Please pass HB 211. Teachers are not consistently prepared to teach children how to read using evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in science-based reading research. Out of the 31 Undergrad and Graduate Educator Prep programs in VA audited by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) in Jan 2023, only 9 (36%) of the 25 programs reviewed were found to accurately teach all 5 components of Early Literacy (phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension.) Over the last 2 years LCPS has spent over $2 million dollars to retrain reading specialists and elementary general education teachers on how to teach reading. They have spent even more for Special Education teachers. This cannot continue. If we do not conduct a baseline audit of all Educators Prep Programs to make certain they are teaching evidence based literacy instruction according to science based reading instruction and just allow the 7 year cycle to continue, we will have decades of teachers who graduate from teacher prep programs not prepared to teach reading. Who pays for that afterwards? The school districts and counties will continue to pay millions of dollars for decades to reteach teachers foundational literacy instruction. Other states like Colorado have conducted literacy baseline audits of educator preparation programs and found them to be woefully insufficient. They are now requiring them every 5 years. In Virginia, only new endorsement programs include a review by content specialists that all of the competencies required by the Board of Education and the Code of Virginia are incorporated in the programs. After initial approval, there is no continuing audit of syllabi and instructional materials by VDOE and no focus on literacy instruction. This is a problem. The 2018 General Assembly passed legislation to require that "Each education preparation program offered by a public institution of higher education or private institution of higher education that leads to a degree, concentration, or certificate for reading specialists shall include a program of coursework and other training in the identification of and the appropriate interventions, accommodations, and teaching techniques for students with dyslexia or a related disorder." The Department of Education advised institutions of higher education (IHE) of this new requirement and only requested IHE self-report that they included this preparation. VDOE did not review content, syllabi, lectures, etc. to make certain that there was compliance. This is a larger problem. Institutes of Higher Education has had meetings with SCHEV to discuss what evidence based literacy instruction should look like in 2020 with SB904. They should be in compliance by now and they are not. Please help to fix these issues with a 2 year baseline audit so that teachers come out of educator prep programs knowing how to teach reading in accordance with VLA. Pass HB211.

ExcelinEd in Action has been a supporter of comprehensive evidence-based literacy legislation across the country and enthusiastically support the work the Commonwealth has already undertaken around the Virginia Literacy Act to ensure that all students are taught using research and science. We are equally supportive of ensuring alignment of teacher preparation programs with evidence-based practices and scientific reading research, as prep programs play a critically role in ensuring teachers are equipped to teach young learners during their formative years. We are in support of this legislation which would require more frequent reviews of educator preparation programs and ensure their alignment with science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction.

Communism was well known to be a danger to democracy back in the 1980s in schools; however, it seems we have stopped teaching youth about its dangers. Many far left progressives openly claim to be pro-communist without any real understanding of its meaning. I support this bill because it seems that we have an unusual number of public school teachers who are presenting a skewed picture of communism to students, oversimplifying and glamorizing this dangerous ideology, using inclusive sounding language such as "Comrades" and "equality." Public schools need to present a historical and factual accounting such that we adequately prepare students to carry out civic duties responsibly.

A superb idea! We need to teach the dangers of communism lest we repeat its horrors.

I oppose HB 669. I am appalled that this bill is on the agenda and that our delegates need to waste time on this ridiculous bill. Politicians need to stay away from making decisions about K-12 curriculum. The delegate sponsoring this bill should be ashamed of himself.

Is this a joke? What year is it? I sincerely hope this bill does not pass. We have real dangers in this world and this is what the legislature is wasting taxpayer time on. Just stop.

Hello I am Eric Oakes the father of Adam Oakes a hazing victim at Virginia Commonwealth University in February 2021. I appreciate the opportunity to provide comments today in support of SB379 & HB719. Our entire family appreciates Senator Boysko and Delegate Reaser for patroning the bill. We would also like to thank all of the co-patrons and the supporters who voted in favor of passing this bipartisan bill. I feel strongly if Adam had received the proper research based Hazing Prevention education he would still be alive today. There were 11 young men indicted in Adam's death who were all products of the Virginia Public School system. I will double down on my previous statement and say I feel confident that had those 11 young men received the proper research based Hazing Prevention education in Virginia's public school system at least one of them would have called 911 for help that night and Adam would be alive today. Or possibly one of them would have used a technique called the 3D's - to distract, deflect or direct the bad behavior away from the person. Or maybe they would not have even put Adam or the other pledges from that night in harm's way. Over the past 2 years we have traveled all over the state of Virginia and we are horrified by the stories we have heard about students hazing each other. Thousands of students in Virginia are being hazed in athletics, clubs, band as well as fraternities and sororities. We have heard of sororities water boarding their pledges. That is a form of torture that's been outlawed by our government. When did we lose our moral compass and value of human dignity? The mental toll this puts on a person is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It's our job to help protect the students by providing them with a proper education about the dangers of hazing and teach them skills to help them get out of bad situations. Thank you for your time.

