stepped down from the position in January, former senior vice provost for academic affairs Brie Gertler has served as interim.
Mahoney said that there is currently no active provost search, but that he plans to hold one this fall.
“The provost job at the University is one of the very best jobs in higher education administration in the world,” Mahoney said. “I don't have the slightest doubt that there are many qualified candidates who would be delighted to apply.”
Immediately after his question and answer session, Mahoney departed the meeting.
Gertler also spoke to the group, sharing her commitment to academic freedom as interim executive vice president and provost. Gertler referenced an email message she sent to faculty the day before classes began this semester where she emphasized this commitment.
“As interim provost, I have no higher priority than protecting the academic freedom of our faculty and our students,” the message reads. “As a faculty member, you have the freedom to research and teach courses in your area of expertise, according to the standards of your discipline.”
Brian Pusser, associate professor in the School of Education and Human Development, asked if the University Counsel could be relied upon to defend a faculty member if challenged by the DOJ. Gertler prefaced her answer by specifying that she is not a lawyer herself, but ultimately said that yes, faculty could rely on Counsel to defend them if they were to be in that situation.
During the open discussion with Gertler, Acquaviva specifically thanked Gertler for being present at the meeting and willing to answer the “tough” questions from the Faculty Senate. Acquaviva said she hopes to see the same willingness from the rest of University leadership, especially Mahoney.
“I am hopeful that we see more from the rest of the leadership what we're seeing from interim provost Gertler, which is coming here, sitting without a script, answering tough questions,” Acquaviva said. “Until that happens, it's really hard to trust the presidential search, the provost search or any of the other things.”
Acquaviva also brought up concern over Mahoney’s intention to move into Carr's Hill, which traditionally serves as the president’s home.
“Questions have been raised about if an interim moves into Carr’s Hill, would candidates for the presidency and the provost search potentially be dissuaded from wanting to apply?” Acquaviva said. “Having an interim move into Carr’s Hill, it sends a message that a decision has already been made, and that's concerning.”
Chief medical officer at Student Health and Wellness Meredith Hayden, on the other hand, said she could understand why Mahoney would want to move into Carr’s Hill to assure students of the presence of leadership.
“[Mahoney] didn't think it was a good look, not just to students, but to all stakeholders that like there's a vacancy, there's a lack of presence,” Hayden said. “What he sees as one of his primary goals right now is to stabilize, so I can see why he would want to be there.”
The Faculty Senate also passed a resolution at the meeting affirming its mission to uphold University values. The resolution passed unanimously, with no senators abstaining.
“There is significant uncertainty within the faculty and staff about how to proceed in the current context,” the resolution reads. “Now, therefore, be it resolved that we collectively affirm that we are governed by existing policy, including the academic freedom guidelines as expressed in the U.Va. Faculty Handbook.”
The resolution states that the University is facing "unprecedented challenges” in this time of leadership transition and emphasizes the Faculty Senate’s dedication to executing the University’s mission in their work.
The Faculty Senate’s executive council is set to meet Sept. 26, with a full Faculty meeting scheduled for Oct. 3.
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