September 2017 Board of Visitors Summary of Actions & Discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, in the Board Room of Madison's Festival Conference and Student Center.

The following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion at the board meeting;

• Approved the June 1-2, 2017, Board of Visitors meeting minutes;
• Approved committee reports from the Advancement, Athletics, Audit, Education & Student Life, and Finance & Physical Development committees;
• Received a report on the Center for Global Engagement presented by Dr. Lee Sternberger, executive director of the Center for Global Engagement;
• Approved the university’s six-year plan as required by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia;
• Approved revisions to the faculty handbook;
• Approved a resolution requesting the state to issue bonds to construct a new residence hall and one agreeing to reimburse the state for those bonds;
• Approved easements granting Columbia Gas and the City of Harrisonburg access to university property for utility work;
• Met in closed session;
• Approved the following real estate purchases:
  • 475 Eastover Drive for $230,000;
  • 1010 Forest Hills Road for $360,000.

Was told by President Alger during his President’s Report:

• The university received the following awards:
  • Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award – Diversity Champion;
  • NILOA 2017 Excellence in Assessment Designee and recognized for sustained excellence;
  • AASCU Community and Civic Engagement Excellence and Innovation Award;
  • Governor’s Technology Award
• The university has created a task force to examine free speech and inclusion issues;
• The Center for Global Engagement is working with JMU’s DACA students to provide support;
• JMU hosted the Go Virginia region 8 meeting;
• President Alger and SGA President Jewel Hurt have been appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Millennial Civic Engagement;
• The James Madison Center for Civic Engagement recently held an opening event;
• JMU will host the Virginia chapter of Campus Compact. Rollin Johnson, Jr. will serve as executive director.