I am Barry Butler, Director of Government Retaliations for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. We support the passage of this legislation. This bill raises expectations to ensure all students graduate high school with credits, credentials or work experience that prepares them for college and career success and ensures students learn of graduation requirements earlier so our young people have more time and opportunity to be exposed to opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and experiences that prepare them success after graduation. This bill defines multiple pathways students can take and brings clarity to the definitions of dual and concurrent enrollment, so more student can choose options to earn college credit and credentials while in high school that meet their needs and interests. These modifications provide more quality options to students and will help students and families make more informed decisions about their educational paths. Concurrent enrollment means enrollment in a post-secondary coursework while in high school but does not have to also earn high school credit. They are in high school, but can take any course regardless of whether they earn high school credit. Dual enrollment which is narrower and limited to enrollment in courses that simultaneously earn high school and post-secondary credits. Student in dual enrollment must also be earning high school credit. Over the last several years, we have worked with our regional employers, localities, school administrators, an higher education partners in the development and execution of our Regional Workforce Roadmap (https://growthzonesitesprod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/668/2023/12/Regional-Workforce-Roadmap.pdf). This legislation will continue to enable our region in the implementation of this work by setting up our children for professional and financial success after high school. We fully support this legislation and ask for your support as well by passing this bill. Thank you.

As a parent of a child with disabilities, the decision to put a child on the alternative assessment path, then resulting in an applied studies diploma, happens way too early in their education and unnecessarily limits their access to inclusive opportunities and grade-level curriculum. The applied studies diploma is well known to be essentially no more than a certificate of attendance. It's nearly worthless in terms of supporting a student's post-secondary life. So in that respect, I absolutely support efforts to remove the applied studies diploma and move more students to the standard diploma. HOWEVER, it cannot just be on local school divisions to figure out how to manage the transition for these students to the standard diploma track. Given that the standard diploma track requires taking the SOLs, the state must do some serious work to make the SOL tests more accessible to students with significant disabilities. That is the work of the state, not local divisions. Additionally, transitioning these students to a standard diploma will require that they receive increased services and supports, which must be supported by the state budget, staffing ratios, and state-approved curricula and materials. Teachers must receive support from the state in differentiating the SOLs for this population. The VESOLs, even after their recent overhaul, still result in students receiving significantly different instruction than their same-age non-disabled peers and are not appropriate for transitioning this population to the standard diploma. The state cannot levy all of the responsibility for such a significant transition on local school divisions and teachers.

Chris Davidson, on behalf of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. We strongly support HB1051 and urge the committee to report the bill. Of behalf of our members, and the business community of Hampton, Newport News, York County, and Poquoson, we feel that this bill will help to solve many of the workforce problems we're experiencing, while also enriching the education and lives of many students. Please pass HB1051. Thank you.

The Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers is a collaboration of stakeholders from K12, community colleges, four-year and post-graduate institutions, health provider employers, economic development and workforce organizations in GO Virginia Region 2. The Partnership has been working since 2019 to align health sciences education with employer needs and develop pathways that will accelerate student attainment. This bill supports these objectives. Educational stakeholders in the Partnership have expressed caution for unidentified costs but support the bill's objectives. Employer stakeholders enthusiastically support the bill's objectives.

