The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, April 7, 2006, in the Board Room of Madison's Festival Conference and Student Center. 

Following is a summary of actions taken by the board and key areas of discussion at the board meeting: 

• Heard a presentation from Rich Harris, director of JMU Community Service Learning, on the 53 students and faculty who traveled to Biloxi, Miss., to take part in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts during the Thanksgiving holiday.
  
  
• Heard an update from Charles King, senior vice president of administration and finance, on the budget situation in the 2006 session of the General Assembly. 
  
  
• Heard an update from Dr. Mark Warner, senior vice president of student affairs, on the proposed performance measures within the Higher Education Restructuring Act. 
  
  
• Approved a motion to allocate funding to study the need for lockers, coaches' offices and concessions to support the east campus athletics facilities. 
  
  
• Approved changing the name of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs to the "College of Graduate and Outreach Programs." 
  
  
• Approved an increase in tuition and fees and room and board for the 2006-07 session: 

New Tuition and Fees: 
- VA Undergraduate — $6,290 
- Non-VA Undergraduate — $16,236 
- VA Graduate (per credit hour) — $246 
- Non-VA Graduate (per credit hour) — $701 

Room and Board: 
- VA Student — $6,496 
- Non-VA Student — $6,496 

• Approved the purchase of a .527 acre lot and residence at 948 Port Republic Road.
  
  
• Was told by President Linwood H. Rose: 
  • that James Madison University was ranked 17th in the nation as Kiplinger's "Best Value" among public colleges; 
    
    
  • that Madison was ranked second in the nation among medium-size schools for alumni in the Peace Corps; 
    
    
  • that 300 students participated in the Alternative Spring Break program; and, 
    
    
  • about numerous faculty and student accomplishments, including: 
    
    • Michael Way, director, Judicial Affairs, received the Donald D. Gehring Award; 
    • Four JMU students won a national award for their computer security video, "Act Now, Stay Current"; 
    • JMU music faculty performed at The Kennedy Center in February and March.