RD394 - University of Mary Washington Annual Executive Summary of Interim Activity and Work of the Board of Visitors


    Executive Summary:
    Chapter 577 of the 2013 Acts of Assembly served to amend and reenact § 23-9.14:1 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding sections numbered 23-2.01 through 23-2.05; and to repeal § 23-38.95 of the Code of Virginia, relating to board of visitors governance.

    Since the enactment of this legislation by the Virginia General Assembly, the Board of Visitors of the University of Mary Washington has undertaken multiple actions to ensure compliance with its provisions. Pursuant to Va. Code § 23-2.01, the Board continued its practice of conducting all Board, committee, and subcommittee meetings in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. Consistent with the requirements of Va. Code § 23-2.02, the Board's bylaws are posted on the Board's website and the bylaws were updated to include all statutorily required terms. As required by Va. Code § 23-2.03, the Board held a closed meeting to provide an evaluation of the University President's performance. In conjunction with that meeting, the Board voted to approve a presidential salary increase and performance bonus in accordance with the authority provided in the 2013 Appropriations Act. In accordance with Va. Code § 23-2.04, the Board's Executive Committee organized the working processes of the Board to accomplish the specific governance practices identified therein. The Board adopted a statement of governance and a code of ethics for Visitors and conducted an orientation and continuing education program for Visitors that included training on the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The development of a set of qualifications and competencies recommended for membership on the Board is in progress.

    A timeline of the Board's activities is set forth below along with information regarding access to the minutes of all related meetings:

    April 18, 2013

    The Board appointed a Bylaws and Orientation Subcommittee. The subcommittee was charged with reviewing the Board’s bylaws in light of the requirements of Chapter 577 (HB1952) and recommending any necessary revisions to ensure compliance with those requirements. In addition, the subcommittee was charged with recommending revisions to the new board member orientation program. The Board also appointed a Board Self-Evaluation and Presidential Assessment Subcommittee. That subcommittee was charged with recommending procedures for a Board self-evaluation and a comprehensive Presidential assessment.

    June 18, 2013

    The Bylaws and Orientation Subcommittee met to review and consider potential changes to the bylaws and the new board member orientation program.

    July 19, 2013

    The Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors held a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters pertaining to the president’s contract. The Executive Committee subsequently passed a resolution inviting the University of Mary Washington Foundation to approve and authorize contractual changes to the president’s compensation.

    The Board of Visitors received a report from the Bylaws and Orientation Subcommittee, with recommendations regarding bylaws amendments, along with draft copies of a proposed Statement of Governance and a Code of Ethics.

    July 21, 2013

    The Board of Visitors held a closed meeting with the University President to discuss the President’s annual goals and to review the President’s annual performance appraisal and contract. The Board also held a discussion regarding the Board self-assessment process and the Presidential assessment process. Subsequently, the Board of Visitors approved a resolution increasing the president’s salary by 3.25 percent, effective July 25, 2013. The Board also approved a resolution allowing a five percent performance bonus to the president in accordance with the Appropriations Act.

    August 26, 2013

    The Board Self-Evaluation and Presidential Assessment Subcommittee met to discuss the items that fall within its charge and to consider potential options to recommend to the Board.

    September 20, 2013

    The Board of Visitors approved revised bylaws, a Code of Ethics, and a Statement of Governance as recommended by the Bylaws and Orientation Subcommittee to ensure full compliance with provisions of Chapter 577 (HB1952). The Board also approved a recommendation from the Board Self-Evaluation and Presidential Assessment Subcommittee regarding the process for a 360-degree Presidential assessment. Additionally, the Board received a status report regarding orientation for new members.

    October 18, 2013

    Three new members were appointed to the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors.

    October 21-22, 2013

    Two of the three new members of the UMW Board of Visitors attended the mandatory orientation program presented by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in Richmond. One new member was unable to attend due to a schedule conflict but plans to attend the program in 2014 to ensure compliance with the requirements of Chapter 577 (HB1952).

    November 14, 2013

    The Board of Visitors held a full-day orientation program for new members, prior to the regular Board meeting. All three new members of the UMW Board participated in that session.

    November 15, 2013

    The Board of Visitors held an election to fill the positions of Rector, Vice Rector, and at-large member of the Executive Committee. In addition, the Board discussed new member orientation programs and potential attendance at the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) annual conference, which will be held in April 2014.

    Minutes of all meetings of the Board of Visitors, its committees, and subcommittees are available at: http://www.boarddocs.com/va/umw/Board.nsf/Public