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Hi I am writing to you on behalf of The Well Connection UK, a media and publishing company. We could easily get virginia.gov featured in various publications such as magazines, online blogs and news sites. This would undoubtedly help virginia.gov with publicity, reputation, domain authority and organic search engine rankings. We have a wide range of options including completely free collaborations, sponsored posts, guest posts and banner ads. If this sounds of interest, please reach out to the senior business development manager, Anita at info@thewellconnection.co.uk and whatsapp +447395206515 (GMT) Kind regards Clifton Junior Outreach Assistant

Employers in today’s global economy value a range of postsecondary credentials—industry-valued credentials, postsecondary certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and advanced degrees—because they can each signify whether an applicant has the skills employers need. However, postsecondary education is increasingly expensive. While the debate rages on about ways to make postsecondary learning more affordable, there’s something states can do right now to help students prepare for success: jump-start postsecondary learning with college acceleration opportunities while students are still in high school. This bill would expand access—and remove costs—to Passport dual enrollment for students across the state. It also includes strong language around student advising (k-12 and postsecondary) and public reporting. The bill strongly emphasizes transferability of credit by prioritizing and funding dual enrollment courses that count toward Passport, Passport Plus, or associate degree requirements, which will help to reduce stranded credits for students earning an associate or bachelor’s degree. It is possible to accelerate all high school students toward the degree or credential of their choice. Equity in enrollment in dual credit programs can vary significantly, and HB 1087 seeks to ensure all students have access to dual enrollment courses.

Very important to vote. Thank you.

My name is Delia Alcorn and I am a sophomore at Virginia Tech. I serve in our student senate and my major is Crop and Soil Sciences. For the past year, I’ve been advocating for the adoption of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) programs at universities across the Commonwealth. I asked Delegate Shin to create this bill because, as a college student, it is my community that suffers from lack of access to appropriate care following sexual assault. Sexual assault on college campuses is pervasive. Nationally, about 7% of men and about 26% of women will experience sexual assault while persuing their college education. Due to the limited number of forensic examiners in the Commonwealth, college students in Virginia may find themselves with a transportation need ranging often from difficult to impossible following a sexual assault. Virginia State University students must travel 24 miles to Richmond for post-assault care. Students at UVA Wise must find a ride to Lebanon, 38 miles away. Students at the Virginia Military Institute must somehow cross the 39 miles to Fishersville. My fellow Hokies at Virginia Tech must travel 18 miles from campus for care. Students at Longwood University must find a ride, pay for a ride sharing service, or otherwise figure out a way to travel the 50 miles to Lynchburg for appropriate medical care and evidence collection following a recent sexual assault. Sexual assault forensic exams should not be a luxury to those privileged to have access to a car. Having this care at university student health centers would ensure all students at Virginia public universities have access to appropriate medical care and forensic evidence collection following an assault, improving outcomes for survivors and ensuring that key pieces of evidence are available at sexual assault trials. A number of leading higher education institutions across the country, including UVA, the University of Florida, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, UT Austin, and the University of Wisconsin Madison, have adopted on-campus SAFE programs, and I hope that Virginia public universities as a whole can follow their example. Thank you for your time and I ask you to please support this bill.

Madame Chair and members of the committee, I come before you today as a concerned parent and advocate. My daughter is a student at a public university in Virginia. Like all students, she has the right to pursue her education free from harassment, assault, and violence. Yet we know that sexual assault continues to occur far too often on university campuses. The 2019 AAU Campus Climate Survey found that over 25% of undergraduate women reported experiencing sexual assault since starting college. Providing critical medical and psychological care following an assault should be an ethical responsibility for any institution of higher learning. Current resources are inadequate. The closest medical facility providing forensic examinations and trauma care can be almost 20 miles away from campus. Without reliable transportation, timely access is impossible for a traumatized survivor. Delays diminish the chance of collecting vital forensic evidence. Students should not have to choose between reporting an assault or urgently needed medical attention. And they shouldn’t be additionally traumatized by being paraded through the public setting of a hospital. Requiring university health centers to have Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs) would bring medical care and evidence collection directly to the students. I urge the Assembly to pass legislation requiring every public university student health center to have staff trained as SAFEs. SAFE programs connect survivors to counseling, legal help, testing, and treatment while preserving evidence if desired. The cost of exams is fully covered through the Victims Fund. Several leading universities in other states have successfully implemented campus-based programs. Students embark on a journey of growth and discovery when they set off for college. For survivors of violence, that journey takes an unimaginable turn. Healing begins when compassionate care is close at hand. I ask you to make that possible for Virginia's sons and daughters. I urge you to support House Bill 1342 to provide on-campus sexual assault care. Thank you for your consideration of this testimony.

