Following the release of the Report of the Virginia Tech Review Panel on August 30, 2007 and three separate internal review reports, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger and senior administrators have led an effort to examine the recommendations contained in these reports with the goal of meshing them and adopting best practices and procedures for all relevant areas on a forward-looking basis.

The Board believes that goal was accomplished in the development of the Virginia Tech Action Plan presented today at a special meeting of the Board of Visitors.

The Virginia Tech Action Plan sets forth the process of tracking all recommendations made from these reports and determining priorities, internal responsibility, procedures for evaluation, alternative solutions, action timelines, and financial analysis. The recommendations included in the Virginia Tech Action Plan are extensive and implementation will require substantial effort and expense.

Virginia Tech has already taken action on a number of items with an immediate priority, some of which were discussed at today’s Board of Visitors meeting. Examples include: multiple redundant notification systems for students, faculty, and staff; additional security devices and measures; additional counseling resources; and many other steps to improve the safety, security, and well-being of the Virginia Tech community.

The Board of Visitors commends President Charles Steger in the adoption of the Virginia Tech Action Plan and for his leadership in these most difficult times. The Board of Visitors would also like to thank the students, staff, faculty and administrators of Virginia Tech for their outstanding service and commitment in responding to the events of April 16, 2007. Their leadership, devotion, and cooperative spirit have been instrumental in moving Virginia Tech forward.

The Board of Visitors also extends its wishes for ongoing recovery to the families of the deceased and the survivors, their families and all of those affected by the terrible events of April 16, 2007. The magnitude of losses and injuries suffered by these victims, their families, the Virginia Tech community, and our Commonwealth is immeasurable. By adopting the Virginia Tech Action Plan with the goal of implementing changes that will reduce the risks of future violence and promote the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, we are honoring the lives and sacrifices of all who have suffered and advancing the notion of service that is fundamental to Virginia Tech’s mission.

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