February 10, 2025
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Zoom Webinar
Senators Present: Huiwang Ai, Aaron Bloomfield, Juliet Hatchett, Michael Kennedy, Jim Lambert, Alicia Lopez Opere, Andy Pennock, Brian Pusser, Eric Ramirez Weaver, Sue Saliba, Jim Savage, Jeri Siedman, Jessica Sewell, Brian Wright
Ex-Officio & Guests Present: Maite Brandt Pearce, JJ Davis, Brie Gertler, Ian Mullins, Abby Self, Nina Tripp, FOIA Kaiju
Call to Order: Jim Lambert called the meeting to order at 3:32.
Welcome (Jim L., Jeri, Michael K.)
Jeri S is on the selection committee for the new provost. There are fourteen members of the committee. Jeri will ask about sharing interview questions and job announcement. The committee is going to hold listening sessions with faculty. The first meeting is Thursday, February 13.
Review/approval of draft minutes from January 10, 2025: unanimous consent.
Provost’s Office update:
Brie Gertler stated that a group is meeting daily to discuss changes coming to UVA. They are putting together a list of FAQs and a website is being built that will be shared.
Provost Baucom, JJ Davis, Lori McMahon, Kenyon Bonner, Jennifer West, Margot Rogers, Julia Smith, and other people are in touch looking at the issues then figuring out who to reach out to and get more facts. Twenty-two State Attorney Generals have filed a lawsuit to stop the reduction in F&A.
BOV Representative:
Michael Kennedy stated they have an extra meeting to discuss the Williams & Connolly report regarding the Medical Center. He imagines cutting the F&A to 15% will come up even though its not the topic of the meeting.
Resolution on External Challenges to Faculty Roles and Responsibilities
Brian Pusser stated that this resolution grew out of EXCO’s gathering at Carr’s Hill on Friday, February 7. It was suggested that an introduction be made with some background that faculty senators can speak out on issues and state where they stand and what support they need.
A group consisting of Brian Pusser, Jeri Seidman, Michael Kennedy, Judith Thomas, Dana Albon met to draft the resolution and plan to meet again to revise it.
The suggestion is to vote on the revised resolution after it’s presented at the faculty senate meeting. The vote will be held via Qualtrics from Monday 9 AM to Wednesday at 5PM.
Ad hoc Committee on Bylaws:
Current members are Aaron Bloomfield, Dana Albon, Jeri Seidman, Jim Lambert, Michael Kennedy, and Sue Saliba. They would like to ask Rich Hynes from the Law School to join. Brian Pusser would also like to join.
Ad hoc Committee on Representation/Governance:
Current members are Brian Pusser, Judith Thomas, Dana Albon, Jeri Seidman, Jim Lambert, Michael Kennedy, and Brian Wright.
The committee will ask for more volunteers at the senate meeting on February 14.
Nominating Committee:
Michael Kennedy needs volunteers from EXCO for the Nominating Committee. Jessica Sewell volunteered.
Updates from Standing Committees:
AAC needs a few minutes at Friday’s meeting. Please send read aheads so they can be sent out with the agenda for Friday’s meeting.
Agenda for FS meeting:
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Review and approval of minutes of 1/24/25 (Jim L., All) (1 min.)
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Welcome with update of the Provost Search (Jim L., Jeri, Michael K.) (4 mins.)
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Report of the Faculty Representative to the Board of Visitors (Michael K.) (10 mins.)
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Provost’s Office update (Brie, Maite, others tbd) (10 mins.)
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Listening session with review of external challenges (Brian P., Brian W., Jeri, All) (50 mins.)
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Ad hoc committees on By-Laws, Representation & Governance (Aaron, Brian P., Brian W., Jeri) (10 mins.)
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Curriculum proposals of Academic Affairs Committee (Sue S. and Brian W.) (5 mins.)
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Updates of other Standing Committees – Policy, Grievance, Recruitment/Retirement/Retention/Welfare, Finance, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Research/Teaching/Scholarship (Chairs, 5 mins.)
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UVA Athletics presentation and discussion (Carla Williams) (25 mins.)
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Adjourn by 4pm—Reception for Senators and guests immediately following.
Meeting adjourned at 4:49PM