The James Madison University Board of Visitors met at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 1999, at the Board Room in Chandler Hall. Following is a summary of actions taken by the board and of key areas of discussion at the board meeting:

• Approved a proposed biennial budget of $455.6 million for 2000-02. The proposed budget represents an increase of about 10.7 percent over the 1998-2000 budget of $411.7 million. The major increase in the request is caused by growth in the cost of high cost majors. Just over $20 million in new funding is sought to cover those rising costs. The proposed budget also includes $3.3 million each for Internet-related courses and for new academic programs. The new academic programs are a master's degree in integrated science and technology and an undergraduate degree in electronic commerce.

• Reviewed previously approved capital outlay requests of $68 million. About two-thirds of those funds would be from the state's General Fund; the remainder would be raised by JMU through charges and fees. The biggest request is for $26 million to build the third academic building in the College of Integrated Science and Technology. The second CISAT academic building is now under construction and will open in about a year. Other capital outlay requests include more than $8 million each in renovation projects for Harrison Hall and for bluestone dormitories on JMU's original campus. Approval to spent $16 million in non-tax funds on improving Bridgeforth Stadium was also requested.

• Passed a resolution naming a soon-to-be-built alumni center in honor of alumni Stephen R. Leeolou and Mary C. "Dee Dee" Leeolou. The Leeolou Alumni Center, which will be located adjacent to the College Center, will open in 2001.