Christopher Newport University is a public institution of higher education, created by §§ 23.1-1400 through 1403 and governed by the General Assembly of Virginia. In 2013, several sections of the Code of Virginia were amended to direct certain actions be taken by the Boards of Visitors of all public institutions of higher education in Virginia. The requirements are reflected in Chapter 577 of the Acts of the General Assembly (2013).

At the direction of Virginia Code § 23.1-1303, this Summary of Interim Activity is respectfully submitted. All necessary changes and operational efforts directed by Chapter 577 have been incorporated into the operations and activities of the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University.    

In 2020, the Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors conducted its business as a “state public body" for purposes of the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only conducted closed meetings in conformance with the provisions of that law.

In 2020, the Board of Visitors held regularly scheduled meetings in February, June, September and November. In conformance with the provisions of the Code, the Board of Visitors convened and conducted a separate meeting on June 4, 2020, for the purpose of delivering an evaluation of the President’s performance.

An April meeting of the Board was canceled due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor’s Executive Order 51. The two meetings held in June and the meeting held in November were conducted electronically, as permitted by Va. Code § 2.2-3708.2, Chapter 1283 of the 2020 Acts of the Virginia General Assembly due to the ongoing nature of the declared emergency.

The Board of Visitors adopted a policy for public comment on tuition and mandatory fees, as required by Va. Code 23.1-307.

Board agendas and meetings are posted on the Board of Visitors web page at: http://cnu.edu/whoweare/bov/. The Board of Visitors continues to use a cloud-based platform to manage its meeting agendas, meeting materials, and minutes.