RD11 - James Madison University Annual Executive Summary - January, 2016


    Executive Summary:
    James Madison University was established in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg and became James Madison University in 1977. The Board of Visitors was established in 1964 and currently has fifteen members who serve on the board. Mr. Jonathan R. Alger became the sixth president of James Madison University in 2012. During 2015, the Board of Visitors held four meetings: January 16, April 10, June 5, and October 9.

    An orientation for the six new board members appointed in 2015 was held in the fall. The orientation included the role of board members, legislative requirements, strategic plans of the university, organizational structure and responsibilities, current and future trends, and questions and answers. Members of the Senior Leadership Team also participated in the orientation.

    During the past calendar year, the Board of Visitors approved The Executive Leadership Master of Business Administration, a new program in the College of Business. The Board also approved the B.A. in Dance, B.A. in Musical Theatre, and the B.A. in Theatre that were modified from existing concentrations. In addition, the Board approved the B.S. in Studio Art and the B.S. in Industrial Design. The Faculty Handbook revisions were also approved by the Board.

    The Board of Visitors approved the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choices Act) and the University’s Comprehensive Safety Plan. The Board was also briefed on the JLARC Recommendations – Chapter 665. The Board also reviewed the Six Year Plan and approved the plan’s submission to SCHEV.

    § 23-2.06 Members of governing boards; removal; terms

    The Board incorporated the requirements for removal from the board and terms in their manual.

    § 23-9.2:3.10 Course credit; Advance Placement, Cambridge Advanced, College-Level Examination Program, and International Baccalaureate examinations

    This process, designated to be effective July 1, 2016, is in the final planning stages with the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. The proposal is slated to be presented to the SCHEV Council for approval.