Tuesday, April 28, 1998
Vredevoe elected Academic Senate vice chair
FACULTY: Professor of Nursing stresses faculty, administrative
concerns
By Brian Fishman
Daily Bruin Contributor
The future of the Academic Senate has a new face.
Professor of Nursing Donna Vredevoe was elected the 1998-99 vice
chair of the Academic Senate. Her term will begin on September 1,
and the following year she will serve as chair of the Academic
Senate.
The Academic Senate, a body that works with the administration
to govern UCLA, consists of faculty from across campus.
This year Vredevoe is serving on several Academic Senate
committees, including the Committee on Planning and Budget. She
insisted that she was the lucky winner from a group of
overqualified candidates.
"I’m delighted to have won, but I’m grateful to have had such
good other candidates," Vredevoe said.
Vredevoe’s winning platform was mainly designed to improve the
faculties’ involvement in governing the campus.
"I want to make sure the faculty is involved. The faculty has
not been involved as much as they could," Vredevoe said. Vredevoe
highlighted Internet teaching and Capitol Programs as areas where
faculty has not been sufficiently involved.
Vredevoe sees Internet technology as a major teaching tool but
wants to ensure it is used in ways faculty approves.
She referred to the Instructional Enhancement Initiative, which
was implemented this year, as the beginning of a technological
revolution in teaching. Vredevoe indicated that in 10 years entire
classes may be offered online.
"Information technology offers new options, but faculty must be
involved in creating the changes," she said in her ballot
statement.
Vredevoe said that the Internet potentially could revolutionize
teaching.
"It’s certainly possible that large portions of the class could
be online," Vredevoe said.
She has stressed that her expertise working with both faculty
and as Acting Dean of the School of Nursing from 1995-96 will give
her the know-how to balance both faculty and administrative
concerns.
Vredevoe, although working in the School of Nursing, describes
herself as a "basic scientist" who works mainly on the immunology
of cardiovascular disease. She has been active within the Senate
since 1977, this year serving as chair of the Subcommittee on
Long-Range Planning and Budget.
Among other charges, Vredevoe has served on the UCLA Foundation
Board of Directors and as a member of the Professional School’s
Deans’ Council.
Following the election, Vredevoe was praised by friends and
opponents.
"She is an excellent candidate," said Chand Viswanathan, current
Senate chair, "They all were."
Vredevoe’s opponents, who presented similar platforms, praised
her as a good choice for vice chair.
"If it couldn’t be me, I’m delighted it’s her," said Linda
Bourque, professor of Public Health.
Before taking office, Vredevoe has plans to work with
Viswanathan and Vickie Mays, current Senate vice chair.
"I can learn a lot and catch up on all the issues," Vredevoe
said.
Vredevoe was excited for next year, but said she wanted to
continue with the programs that Viswanathan and Mays have
begun.
"I’ll do whatever I can," Vredevoe asserted, "to make the
transition smooth."