I went to an all female college from 2001-2003 There was a local bar we would go to A bar owner put a date rape drug in my drink I went home very drunk and high He showed up in my apartment and took me to his place (my friends told me the next day) I woke up naked and having now idea what happened. It was terrible and is still taking me years to come to terms with. If there were posters and staff encouraging girls to report when they were sexually assaulted I might have reported it. But NO ONE WOULD HAVE BELIEVED ME. So I stayed quiet until now. Please help my daughters and the next generation of women to report these crimes without disparaging their characters.

I urge you to support HB1342. Remembering a friend barely escaping from getting pushed into a bedroom at a college party, I know that it is important that public colleges and universities have the ability to deal with sexual assault with seriousness and care.

I support HB1342. All students at all Virginia public universities should know that, in the event that they are raped, the school is prepared to provide proper care and collect evidence. Given the reality in which we live, this is just common sense.

Too many young women in Virginia have suffered rape in shame and silence -- for too many years. We don't expect the General Assembly to fix everything, but you can provide appropriate services on the campuses of our state colleges and universities. Please vote in favor of HB 1342 in your Higher Education Committee on Monday afternoon . I have studied the text (below) and am convinced that it is the least we can do right now.... Respectfully, Judith E. Brown, PhD Norfolk 757-289-7149 https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=241&typ=bil&val=hb1342 Certain baccalaureate public institutions of higher education; on-campus student health centers; certified sexual assault forensic examiners; physical evidence recovery kits. Requires each baccalaureate public institution of higher education that has an on-campus student health center to staff such center with at least one on-campus certified sexual assault forensic examiner, as defined in relevant law, for the purpose of administering a physical evidence recovery kit, as defined in relevant law, to any student who is in need of such a kit.

I am writing to express my support of HB 1467. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Faculty and staff should be represented on all Boards of Visitors - this is a common-sense measure to improve the governing of our public universities by leaning into the expertise of the people who know their universities best. Staff and faculty should choose their own representatives without pressure from BOVs or other outside forces. Stephanie Saccone Brightpoint Community College

I am writing to express my support of HB 1467. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Furthermore, staff and faculty should choose their own representatives without pressure from BOVs or other outside forces. Thank you.

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 1467, which aims to expand the membership of the board of visitors for each baccalaureate public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth. This proposed legislation introduces a valuable addition to the Board of Visitors by including two nonvoting advisory members, one faculty member, and one staff member, to contribute crucial perspectives to the decision-making process. The addition of an advisory faculty member, selected by the institution's faculty, and an advisory staff member, selected by the institution's staff, represents a commendable step toward ensuring that the voices of key stakeholders are considered in the governance of our higher education institutions. This approach recognizes the significance of involving those directly engaged in the academic and operational aspects of the institution in the decision-making process. Furthermore, this bill allows the faculty and staff to determine the appropriate selection process for their representatives, providing flexibility that respects the autonomy of each institution. This adaptability ensures that the chosen advisory members reflect the unique needs and dynamics of their respective academic communities. In conclusion, I believe that the passage of this bill will contribute to a more well-informed decision-making process within our baccalaureate public institutions of higher education. The valuable insights of faculty and staff can strengthen the governance structure, enhance institutional effectiveness, and ultimately provide a better educational experience for our students. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I urge you to support House Bill 1467for the benefit of our higher education community.

I am writing to express my support of HB 1467. We are happy to see that this bill addresses the vague language of the original in order to ensure crucial faculty representation on BOVs. Having faculty representation on these boards should not be optional. As the primary groups on the front lines with our students, having the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning on BOVs means we can be heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Thank you.

I am writing to express my support of HB 1467. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Faculty and staff should be represented on all Boards of Visitors - this is a common-sense measure to improve the governing of our public universities by leaning into the expertise of the people who know their universities best. Staff and faculty should choose their own representatives without pressure from BOVs or other outside forces.

As a staff member at the University of Virginia I support HB 1467. Our students will be better served by the inclusion of staff and faculty representatives to our Board of Visitors. In addition, those representatives should be chosen by their own constituencies and we have mechanisms in place to easily do so. Thank you.

I am writing to express my support of HB 1467. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Faculty and staff should be represented on all Boards of Visitors - this is a common-sense measure to improve the governing of our public universities by leaning into the expertise of the people who know their universities best. Staff and faculty should choose their own representatives without pressure from BOVs or other outside forces.

