2007-08 tuition and fees, three new degree programs, among items addressed by Board of Visitors

BLACKSBURG, Va., March 26, 2007 – The Board of Visitors took action on several resolutions during its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting held on campus today.

The board set new undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees; approved levying a supplemental fee for courses offered by the College of Engineering beginning with new students in Fall 2007; and established a new supplemental program fees.

In addition, the board approved resolutions to establish three new graduate degree programs to further support key university research, teaching, and outreach objectives.

At the Academic Affairs committee, Wayne Scales, professor of electrical engineering and chair of the Task Force on Race and the Institution presented an update on the work of that committee. A preliminary report was issued in January and a final report will be issued by April 11.

In addition, Karen DePauw, dean of the Graduate School presented a report on progress made on graduate student diversity initiatives. In 2006, the Graduate School Think Tank on Diversity was formed to develop a plan and administrative structure to implement innovative programs that identify, recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse graduate student body.

The board approved a $1.6 million capital renovation project to improve Agnew Hall, located in the Agriculture Quad. The renovation will support use of the building for undergraduate and graduate education by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The board also approved a resolution to build a new 59,000 square foot basketball practice facility for use by the men’s and women’s intercollegiate basketball teams. The building, to be located adjacent to Cassell Coliseum, will include two practice courts, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a training room for both teams, and space for Olympic weight training.

During the joint meeting of the Building and Grounds and Finance and Audit committees, Chief Operating Officer Jim Hyatt reported on the university’s recent sustainability initiatives. Virginia Tech has established a priority to make the campus more sustainable and energy efficient, and has taken several proactive steps to achieve this objective. Among the items discussed were the university’s effort to redefine sustainability measures for capital projects and finding innovative ways to recycle materials.

The board also approved the appointment of three faculty members in the College of Natural Resources to endowed professorships. Gregory S. Amacher was named the Julian N. Cheatham Professor of Forestry; James A. Burger was named the Garland Gray Professor of Forestry; and Charles E. "Chip" Frazier was appointed the Thomas M. Brooks Professor of Wood Science and Forest Products. In addition, six faculty members were honored with emeritus status.

The next quarterly meeting of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will be held June 3-4, 2007 on the Virginia Tech campus.

Please note: Board minutes, resolutions, and other background information is available at the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors website.