The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, October 1, 2010, 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:

•  Approved the June 4, 2010 BOV meeting minutes;
•  Received the President’s report presented by Dr. Linwood Rose;
•  Heard and approved committee reports from Athletics, Audit, Development, Education & Student Life, and Finance &  Physical  Development;
•  Approved the discontinuance of the masters of Public Health Program and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences degree;
•  Approved the Hospitality Management major;
•  Approved the bond resolution for athletic and recreational fields;
•  Approved easements to Columbia Gas and Verizon;
•  Received an update on the North Campus renovations and transition timeline; 
* Reviewed and approved revisions to the  Violence Prevention Policy presented by Ms. Susan Wheeler, University Counsel;
•  Approved Operating Budget requests for 2011-2012 presented by Mr. Charles King, Senior Vice President of Administration  and Finance; 
•  Approved the purchases of 1165, 1167 and 1169 Harrison Street as well as 1441 Butler Street.

Was told by President Linwood H. Rose:

•  that JMU implemented doctorate programs in Nursing and Counseling, masters programs in Communication and Advocacy,  and bachelors programs in Sport and Recreation Management;
•  that Phi Beta Kappa commenced its first full academic year at JMU; 
•  that JMU was included in the Princeton Review’s “The Best 373 Colleges: 2011 Edition;”
•  that JMU ranked 169 on Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Colleges for 2010;” 
•  that JMU was named the Number 1 public regional university in the South for the 17th consecutive year by U.S. News &  World  Report in its 2011 edition of “Best Colleges;”
•  that JMU’s Alternative Break Program was named this year’s Break Away National Program of the Year. Previously the  program received this recognition in 1999;
•  Dr. Rose discussed additional topics including Madison for Keeps, the transformation of the alcohol culture at JMU,  stewardship  of the natural world, athletics and facilities.