April 7, 2010
A meeting of the University Council was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at 2 p.m. in the Founders Room of the Siegel Center, located at 1200 West Broad Street.
The following member and alternates were present:
Officers: Michael Rao, Chair; Vice Chair; Dr. Beverly Warren; Ms. Kelly Kerr; Recording Secretary; and Mr. David L. Ross, Parliamentarian.
Administration: Dr. Cecil Drain, Dr. Victor Yanchick, Mr. John Bennett, Dr. Laura J. Moriarty, Dr. Francis L. Macrina, Dr. Henry G. Rhone, Mr. Mark D. Willis, Mr. John Ulmschneider and Mr. Peter Wyeth.
Faculty: Dr. Ruth M. Bolduan, Dr. Charles M. Byles, Dr. Joan Pellegrini, Dr. Brent Arnold, Dr. Frank Gupton, Dr. Linda A Corey, Dr. Marilyn Miller, Mr. Daniel L. Ream, Dr. Glenda U. Palmer, Dr. Inez Tuck, Dr. Yan Zhang and Dr. David Fauri.
Classified staff: Ms. Beverly Beaver, Ms. Delores Collier, Ms. Linda Johnston.
Guests: Dr. Tom Huff, Dr. Napoleon Peoples, Dr. Chuck Klink and Dr. Reuben Rodriguez.
Dr. Rao welcomed council members. The minutes of the March 4, 2010, University Council meeting were approved.
A Proposal to Establish an Undergraduate Certificate in Product Innovation in collaboration with the Schools of the Arts, Business and Engineering through the da Vinci Center for Innovation was presented. This proposal was presented at the March 4, 2010, UC meeting “for information only.” A motion was made, seconded and approved to establish an Undergraduate Certificate in Product Innovation in collaboration with the Schools of the Arts, Business and Engineering through the da Vinci Center for Innovation.
A Proposal to Establish a Master of Product Innovation (MPI) in collaboration with the Schools of the Arts, Business and Engineering through the da Vinci Center for Innovation was presented. This proposal was presented at the March 4, 2010, UC meeting “for information only.” A motion was made, seconded and approved to establish a Master of Product Innovation (MPI) in collaboration with the Schools of the Arts, Business and Engineering through the da Vinci Center for Innovation.
Dr. Huff withdrew the Proposal to Create a School of Life Sciences stating that the timing was not right for this proposal. Dr. Huff further explained that he would like for Life Sciences to fit the emerging vision of VCU, stressing the importance that Life Sciences be a “good fit” for the future.
A Proposal of Changes to the VCU Intellectual Property Policy was presented. Dr. Macrina discussed highlights of the proposal focusing on the issue of student developed intellectual property in the classroom and da Vinci Program Corporate sponsored products. A general discussion followed with Dr. Macrina responding to questions.
A Proposal to Establish a VCU Parkinson’s Disease Center was presented. Dr. Macrina discussed highlights of the proposal and responded to questions.
A Proposal for an Institute for Engineering and Medicine was presented. Dr. Macrina discussed highlights of the proposal. Dr. Tuck raised the question of how to raise visibility of existing and future programs. Dr. Huff responded to the question, suggesting a systematic continuation of the two school retreats where programs are identified. Dr. Macrina noted that an advertising strategy may be necessary. Dr. Yanchick mentioned collaboration with the School of Pharmacy, noting that more is gained if information is shared. Dr. Rao stated that this was an important conversation, suggesting that these issues should be taken up for discussion at the Dean’s Council. Dr. Rao also suggested that the Faculty Senate may want to discuss how to bring interdisciplinary connections together. Dr. Warren informed the council that VCU is an institute open to interdisciplinary connections but stated that the system needs to be “easier and more open.” A general discussion followed with Dr. Macrina responding to questions, ending with Dr. Rao thanking Dr. Macrina for his leadership.
Dr. Rao asked the council to join him in congratulating Dr. Warren on her interim appointment as Provost. Dr. Rao also expressed his gratitude and thanked Dr. Gottfredson for his years of service and many contributions to VCU.
A Report of the President was presented. Dr. Rao discussed various items, to include: 1) the budget; 2) Attorney General Cuccinelli’s letter; 3) a healthcare reform task force; 4) financial aid; 5) VCU 2020 recalibration; 6) the President’s Research Incentive Program; 7) the role of the Biotech Park with regard to VCU; 8) the fundraising task force; and 9) the Development Advisement Committee (DAC). A general discussion followed with Dr. Rao responding to questions.
A VCU 2020 Update was presented. Dr. Warren discussed background and highlights. A general discussion followed with Dr. Warren responding to questions.
The meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m.