Dear Members of the House Education Committee, I write to you to urge you to support Delegate Laufer's HB1467 bill. It is imperative that the current statute be modified to specify that BOVs shall appoint a non-voting faculty and staff representative and specify the mechanisms by which those representatives are selected. Its is about democracy and democratic process and improving board deliberations. This is not a partisan issue. I have been a member of a faculty senate facing the dilemma of selecting a truly independent non-voting faculty representative to the Board of Visitors. First, It is imperative that current legislation be changed from boards "MAY" appoint to "SHALL" appoint a representative. Board vary in their inclusion and selection processes. This bill would also make the process of selection of the faculty representative uniform and consistent across all BOVs at all public universities. It would clarify that the one faculty representative would be 1) elected by the faculty at large or by the faculty senate by majority vote or 2) would be elected to the position as a faculty senate chair (or past chair) who has been elected by majority vote. This will ensure a that the BOVs have a authentic representative of the faculty who will accurately present the faculty's views thus serving the best interests of the board and the university. Asking for a slate of names from which to choose is not an election but a nominations process. The same is true of the staff representative. There are currently no non-voting taff representatives on BOVS. The staff represent a significant stakeholder group in our universities whose voice at the table will improve board deliberations and actions and university operations. Adding a non-voting staff representative will improve collaborative governance. Staff can elect their representative in an at-large election or through staff senates or by elevating an office of the staff senate to the position of representative. State statute dictates that any non-member of a board may be allowed to sit in during closed session at the discretion of the board. These changes will improve board processes by including truly independent faculty and staff representatives on the boards. The bill will provide consistency across BOVs by formalizing what many board currently do to include faculty representatives. When boards choose their representative it tends to create an echo chamber that does a disservice to deliberation and effective collaboration.

I am writing in support of House Bill 1467. College instructors appreciate the work of the Board of Visitors, but the faculty need to have a greater voice in the governance of colleges and universities. We faculty work with the students and understand their needs.

Please SUPPORT HB 1467, which ensures that faculty and staff have direct representation on Boards of Visitors across the commonwealth. As someone who has worked closely with first and second year college students, I see so many moments when administrators and executives seem out of step with the day to day challenges and needs of those students (especially in the aftermath of the pandemic). Students deserve to have advocates in decision making spaces who know them and can speak to their experiences. Allowing faculty and staff to elect their own representatives also ensures that BoVs and admin are not simply agreed with but rather are challenged to meet the full breadth of their charge. This piece of legislation will make our colleges and universities more responsive to the students they aim to serve!

Vote YES on HB 1467 HB 1467 is a common-sense piece of legislation that requires public college and university Boards of Visitors to include nonvoting faculty and staff representatives. This requirement will improve governance in our public institutions of higher education by ensuring the people who will be implementing the crucial decisions made by Boards of Visitors are in the room actively participating when those decisions are being made. No one knows better the needs, challenges, and strengths of faculty, staff, and students than the faculty, staff, and students themselves. And it is important how those representatives are chosen. To be able to effectively represent the interests of their constituents, each faculty and staff representative to BOVs must be elected or otherwise chosen by their constituents without influence from the Boards.

Please support HB1467 which provides for additional representative on the Board of Visitors for non-voting faculty and staff. It is vital that the voices of all are included in decisions that impact higher education.

Thank you for sponsoring HB 1467. I am writing to express my support. The role of BOVs and the service they provide is very important. However, since the individuals that work at the colleges have more direct contact with the students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated.

Faculty and staff should be represented on all Boards of Visitors - this is a common-sense measure to improve the governing of our public universities by leaning into the expertise of the people who know their universities best Staff and faculty should choose their own representatives without pressure from BOVs or other outside forces.

I am writing in support of this bill. It is critical that faculty and staff have a voice in matters regarding the university operations. This is a step in the right direction.

I was delighted to see and read this bill. This bill undoubtedly brings out equity in governance in Virginia Community Colleges since a nonvoting faculty member and a classified member can be part of the Board of Governors. Moreover, this is the right step toward establishing shared governance and nothing will be done in an exclusive space. So, please, I urge to pass this bill. Thank you so much for all the work you do for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thank you for sponsoring HB 1467. I am writing to express my support. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated.

