issue: Campus security
In his State of the University address, President Dave Frohnmayer noted it was his first meeting with the University Senate since the Virginia Tech shooting. He encouraged the Senate to be alert to odd student behavior and understand that they do not have to deal with a situation alone.
Frohnmayer also directly addressed the bomb threats and asked the Senate to watch for areas of improvement.
Sound bites
“When there is a situation which appears to be threatening … we deal with it in the most serious and professional way possible.” – Dave Frohnmayer
issue: Honorary degrees
Professor Peter Gilkey proposed passing legislation that would allow the University to award honorary degrees to Japanese Americans who were forced out of the University and into internment camps during World War II, and as a result, never obtained a degree. Gilkey said between eight and 23 people would be eligible to receive honorary degrees.
The bill passed, with no senators voting against.
Issue: Athletics scheduling
The University Senate struck down biology professor Nathan Tublitz’s motions to modify two resolutions: required approval by three groups to schedule football games on weekdays, and game scheduling during dead week or finals week.
The Senate struck both down.
Sound bites
“What does it say when we make decisions that allow the potential financial benefit of the athletic department to go ahead of the academic progress of 15,000 students?” – Nathan Tublitz
“Given the economic challenges that we have, it’s something that brings in three times the number of revenue dollars… it’s difficult of us to not give consideration to it.” – Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny