The James Madison University Board of Visitors held its regular quarterly meeting on March 26, 1999, in Room 102 of the University Services Building at JMU. Following is a summary of actions taken by the board and of key areas of discussion at the board meeting and committee meetings:

• Dr. Mark J. Warner, vice president for student affairs, reported that the university's new parental notification plan on alcohol and drug violations went into effect March 15. Under the new regulations, parents of students are notified if their under-21 child: 1) is found guilty of one major, or two minor, violations on campus, or 2) is charged with one major, or two minor, violations off campus.

• Dr. Warner also announced that JMU had received a national honor by winning the "1998 Alternative Break Program Award." This is the highest national honor for programs of this type. The JMU program places students in volunteer programs throughout the country during spring break.

• Charles W. King Jr., vice president for administration and finance, reported on the 1999 General Assembly actions. Mr. King said that public higher education received $71.3 million dollars in new General Fund support in four areas: operating, financial aid, maintenance reserve, and capital outlay. JMU received additional funds for a 20 percent tuition reduction for in-state students of $3,929,513; enrollment growth funds of $1,991,586 in general funds and $1,684,234 in non-general funds; operation and maintenance funds of $260,000; and financial aid of $556,776. The university also received additional funds in capital outlay for maintenance reserve of $306,637, planning funds for the third academic facility for CISAT of $800,000, and renovations to Warren Hall of $1,500,000.

• King presented the recommended 1999-2000 tuition and fees. Tuition for Virginia students will decrease from $1,940 to $1,550 ($390) or 20.1 percent in accordance with a state mandate to lower tuition by at least 20 percent. The state mandate only affects tuition and not mandatory fees. The comprehensive fee will increase $66 and room and board fees will increase by $174. Out-of-state tuition will increase by $210, or 3.1 percent, from $6,806 to $7,016. Graduate tuition will increase by $1 to $135 per credit hour for in-state students and $11 to $415 per credit hour for non-Virginia students. Graduate distance learning courses will carry a charge of $454 per credit hour. The board approved tuition and fees as presented.  [ See News Release ]

• The board met in closed session for approximately one hour to discuss personnel matters, legal matters, and honorary degrees or special awards.

• Following the closed session, the board approved routine personnel actions regarding hiring, resignations, awarding of tenure, salary adjustments and status changes of various faculty and administrators.

• The board interviewed three finalists for the position of student representative to the Board of Visitors for 1999-2000 and elected Emily Sue Couch.

• Rector Henry Harrell announced that the next Board meeting has been rescheduled from June 4 to June 18.

• A motion was considered to have the 2000-2001 Student Government Association president serve as the student board member instead of using the current student board selection process. The motion failed by a 6-3 vote.