Board of Visitors: Virginia Tech’s Guiding Force The Board of Visitors in Action How the Board of Visitors Impacts Students Tips and Tricks for Engaging with the Board of Visitors How to Step-by-Step Approach to Engaging with the Board of Visitors Pros and Cons of Engaging with the Board of Visitors Conclusion

Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors is a vital component of the university’s governance and leadership. The board is responsible for overseeing the university’s strategic direction, financial health, and overall well-being.

History and Structure

The Board of Visitors was established in 1872 as the governing body of Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, which later became Virginia Tech. The board is composed of 15 members, appointed by the Governor of Virginia for four-year terms. The members are chosen for their expertise in areas such as business, education, law, and public service.

Responsibilities and Powers

The Board of Visitors has a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Setting the university’s strategic goals and priorities
• Approving the university’s budget and financial plans
• Supervising the university’s academic and administrative operations
• Hiring and overseeing the university’s president
• Conferring degrees and awarding honorary degrees
• Representing the university to the public and government entities

Key Accomplishments

Under the leadership of the Board of Visitors, Virginia Tech has achieved numerous milestones and accomplishments, including:

• Becoming a top-tier research university, ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
• Establishing the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS), a world-class research center focused on solving complex global challenges
• Expanding the university’s global footprint, with campuses and partnerships in countries around the world
• Increasing the university’s endowment to over $1 billion, providing a foundation for future growth and excellence

Current Challenges and Opportunities

The Board of Visitors is currently facing several challenges and opportunities, including:

• Increasing diversity and inclusion: The board is committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
• Expanding access to higher education: The board is working to make Virginia Tech more affordable and accessible for students from all backgrounds.
• Supporting research and innovation: The board is investing in research and innovation to drive economic growth and societal progress.
• Preparing students for the future of work: The board is working to ensure that Virginia Tech graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.

The Future of Virginia Tech

The Board of Visitors is confident that Virginia Tech has a bright future. The board is committed to working with the university’s administration, faculty, staff, and students to build on the university’s strengths and address its challenges. By doing so, the board will ensure that Virginia Tech remains a leading university for generations to come.

The Board of Visitors meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on a wide range of issues affecting the university. In recent years, the board has taken action on topics such as:

• Tuition and fees: The board has approved modest tuition increases in recent years to support the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
• New academic programs: The board has approved the creation of new academic programs, such as the School of Neuroscience and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology.
• Faculty recruitment and retention: The board has invested in faculty recruitment and retention programs to attract and retain top scholars from around the world.
• Infrastructure improvements: The board has approved funding for major infrastructure improvements, such as the renovation of McBryde Hall and the construction of the new College of Engineering building.

The Board of Visitors plays a vital role in the lives of Virginia Tech students. The board’s decisions directly impact the quality of education, the cost of tuition, and the overall student experience.

Students can engage with the Board of Visitors in a variety of ways, including:

• Attending board meetings: Students are welcome to attend board meetings as observers.
• Serving on student advisory committees: Students can apply to serve on student advisory committees, which provide input to the board on issues affecting students.
• Contacting board members: Students can contact board members directly to share their thoughts and concerns.

The Board of Visitors is committed to listening to students and ensuring that their voices are heard. By doing so, the board can make decisions that are in the best interests of all students.

Here are a few tips for students who want to engage with the Board of Visitors:

• Do your research: Before attending a board meeting or contacting a board member, take some time to learn about the board’s role and responsibilities.
• Be respectful: Board members are volunteers who give their time to serve the university. Be respectful of their time and opinions.
• Be specific: When sharing your thoughts and concerns with the board, be specific about what you want the board to do.
• Be open to compromise: The board is not always able to grant every request. Be willing to compromise and work with the board to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Here is a step-by-step approach to engaging with the Board of Visitors:

1. Learn about the board’s role and responsibilities.
2. Attend a board meeting as an observer.
3. Apply to serve on a student advisory committee.
4. Contact a board member directly to share your thoughts and concerns.
5. Be respectful, specific, and open to compromise.

By following these steps, students can effectively engage with the Board of Visitors and make their voices heard.

Here are some of the pros and cons of engaging with the Board of Visitors:

Pros:

• Students can have a direct impact on the university’s policies and decisions.
• Students can learn about the university’s governance and leadership.
• Students can develop relationships with influential members of the community.

Cons:

• It can be time-consuming to engage with the board.
• Students may not always get the outcome they want.
• Students may feel intimidated by board members.

Ultimately, whether or not to engage with the Board of Visitors is a personal decision. Students should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether to get involved.

The Board of Visitors is a vital part of Virginia Tech’s governance and leadership. The board is committed to ensuring that Virginia Tech remains a leading university for generations to come. Students can engage with the Board of Visitors in a variety of ways, including attending board meetings, serving on student advisory committees, and contacting board members directly. By doing so, students can have a direct impact on the university’s policies and decisions.