Edward Aractingi

The multi-day meeting included committee meetings covering Buildings and Grounds, Athletics, Financial Affairs, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Honorary Degrees, Audit, Development and Alumni Affairs, and Public Affairs and Economic Development. Key discussions and actions included a report on sports, Provost's report on academic accomplishments, presentation of a new doctoral robe, adoption of multiple resolutions concerning faculty compensation, promotions, tenure confirmations, retirements, the 2002-2003 Operating Budget, Tuition and Fees Structure, and Declaration of Surplus Property. The Board also awarded honorary degrees, discussed the higher education bond campaign and grant funding for the Applied Science program, and appointed a new Secretary to the Board of Visitors after accepting the retirement of the previous Secretary. Discussions regarding Richard Bland College included retreat summaries and budget approvals.

The meeting involved committee sessions covering Richard Bland College, Financial Affairs, Academic Affairs, Development and Alumni Affairs, Student Affairs, Honorary Degrees, Audit, Public Affairs, Economic Development, Athletics, and Nominating matters. Key discussions included adopting a resolution in support of Governor Gilmore's appointees, a report on the College as a research university including faculty hiring processes, updates on Barrett Hall and the Residence Hall Program, and a student-led initiative regarding student body perceptions of the Board of Visitors. The Board also received an overview of the General Assembly and fundraising strategy, heard reports on sports and departmental projects, and discussed findings from a pro bono review of administrative policies by McKinsey & Company. Actions taken included the approval of several academic resolutions (tenure, promotions, leaves of absence), the awarding of honorary degrees, the election of Susan Magill as Vice Rector and Jeffrey McWaters as Secretary, and a motion to thank McKinsey & Company.

The Board of Visitors convened for committee meetings followed by sessions as a committee of the whole and a full Board meeting over two days. Key discussion points included the severe impact of impending budget cuts and proposed strategies to mitigate them, such as pursuing bond issue approval and increasing external income sources. Committee discussions covered the teaching impact of unfilled faculty positions, opening-of-the-year activities, a proposed merger of bus systems funded by a federal grant, and a student presentation advocating for a campus green audit estimated at $150,000. Other agenda items involved updates on the Athletics program, outreach efforts for the statewide higher education bond campaign, reporting on US News rankings, updates on Alumni Society activities, approvals for academic tenure and faculty appointments, and reports from the Audit and Richard Bland College Committees. Actions taken included approving minutes from the previous April meeting and adopting resolutions related to dormitory renovations, faculty matters, and a highway right of way.

The Board of Visitors convened over two days for committee meetings and full board sessions. Key discussions included the AmyNotebook initiative to ensure incoming students have notebook computers starting in Fall 2006, and an update on the Muscarelle Museum of Art, including its financial plan and director search. Faculty representatives reported on international programs. The Committee on Student Affairs addressed a recent student hazing incident. Committee actions included discussions on the master site plan for Richard Bland College, approval of resolutions for Banner ERM Implementation, the 2005-2006 Budget Decision Package, and the Comprehensive Master Plan. The Academic Affairs Committee addressed faculty appointments, leaves of absence, and revisions to the post-tenure review policy. The Development and Alumni Affairs Committee discussed strategies for connecting with young alumni and approved a resolution establishing the Muscarelle Museum Fund Functioning as an Endowment. The Audit Committee approved the 2005 Internal Audit Work Plan. Financial Affairs received and approved financial reports for both The College of William and Mary in Virginia and Richard Bland College, as well as the Intercollegiate Athletic Department report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2004. The Board also addressed mandatory ethics and conflict of interest training for governing board members.

The main focus of this called meeting was to discuss the search for a new president following the announcement of the current president's intention to step down. Discussions included the advertising and anticipated award of the contract for a search consultant firm, the location of the Presidential Search Committee office, and the hiring of an administrative assistant. The Rector announced plans to name a search committee, which would hold its first meeting shortly, and schedule campus forums in September to define the desired qualities in the next president. The Board entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters, litigation briefings, and consideration of honorary degrees, later certifying compliance with the Freedom of Information Act upon reconvening in open session. In new business, a resolution concerning a contract between the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and 4C's Breeding Technology, Inc. was adopted. Under old business, updates were provided on chartered universities, including progress on the charter agreement project plan timeline, which projects final Board action in April 2005. The Rector also announced appointments for new committee chairs for several Board committees.