Board of Visitors Summary of Actions and Discussions

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met by electronic communication means on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 1 p.m. to discuss with university leadership the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The following is a summary of key areas of discussion at the board meeting:

• Received reports related to the university’s COVID-19 response:
  • Received an overview from President Jonathan Alger
  • Received a report on the transition to online during the Spring 2020 semester and academic policy adjustments from Heather Coltman, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
  • Received a report on student support, residence life and orientation from Tim Miller, Vice President, Student Affairs
  • Received a report on admissions, financial aid and commencement from Donna Harper, Vice President, Access and Enrollment Management
  • Received a report on fundraising and the Unleashed campaign from Nick Langridge, Vice President, University Advancement
  • Received a report on changes for athletics from Jeff Bourne, Director of Athletics
  • Received a report on the strategic plan from Brian Charette, Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning & Engagement
  • Received a report on fiscal impact and General Assembly updates from Charles King, Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance

These reports noted the following:

• JMU moved 5,441 classes online during the Spring 2020 semester, with over 21,000 students and 1,403 full and part-time instructional faculty transitioning to online learning.
• The university developed flexibility in Academic Affairs’ policies and procedures and is coordinating with state and accreditation agencies.
• JMU Libraries and The Center for Faculty Innovation provided invaluable support in the transition to online learning.
• Student Affairs continues to meet the needs of students virtually; some examples include the Vice President of Student Affairs offering weekly chats, and the Counseling Center and UREC now offering online services.
• The Pop-Up Pantry is providing food to those who might need it during this time.
• Since Jan. 24, JMU issued 25 university-level COVID-19 communications, had 174,965+ views on the university’s COVID-19 webpage, received 587 emails to covid19@jmu.edu, and analyzed 940 media articles on JMU’s response to COVID-19.
• JMU Admissions continues to encourage students to attend in the Fall, and launched virtual CHOICES to bring the campus visit experience online and answer questions.
• The College of Health and Behavioral Studies, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Science and Math donated unused medical supplies to local healthcare providers.
• JMU partnered with Open Doors and the City of Harrisonburg to provide shelter to the local homeless population.
• JMU X-Labs worked on a digital platform and was able to create a virtual Harrisonburg Farmers Market with drive-thru pickup.
• The JMU Gus Bus (community reading/literacy program) moved to a virtual model.