BOARD OF VISITORS GIVES GO-AHEAD FOR CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE

At its Sept. 14 meeting, the Board of Visitors approved the establishment of a Center for Computational Science (CCS)
within the College of Sciences, one of only 40 such programs nationwide.

The Academic Affairs Committee heard a presentation by Tom Isenhour, dean of the college, and David Keyes, chair of
the mathematics and statistics department and director of the new center, about their plans for a 550-square-foot office
in the Education Building, which will house the center.

The CCS will serve as gathering point for computational science activity on campus and for contractors outside the
university. Using powerful computers to perform simulation tasks that would either be impossible or too costly by
traditional means, such as the design of Boeing's new 777 aircraft, computational science has been defined as the
cutting edge of scientific endeavors.

"Theoretical headway is difficult" in traditional science, Isenhour said. "Much of the low-hanging fruit has been picked."

The CCS will also offer the first graduate certification in computational science in Hampton Roads. It already has proven
to a powerful magnet for talented academics in the science field, Isenhour said. "The opportunities here are
unprecedented," he noted.

In other action, the board approved broadening the definition of hazing. The board policy, which was last revised in
1987, now defines hazing as "an intentional, knowing or reckless act taken toward any student on or off campus by a
student organization or any of its members, any students perceived to be members, or former members, to produce
public humiliation, physical discomfort, bodily injury or public ridicule; or to create a situation where public/private
humiliation, physical discomfort, bodily injury or public/private ridicule occurs."

The board also endorsed several faculty and administrative appointments, including the appointment, with tenure, of Paul
J. Kauffmann, who joined the College of Engineering and Technology June 25 as chair of engineering technology. Also
approved was the promotion to associate professor of James P. Johnson of the business administration department.

In other matters, the board:

-Elected Beverly Graeber as vice rector to fill the unexpired term of Edward L. Hamm Jr.;

-Approved the awarding of four honorary degrees in connection with the inauguration; and

-Endorsed a resolution authorizing special salary supplements for eminent scholars.