School of Hygiene and Public Health Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 19, 2000 / 3 p.m. / 839th Meeting

Members Absent: Drs. William Brody, John Groopman, Robert Lawrence, Edward Miller, and Jonathan Samet.

Guests: Ms Diane Glover.

Meeting Convened: Provost Knapp convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Approval of the Minutes: Minutes of the 838th meeting on July 25, 2000 were approved.

Remarks by the Provost

Provost Knapp welcomed Dr. Noel Rose to the membership of the Advisory Board as president-elect of the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Knapp remarked that the University-wide fund-raising campaign that began in 1994 had ended on June 30, 2000. The University raised $1.52 billion, compared to an initial goal of $900 million, and all divisions exceeded their goals. He thanked the faculty of the School for their efforts and contributions to the campaign. The University must continue raising funds to stay competitive, and is now thinking about its priorities for another campaign in the future.

Dr. Knapp noted that Dean Sommer chairs the University-wide Business Practices Improvement Committee, whose mission is to examine how the University can improve its business practices common among the divisions. One subcommittee, chaired by Dr. Black, recommended that a University-wide orientation program be developed for new faculty. Dr. Knapp reported that the orientation program was held on September 15, and included presentations on the JHU libraries and information technology resources, and on legal issues pertinent to the faculty. Dr. Knapp thanked Dr. Ellen MacKenzie for serving on a faculty panel discussion. The orientation was followed by a reception hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Brody. Dr. Knapp reported that the orientation seemed to be well-received by those faculty who participated, and will be evaluated.

A search for the first director of the Urban Health Institute has begun. Dr. Knapp requested that names of possible candidates be forwarded to his office.

Remarks by the Dean

Dean Sommer acknowledged the thoughtful work of Dr. Black and his subcommittee in recommending a University-wide faculty orientation. Dr. Sommer then challenged the members of the Advisory Board to think about School priorities in preparation for the next campaign. He reported that he met with Dr. Rich Roca, director of the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), who would like to pursue a closer relationship with the School, and is prepared to bring some resources to develop and increase collaborations among SHPH faculty and APL staff. Dr. Sommer will work with Dr. Roca to bring together faculty around areas of mutual interest. He noted that an announcement about support for faculty and students to visit the Weitzman Institute was previously circulated.

Dr. Sommer commented that the current sequestration of funds from the Maryland Tobacco Settlement is expected to be temporary and should not affect plans to recruit faculty in molecular and quantitative sciences, and in behavioral sciences. A consulting firm has been hired to think through the School's internet/external website with respect to its organization, design, market potential, and "user-friendliness". The firm will meet with chairs, faculty, and students to assess their respective needs. Recommendations and design concepts are expected within 6-8 weeks. Dr. Sommer noted that the primary market for our internet site will be potential students.

Report of the Faculty Senate

Dr. Ensminger reported on the September Faculty Senate meeting, where Mr. Hansen provided a report on the financial status of the School and on construction progress, Dr. Yager gave an update on the strategic planning process and the role of the Senate in review and development of the Plan, and the Senate reviewed their priorities for the year.

Informational

Memo from Dr. Abraham Lilienfeld dated December 15, 1981 regarding "tensions" in the School.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Fox

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