September 2020 Board of Visitors Summary of Action and Discussions

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. S. 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.