VA-SRA Minutes 6/5/2000

Minutes of the Spring Meeting, Monday, June 5, 2000, George Mason University

The spring meeting of VA-SRA, "Hot Topics, Cool Answers," was convened at George Mason University on June 5, 2000. Thanks to Evelyn Mink and her staff for organizing this one-day informative meeting.

The welcome was offered by Dr. Christopher T. Hill, Vice Provost for Research at GMU. He spoke on the challenges of research administration, including the increased scrutiny over the use of human subjects in research. He also discussed the value and variety of partnerships in research administration.

Margaret Hanson, Assistant Director for Pre-Award and Development and Institutional Review Board Coordinator, GMU, led the session on Protecting Research Subjects. Among the issues discussed over case statements were privacy, informed consent, ethics and conflict of interest. Of increasing concern is how knowledgeable are faculty, staff and in some cases students, about the rules for using human subjects.

Jan G. Curren, Director, Technology Awards, Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology, gave a comprehensive overview of CIT programs.

Chuck Chermside, VCU, offered "Lessons on Administrative Structure and Process." Among the topics he covered were Institutional Review Boards, the use of human subjects, application review, qualifications for those using animal subjects, and ethical concerns.

After a tasty taco-bar lunch, the business meeting was conducted. Pat Bunnemeyer, JMU, outgoing president, was recognized for her devoted service to the organization, including two years as president. VP Anne Womack, W&M read the minutes from the meeting at UVA, which were approved as read. Evelyn Mink, GMU, Treasurer, reported a balance of $6116.84, with some conference fees and bills still outstanding. The members voted to pay back the start-up funds of $2,000 that was loaned from the national SRA organization. At Chuck Chermside’s suggestion, it will be determined whether it would be advisable to pay one-half now and one-half next year, rather than the whole amount this year.

Virginia State University has volunteered to host the next meeting in December; Virginia Tech has volunteered to host the next spring meeting. Details will be arranged and communicated to the members.

The Nomination Committee (Bob Wolfson, Bobbe Nixon, Jenny Bradley and Pat Bunnemeyer) offered their slate of nominees: Past President, Pat Bunnemeyer, JMU; President, Anne Womack, W&M; President Elect, Janet Hahn, RU; Treasurer, Evelyn Mink, GMU; Secretary, Diana Vincelli, UR; Meeting Chair, Anne Womack. No further nominations were offered from the floor. A voice vote confirmed all nominees as elected.

A motion was made and passed to recognize Mary Schamber at ODU for her years of dedicated service to the organization.

A motion was made and passed to use chapter funds for our members to attend to speak at section or regional meetings of SRA. $200-400 will be made available. Individuals must apply for the funds.

Dr. Frank Blechman, of GMU’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, offered a lively and interactive session on conflict resolution. He noted that about 99% of conflicts may be solved by (1) thinking ahead; (2) showing a little respect; and (3) being patient.

The final session was on National Institutes of Health Modular Grants. Chuck Chermside, VCU and Michael Ludwick, W&M, led the session for program officer Mary Kirker, NIAID, who was unable to be present because of an emergency.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:00 pm.

Submitted by Diana Vincelli, UR, Secretary.