The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, October 4, 2002, in the Board Room of JMU's College Center.  Following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion at the board meeting:

• The board heard reports on possible budget cuts from President Linwood H. Rose and Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Charles W. King Jr.   JMU, along with other state colleges, has prepared budget reduction plans calling for 7 percent, 11 percent and 15 percent budget reductions and submitted them to Gov. Mark Warner.  Plans on budget reductions will be announced Oct. 15 by the governor.  Specific budget reduction plans have not been released. Dr. Rose and Mr. King presented general plans for budget reductions but both indicated the university is anticipating a major cut.  Mr. King said he expected the cut to be 15 percent and possibly more. Dr. Rose said that major budget reductions would "fundamentally and structurally change this institution."

• An Alternative Severance Option for faculty was approved by the board.  The plan offers enhanced retirement benefits if the university needs to reduce personnel costs.  No decision has been made to implement the plan, President Rose and Vice President King told the board.  Board approval gives the university the option to initiate the plan if it is needed.

• Dr. Mellasenah Morris, director of the JMU School of Music, gave a presentation on the programs and faculty of the School of Music.

• Mr. King presented an update on the university's current and planned construction projects.

• In his report to the board, President Rose introduced several members of the JMU Community who have received recent recognitions: 

•  Cited for their work on the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools reaccreditation process were:  Dr. Martha Ross, professor of education, SACS self-study director; Dr. Robert Koslow, professor of health sciences, SACS steering committee chair; and Ms. Tina Grace, administrative assistant, institutional research office, SACS secretary.

•  Dr. Lennis Echterling, professor of psychology, Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award.

•  Ms.Glenda Rooney, associate vice president for university relations, Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

•  Mr. Spanky McFarland, JMU baseball coach, CAA Baseball Coach of the Year. 

•  Mr. Dave Rinker, JMU men's and women's cross country coach, CAA Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year.

• The board also authorized the university to finalize negotiations for the acquisition of three pieces of property near the university.