Thank you for sponsoring HB 1467. I am writing to express my support. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Again, thank you.

I fully support the requirement for a nonvoting faculty and staff member to be on the BOV as state universities. These individuals can provide valuable perspectives to the board and also bring information back to Faculty Senate.

Since the decisions that the BOV makes frequently have significant impact on faculty and/or staff, it would only be logical and ethical for the BOV to welcome representatives for these important stakeholder groups to sit as non-voting members of the board. It would also only make sense to have these representatives selected by faculty and staff, rather than by the BOV itself. To not have this representation would be a concerning signal regarding the priorities and transparency of the BOV.

I am writing to express my support for HB 1467. It will ensure that the voices of faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are represented when important decisions are made affecting our work and our students.

In support of bill HB1467 to create clarity to mandate representation from a voting faculty and staff member on the BOV.

As an instructor at Brightpoint Community College, I am writing to express my support of HB 1467. As the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Thank you for sponsoring this bill and considering my perspective.

Please support HB1467 because it clearly states the selection process for faculty and staff non-voting voices on the Boards of Visitors. I am on the faculty at VCU and am an alumna of UVA. The disingenuous attempt by UVA's Board of Visitors to choose the faculty representative to the Board of Visitors illustrates the need to specify that the representative must be selected by the faculty itself. Adding a staff representative is an additional benefit of this bill. Thank you for your attention to this issue. Shannon Mitchell, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Economics Virginia Commonwealth University smitchel@vcu.edu

Thank you for sponsoring HB 1467. I am writing to express my support. We appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide but teachers are the primary groups on the front lines with our students. Therefore, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated.

I urge you to SUPPORT HB1467. Current Virginia law specifies that Boards of Visitors have the option to appoint advisory faculty members to the board, specifying that “such representatives shall be chosen from individuals elected by the faculty or the institution’s faculty senate or its equivalent." Given that faculty are the hands-on experts on making a university run at the level of its central tasks -– teaching and research – it is simply untenable that it's a good idea for a given university or for the Commonwealth that the faculty of a university NOT be able to specify who that faculty representative to the BOV is, and even more untenable that a BOV should have an OPTION whether to allow any such faculty representative at all, even though that faculty representative has only an advisory rather than voting role. Similar logic applies to university staff, who are the hands-on experts at keeping the business and faculty support functions of a university going. HB1467, in its current form, would correct the current law by mandating that a university's faculty senate or its equivalent (i.e., a body that consists of faculty chosen by the faculty as a whole) designate an advisory faculty representative to their BOV (rather than, for example, offering a list of recommended faculty from which a BOV would choose, as the University of Virginia BOV recently directed), and that such a faculty representative is required (not an option at the discretion of the BOV). And HB1467 would similarly require that there be an advisory staff representative to the BOV. Dale W. Wimberley Sociology professor Virginia Tech

Vote YES on HB1467. It is essential to include a faculty member, staff member, and student on BOVs. This is necessary to ensure that BOVs have the benefit of faculty, staff, and student knowledge, experience, and perspective when addressing the consequential issues addressed and decisions made by the BOV. Our universities will be better able to make wise decisions to serve the needs of our students and support the vital work done by faculty and staff with this expanded participation. No one knows better the needs, challenges, and strengths of faculty, staff, and students than do faculty, staff, and students. It is also important that faculty and staff representatives be chosen by their constituents, e.g., by the faculty senate and student government associations. This method for selecting representatives affirms and embodies our commitment to inclusive participation and democratic principles. To optimize the success of Virginia universities, vote YES on HB 1467.

Delegate Laufer, Thank you for sponsoring HB 1467. I am writing to express my support for this important bill. The BOVs provide an important service to higher education institutions, and it is important that the representation on the BOV reflects insight into issues that impact students and faculty. As faculty and staff of our state institutions of learning are on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated.

