Faculty, staff and student representatives
address the Board
by Ellie Shick
Faculty, staff and students shared their thoughts and concerns about such
topics as faculty research, employee benefits and student life with the
Board of Trust during its spring meeting April 26.
As chair of the Faculty Senate, James V. Staros suggested that continued
investments in research are essential if Vanderbilt is to continue to rise
in stature as one of the top American research universities.
"In the area of scholarly research, our reputation is not as good
as we actually are, but it is equally true that we are not as good as we
can be," said Staros, professor and chair of molecular biology.
"We are likely to rise faster if the administration has the resources
to increase the rate of investment," said Staros, who also asked the
Board to continue its staunch support of the administration's effort in
behalf of research.
Brent Tener, president of the University Staff Advisory Council and assistant
director of Student Financial Aid, spoke about issues currently being addressed
by the council. He noted that positive changes within the past year include
the University's commitment to build a new parking structure, changes in
health care benefits and additional staff for the Employee Assistance Program.
"The council would like the people of Nashville and the surrounding
area to gain a greater appreciation for Vanderbilt," he said. "One
opinion expressed at the council's brainstorming session was the hope that
every employee consider himself or herself as an ambassador for the University."
Other improvements the council would like to see include a short-term disability
insurance plan, increased educational benefits for staff professional development
and greater staff participation in retirement plans.
John Hooks, president of the Vanderbilt Bar Association and a rising third-year
law student, reported on recent Law School achievements and challenges.
The Law School hosted a visit from United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony
Kennedy and a symposium on the reintegration of Hong Kong, which drew scholars
from around the world. Other achievements include the Law School's 16th-place
ranking by U.S. News and World Report and 4th place in The National Jurist
magazine. Hooks thanked the Board members for their part in bringing to
Vanderbilt the new dean, Kent Syverud.
Challenges facing the Law School include the need for renovated and expanded
facilities, more endowed chairs and additional faculty resources, Hooks
said.
Jamie Hunt, new Student Government Association president, applauded the
dialogue established between students and administrators regarding the revised
alcohol policy.
"Many students feel that by reaching out to students, the administration
has created credibility as well as provided an avenue to voice student opinion,"
he said. He called for student representation in University committees on
the Greek system, the West End development project and the Alcohol Advisory
Task Force.
Finally, Hunt praised plans for development of the Sarratt Student Center
and the continued community service efforts of students, including the SGA-initiated
first Tennessee Outreach Day that joined more than 300 students from Tennessee
colleges and universities in a day of community service across the state.
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This document created May 22, 1997
HTML Translation by Billy Kingsley