The James Madison University Board of Visitors met Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, in the Festival Conference and Student Center.

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

• Approved the Feb. 7, 2020; April 24, 2020; May 15, 2020; and July 7, 2020, Board of Visitors meeting minutes;
• Approved two easements;
• Accepted committee reports from the Academics & Student Life, Advancement, Athletics, Audit and Finance & Physical Development committees;
• Received a COVID-19 update presented by Dr. Tim Miller, vice president for Students Affairs; Dr. Heather Coltman, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Nick Langridge, vice president for Advancement;
• Received a racial equity update presented by Art Dean, executive director for Access and Inclusion; Dr. Cynthia Bauerle, interim vice provost for Faculty and Curriculum; Dr. Rudy Molina, vice provost for Student Academic Success; and Deborah Tompkins Johnson, vice rector.

Was told by President Jonathan R. Alger during his President’s Report:

• The university’s institutional reputation has been recognized for best post-graduation outcomes in the state for the second consecutive year in a ranking using Department of Education Scorecard data and statewide job placement numbers 10 years after graduation. News & World Report ranked JMU as the No. 2 Top Public Schools-Regional Universities (South), No. 3 Regional Universities (South), No. 2 Most Innovative Schools-Regional Universities (South) and No. 4 Undergraduate Teaching-Regional Universities (South);
• Fall enrollment totals 21,239 students, 19,762 undergraduates and 1,477 graduate students;
• Professional & Continuing Education is demonstrating adaptability and flexibility through its Lifelong Learning Institute and Explore Youth Programs and is providing a model for future engagement on a broader scale;
• The Learning and Innovation Task Force is focusing on best practices, innovations and lessons learned that might be useful in a post-pandemic world and work will continue throughout the 2020-21 academic year;
• The Economic Development Council is focusing on bringing together higher education, business and governmental leaders to bolster the economic impact of partnerships;
• Timely curriculum examples include an Interdisciplinary COVID-19 class that drew more than 60 students from every college and Hacking for Democracy courses related to voter participation and the 2020 census;
• The Madison Vision Series hosted four events last year and will host four events this year. The first, a virtual presentation by American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Emerson Sykes, is scheduled for Sept. 30 and is sponsored in conjunction with Bridgewater College and Montpelier.