As a leader of both the Virginia Conference and the George Mason University chapter of the American Association of University Professors, I write in support of HB 1467. Importantly, HB 1467 mandates that Boards of Visitors (BOVs) have a non-voting faculty member and non-voting staff member on the BOV, selected by the faculty and staff respectively as their representative. The existing law is ambiguous and has resulted in less democratic methods of faculty selection. For example, at the University of Virginia, the BOV recently asked the Faculty Senate to “elect” a slate from which the BOV would choose, not the faculty. HB 1476 clarifies the selection process. It is a needed change to the law to ensure the faculty (and staff) elect their representatives to serve on the BOV. While faculty and staff representatives are non-voting members, they play a critical role in informing the university community of the agenda of the BOV, as well as any upcoming actions or issues of concern arising from BOV meetings. It is essential that the representatives on the BOV are chosen by faculty and staff to ensure accountability and transparency. Thank you for your consideration. Bethany Letiecq, PhD

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 1467 (HB 1467), which aims to expand the membership of the board of visitors (BOV) of baccalaureate public institutions in the Commonwealth. The bill mandates the inclusion of two nonvoting advisory members on the BOV - one faculty member and one staff member, selected by the faculty and staff, respectively. The current law's ambiguity regarding the selection process for faculty representatives at BOV meetings is a significant issue. The vague language allows for interpretation, as demonstrated by the recent incident at the University of Virginia, where the BOV requested the Faculty Senate to "elect" a slate of names. HB 1467 addresses this loophole by clearly stating that the BOV will include a faculty member elected by the faculty senate and a staff representative chosen by the staff of the institution. The Faculty Senate of Virginia (FSVA)'s past discussions on this matter, including the motion passed during Fall 2022, emphasize the importance of upholding the traditionally accepted practice that faculty representatives to BOVs should be elected by the faculty. HB 1467 aligns with this principle, ensuring a more democratic and representative process for the selection of advisory members. By supporting HB 1467, we advocate for transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the governance of baccalaureate public institutions. Let us continue to uphold our commitment to democratic practices within our academic institutions.

This comment is in support of HB1467. The member representing the faculty at the board of visitors of the higher education institutions should be solely selected by the faculty they represent. Also the university staff should have a representative at the board of visitors.

Dear Members of the House Education Committee, I am writing to urge you to support Del. Laufer's Bill HB1467. This bill provides improved representative processes within our public universities by mandating the appointment of a faculty and staff representative to our Boards of Visitors. This Bill will bring consistency across all public university BOVs in the Commonwealth. Currently we have no staff representation and thus that voice in the shared collaborative governance of our universities is lacking. This will increase the efficacy of our BOVs by bringing voices of key constituents to the table as non-voting members. Secondly, the Bill establishes clear mechanisms for selecting those representatives in a democratic manner by calling for either 1) an election of one majority elected name or 2) the elevation of a current faculty senate or staff senate officer to the position (as they are technically elected by their constituents). The Bill ensures that the BOVs will not become an echo chamber by providing for independently elected representatives from the faculty and staff. Faculty and staff deserve an independent and representative voice on our Boards to improve communication and effective input. Imagine if in your election there were three names provided on the ballot and the Governor selected one of those names regardless of the majority vote. Currently there is no consistency in the manner in which faculty representatives are selected by BOVs. While most BOVs MAY allow for a faculty representative, (usually one of the officers of the faculty senate or by election), how they do that varies with some BOVs obtaining multiple names and then deciding on behalf of the constituents. This Bill will provide a uniform, consistent and democratic approach to providing effective representation of non-voting members. It will clarify ambiguous language in the current statute governing this matter. Staff members are important constituents in a system of shared and collaborative university governance. BOVs will benefit from having an independently selected staff member advising them on matters of university governance. So, it is also important that staff be able to elect their representative. This may seem like a small matter of bureaucracy but it is indicative of larger issues in our democracy and the effective governance of our public universities. Thank you for considering this request, Walt Heinecke, Ph.D. Charlottesville, VA Here I am speaking as an individual citizen of the Commonwealth and not on behalf of the University that employs me. While I am President of the UVa Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, I speak on my own behalf.

Please expand Board of Visitors throughout our state to make them representative of all stakeholders at our higher education institutions. When we have a non-voting faculty member and non-voting staff member on the BOV, selected by the faculty and staff respectively as their representative, we have assurance of shared dialogue and responsibility. We appreciate the strengths that are already at the table and wish to expand it for continued productive exchanges.

