Friday, November 1, 2024
2:00 PM
Zoom
Senators Present: Aaron Bloomfield, Jennifer Greeson, Michael Kennedy, Jim Lambert, Alicia Lopez Opere, Andrew Pennock, Lisa Colosi Peterson, Brian Puser, Eric Ramirez Weaver, Sue Saliba, Jim Savage, Jeri Seidman, Jessica Sewell, Brian Wright
Ex-Officio & Guests Present: Ian Baucom, Brie Gertler, Melissa Riley, Wynne Stuart
Jim Lambert called the meeting to order at 2:04.
Provost’s Update (UVA Provost Ian Baucom)
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AI: trying to develop a university strategy, does not have to be centralized but should have some collective thinking regarding research and pedagogy. Representatives from the schools are currently meeting to discuss as is Fred Epstein’s group. There’s an opportunity to partner with VA Tech on a project. Proposal to Governor and Legislature planning grant on the responsible use of AI. Three areas: 1) Responsible AI and Business; 2) Responsible AI and Medicine; 3) Responsible AI and Democracy.
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Ten new endowed chairs under Provost office for AI. The office is working with the school Deans.
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Planning to launch a program – AI Discovery
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Three CAVS program bringing faculty together to pursue research. The Provost has committed funding.
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Lori McMahon has additional funds to invest into staffing in her office such as OSP, Kelly Doney (VP of IT) investment on research capacity research computing capacity, build new data center.
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Religious Diversity and Belonging is moving forward with 5 Provost endowed chairs. Provost Office has reached out to Deans.
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Interfaith Student Council under Kenyon Bonner has support for a dedicated staff person for interfaith work.
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UCR (?) office has hired a new person to handle complaints. The Police Dept has also added a victim’s advocate.
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There are two dean level searches: the Library and McIntire
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Question about the Honor code and AI: students used to sign midterms but now faculty write it in their syllabus that students agree to the honor code. There are templates available. Each professor decides if AI is permissible for their class. There’s a class on AI in canvas dashboard that helps address some AI issues.There are also AI guides.
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Request to consider coming to Faculty Senate and informing them about some of the opportunities made available by the Provost office for new funding and positions.
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Question about environment at the Medical School and Medical Center: response was waiting for feedback from Williams & Connolly.
Welcome (Jim L., Jeri, Michael K.)
Please look at Faculty Senate Handbook and Constitution as it’s review will be on the agenda in a future meeting.
Review/approval of draft EXCO minutes
October 4 EXCO minutes: Aaron Bloomfield motioned for approval; Andy Pennock seconded. All in favor, motion passes.
October 11 EXCO minutes: Aaron Bloomfield motioned for approval: Motion seconded. All in favor, motion passes.
Ballot results on Resolution on SoM and MC (Jeri and Brian)
Resolution passed 55 For, to 1 Against, with 4 Abstaining.
Report of the Faculty Representative to the BOV (Michael K.)
The Board of Visitors has not met since the last EXCO meeting. The Finance Committee of the BOV meets Monday in the Rotunda. For Faculty Senate, it’s time to start thinking about the Nominating Committee.
Provost Office Update (Brie)
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For AI: Provost Office will be offering an online course to all instructional faculty. AI guides will also be available. Discussion about AI being a tool and UVA needs to define what means by AI. Should UVA partner with VA Tech? Don’t just focus on language AI.
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Microsoft copilot (chat GPT) available to all and Microsoft 365 copilot (sign up for $30 per month per person) – Dave Strite in ITS
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Working with ITS and the canvas team to determine if there’s a tech approach to helping with scheduling student accommodations. could canvas /calendar be used to show accommodation needed, business process streamlined, centralized approach. Discussion that faculty still need help to implement these accommodations: more staffing, rooms, lab space, etc. Question about more help and did it make it into the past budget cycle?
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COACHE: schools get school level info, ideas about how other units get the info, provost did a lot of great work.
Free expression and academic freedom programming (Scott Ballenger)
Scott asked for suggestions on how to best use his budget. EXCO gave him some ideas. Should the full senate be asked for ideas? Alicia will email him and see if he’s available for the November 15 meeting.
Reports of Standing Committees, Working Group(s), and At-Large Members of EXCO
RTS: Dr Ai not present but the Committee is meeting with Lori McMahon.
Policy: Lisa thanked the four people filled out survey, it is open to all faculty now. Disappointed that more people didn’t participate after complaining about not being able to participate. Policy committee has worked with Provost to implement this new system.
Grievance: Juliet Hatchett not present
DEI: Rachel Spraker’s team has worked to have names changes take place within 24 hours of the form being submitted. Their next meeting is scheduled for November 20 where they will look at Sabre, faculty, staff, student LGBTQ issues.
Finance: Adam Daniel scheduled to speak at their December meeting on financials of the university.
FRRRW: Brad Kesser not present
AAC: meeting on a new certificate
Athletics Advisory: October meeting with President Ryan and Carla Williams discussed the NIL settlement and what it might mean at UVA.
Agenda planning of the Nov. 15 Senate meeting
including VPR presentation topics:
how decisions are made regarding lab finances and policy issues
strategies for boosting funding and making it easier for faculty to compete for funds
can the research office focus on other factors in addition to money
goals of the research office
is there infrastructure to accomplish them
COACHE
Final Reminders:
Faculty Senate of VA meets tomorrow, Jim has sent the link.
Chairs group continues to meet.
Need to talk about the Senate Vision: clarify what we are, what we do, procedural processes need to be clarified.
Jessica Sewell will be the faculty senate representative to the Parking & Transportation Committee.
Motion to adjourn by Jim Savage, Alicia Lopex Opere seconded. All in favor, meeting adjourned.