Several resolutions approved at Virginia Tech Board of Visitors meeting
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors met on campus for its quarterly meeting March 13-14.
At the meeting, the board approved a resolution to authorize university administrators to negotiate a comprehensive management agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia in accordance with the Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act. In February, the Virginia General Assembly passed this landmark bill that would grant Virginia's public colleges and universities greater control over their financial and administrative affairs. The bill awaits the signature of Gov. Mark R. Warner, who has generally endorsed the concept.
Once the bill is signed, the university will work through November to write and submit the management agreement and corresponding policies to Richmond. An overview of the bill and its impact on Virginia Tech can be found at the Virginia Tech News website, http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?itemno=531.
The board also endorsed the university's commitment to a diverse and inclusive community by affirming Virginia Tech's Principles of Community. In approving this resolution, the board encourages university leaders to distribute the statement widely so it becomes an integral part of university culture and is used as a guide for improving the university climate for all persons.
The Virginia Tech Principles of Community can be found at http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?itemno=637.
A resolution for a new Master of Science degree program in building/construction science and management in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies was approved and forwarded to the State Council for Higher Education for their review and approval. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, master's degree programs in construction management or construction science are offered at approximately 20 colleges and universities, and the demand for graduates is growing. This degree program will be the only one of its kind in Virginia where students with business, architecture and building construction undergraduate degrees can enter into the graduate program directly and not be required to take additional background courses.
The board also approved tuition and fee rates for the 2005-06 academic year. Annual tuition and mandatory fees will rise by $540 for in-state students from $5,838 to $6,378 per academic year. Out-of-state students will see costs rise by $1,256 from $16,581 to $17,837 per academic year.
In-state on-campus graduate tuition and fees will rise from $7,512 to $7,977 and out-of-state on-campus graduate tuition and fees will rise from $11,682 to $12,835 annually. Tuition and fees for the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine will rise for Virginia and Maryland students from $12,867 to $13,769 per year. All other veterinary students will pay $30,969 annually.
The "Privacy Policy for Employee Electronic Communications" was also reviewed and approved. This amended policy helps further define the balance between the university's business needs and respect for employees' freedom of inquiry. A complete listing of university policies can be found at http://www.policies.vt.edu.
Resolutions of honor to remember one student and one alumnus killed in military action in Iraq were presented. Resolutions honoring Specialist Nicholas Mason, who completed his freshman year in spring 2003 and died Dec. 21, 2004, and Corporal Christopher Lee Weaver, a 2002 graduate who was killed Jan. 26, 2005 were followed by a moment of silence.
A list of potential projects for inclusion in the 2006-2012 Capital Outlay Plan was also approved. The plan includes the renovation of some 20 existing buildings and the construction of more than 25 new facilities.
Two College of Science faculty members, Ezra "Bud" Brown, professor of mathematics, and Scott Geller, professor of psychology, were named Alumni Distinguished Professors. This honor recognizes extraordinary academic citizenship and distinguished service within the Virginia Tech community. In addition, eight professors were honored with emeritus status.
The next meeting of the full Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will be held June 12-13 at the university's Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, Va.
==> Please note: Board minutes, resolutions, and other background information may be found at the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors website, http://www.bov.vt.edu/.
