The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, April 18, 2003, 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:

• Set the 2003-2004 costs to attend JMU for an on-campus Virginia student at $10,794. That figure includes tuition, fees and room and board. For a Virginia commuter student, the cost will be $5,058 a year. The cost for out-of-state commuter and residential students will be $13,280 and $19,016, respectively. Per credit hour costs for graduate students will be $201 for Virginians and $605 for out-of-state students.

• Increased financial increments awarded to faculty members when they are promoted or awarded tenure. The amounts going to faculty promoted to associate professor increase from $1,750 to $3,500. The amounts going to faculty promoted to full professor increase from $2,500 to $5,000. Faculty who receive tenure but are not promoted at the same time will receive $3,500 increments. None had been awarded before. The changes are effective immediately.

• Approved construction of a new athletic performance center. The $9.8 million center will be located in the south end of Bridgeforth Stadium. Construction is expected to begin in July and be completed by July, 2005. Private and university funds will be used in the project, but no tax money. JMU President Linwood H. Rose said that the goal for private funds, $7 million, has been reached. He announced that $2 million for the project had come from longtime JMU supporters Robert E. and Frances W. Plecker of Harrisonburg. The board agreed to Rose's request to name the center in their honor. An additional $2 million for the project was donated by former JMU Rector Zane Showker, who served on the board of visitors from 1994 to 2002. A $1 million gift for the project came from the Bridgeforth family of Winchester. The late William E. Bridgeforth Jr. was a member of the JMU board from 1982 to 1990. JMU's Showker Hall is named for Zane Showker and Bridgeforth Stadium is named for the Bridgeforth family.

• Passed a resolution formally naming the new JMU theater and dance building the Dorothy Thomasson Estes Center for Theatre and Dance. Charles E. Estes had given the university $2.5 million earlier this year in honor of his late wife, a member of the JMU Class of 1945.

• Passed a resolution praising Kevin G. Miller, who is retiring from the State Senate after serving more than 20 years in the General Assembly. Miller is also a retired JMU faculty member.

• Approved re-designating the doctor of psychology in assessment and measurement degree as a doctor of philosophy in assessment and measurement degree.

• Heard a report from President Rose that:
  • The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has approved JMU's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.
  • JMU ranked fifth nationally among medium-sized universities in the number of student serving in the Peace Corps. JMU has 41 alumni in the Peace Corps.
  • Some 300 JMU students took part in the alternative spring break program, where they did volunteer work in a variety of locations around the country and abroad.

• Approved a resolution requesting the Circuit Court to give JMU police jurisdiction concurrently with the Harrisonburg Police Department in certain areas near campus. The area covers neighborhoods with a large number of JMU students. The City of Harrisonburg must also approve the request.

• Voted to direct the JMU Health Center to discontinue dispensing Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP). The pills currently are available, with a prescription, to students for a $15 fee. The majority of Virginia public colleges and universities make ECPs available to students.