April 11, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Madison Hall, President’s Conference Room & Zoom Webinar
Senators Present: Aaron Bloomfield, Todd DeLong, Jennifer Greeson, Brad Kesser, Jim Lambert, Alicia Lopez Opere, Andrew Pennock, Brian Pusser, Eric Ramirez Weaver, Sue Saliba, Jim Savage, Jeri Seidman, Jessica Sewell
Ex-Officio & Guests Present: Maite Brandt-Pearce, JJ Davis, Brie Gertler, Tish Hayes, Ian Mullins
Call to Order: Jim Lambert called the meeting to order at 2:03
Brie Gertler, Interim Provost
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Immigration and International Update
UVA checks the Sevis system multiple times a day to check the VISA status of students and employees. -
May 4 After Action Review
UVA brought Mary McCord back to do a comprehensive review of the May 4 events and to talk to people directly involved. Mary reached out to those people, but they were hesitant to talk to her without any protection as the interviews could be FOIAble or discoverable. Therefore, the review has been put on pause indefinitely. -
March 7 Resolution by the BOV on DEI
The central DEI has been dissolved. A new division of Community Engagement and Equal Opportunity has been created and will house EOCR and the Center for Community Partnerships.
Nominating Committee
Michael requested that the candidate statements be sent to him. He reminded everyone that nominations can come from the floor.
Jim covered the actions of faculty senate from March 17 – April 18
Approval of EXCO minutes
February 28 minutes: motion to approve by Jim Savage, seconded by Alicia Lopex Opere
March 24th minutes: motion to approve by Jim Savage, seconded by Jeri Seidman
Maite Brandt Pearce
Displayed a flowchart created by the Faculty Discipline Working Group on drafting a new disciplinary process for academic faculty. Maite, Aaron, and Jennifer walked through the process and asked for feedback. This policy will follow the normal policy approval process.
BOV Update
Michael let everyone know that Ken Cuccinelli has replaced Bert Ellis on the BOV. The next BOV meeting is in June.
DEI resolution
Eric was interviewed by NPR regarding the resolution. He thanked everyone for participating in this resolution.
Discussion about communication during the summer and if meetings should be scheduled or if a sign up should be created so people can be reached. What is the policy regarding EXCO acting on behalf of the full senate in an emergency.
Ad hoc Committee on Bylaw
Aaron will bring bylaws changes to be discussed in May.
Ad hoc on Representation & Governance
Brian and Jeri drafted a survey all will send out to all senators soon.
Standing Committees
AAC: new concentration in Applied Physics and Fundamental Physics will be discussed if a senator makes a request, if not, it is passed from AAC.
FRRRW: a childcare center vendor has been chosen. Brad asked if there was any update on the letter to the rector and if a response was received.
Jessica: Parking &Transportation committee is meeting next week.
Policy: reviewing PROV 011 related to UG student enrollment. Barbara Zunder sent an email asking if FS would discuss the DOJ ruling on digital accessibility.
DEI: questions for the admissions office slide.
Grievance: one or more cases going through process the grievance process.
Finance: meeting with the VP of Research next Friday.
RTS: SET update.
Nominating: elections happening next week during the full senate meeting.
Resolution of support for international students and faculty
Brian Pusser will make a motion during the April senate meeting.
Motion to adjourn passed 4:08 PM.