As a faculty member at the University of Virginia, as well as a member of its Faculty Senate, and as a member of the Faculty Senate of Virginia, I support this bill. This is about democratic representation: faculty members should be able choose who represents us on Boards of Visitors. Currently at UVA we can merely provide a slate of candidates from which the BOV chooses. At a University that prizes democracy, this process undermines it. The original legislation was badly worded and thereby allows BOVs to make decisions that should not be in their hands. This bill fixes that language and allows faculty to be more effective voices on boards as there should be no question but that the representative is truly the choice of the faculty. University boards make crucial decision for their institutions. Faculty need to be at the table. There should be no ambiguity or question about who that faculty representative is speaking for. This bill fixes a significant problem.

Faculty representation on BOVs is important. BOVs should have a non-voting faculty member and non-voting staff member on the BOV, selected by the faculty and staff respectively as their representative. I support HB1467.

I want to provide written comment to support HB 1467. This bill allows staff and faculty to be represented through non-voting members on the BOV, via members they elect either directly or through their elected representatives on the Faculty Senate. This is reflective of true representation of the voices of major university stakeholders and should move forward. Thank you

The institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia have historically served our citizens well due to taking into account the needs of our populace. At our colleges and universities, no one maintains as close a relationship to our students as our faculty members. For this reason, it is essential that faculties are represented by persons of their own choosing on our Boards of Visitors, which are responsible for the governance of those colleges, so as to present the educational needs of the students and the communities they represent.

Thank you for sponsoring HB 1467. I am writing to express my support. We of course appreciate the role of BOVs and the service they provide. However, as the primary groups on the front lines with our students, it is crucial that the voice of the faculty and staff of our state institutions of higher learning are also heard when important decisions are being deliberated. Gena Britt, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Brightpoint Community College

Dear Delegates, I am writing to support HB1467 to expand membership of board of visitors. I am a professor of chemistry at Virginia Tech and have been at the University for nearly 37 years. I have seen quite a lot over that time. I am the current faculty representative to the Virginia Tech BOV selected by the faculty to be our Faculty Senate President and representative to the BOV. It is not only important, but critical for the BOV rep be selected by the faculty and the same goes for staff representatives. In order for these members to truly represent the faculty or staff, they must be chosen by their constituents. Any process that involves the board interviewing and choosing from a slate of candidates has the potential problem of a perception that erodes the trust that that representative will truly represent the faculty. Again, this has the problem of being a perception that erodes the effectiveness of that representative. The wording in this bill is actually the process followed by Virginia Tech and it works exceedingly well. I daresay that the VT BOV members have been quite pleased with the contributions of the faculty representative over many years. I am not able to speak before the committee, so I appreciate you reading my comments. Should the committee wish to reach out to me for any further information, I would be delighted. My email address is jmerola@vt.edu and my phone number is 540-231-4510. This is my office number but it will also ring on my cell phone if I am away from the office. Respectfully submitted, Joseph S Merola Professor of Chemistry Faculty Senate President Faculty Senate Representative to the BOV of Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA

Please support HB 1467. As Boards of Visitors make decisions about the direction of higher education in the commonwealth, those decisions must be informed by those taking on the actual labor of a college or university. Faculty and staff need to be a part of BoV discussions to advocate for their coworkers and, most importantly, our students. The most key component of this legislation is the way it allows faculty and staff to elect their own representatives to the BoV, a critical step toward democratic governance. If institutions of higher education are going to address the social and technological challenges headed their way, those serving actual student populations need to be as close to decision making processes as possible.

I support HB 1467. Faculty Senates should be the ones selecting their representatives. I also appreciate that staff are being included in this bill.

The Faculty Senate of Virginia is in support of HB 1467. Virginia Code currently states that BOVs “may” appoint one or more advisory faculty representatives to the BOV, and that “such representatives shall be chosen from individuals elected by the faculty or the institution’s faculty senate or its equivalent". The current bill poses a problem as it relates to faculty representation to the Board of Visitors meetings. The FSVA strongly believes that Faculty Senates/Councils (or equivalent) should be responsible for selecting the person who will represent them at the BOV meetings. Hence, The FSVA supports HB 1467. This bill ensures that BOVs have a faculty member and staff member (both non-voting members) on the BOV. The bill will also ensure that faculty and staff are selecting their representatives. The Faculty Senate of Virginia (FSVA) is the non-partisan membership organization representing the campus faculty senates of the fifteen public four-year institutions and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The FSVA acts in an advisory and resource capacity in matters of higher education. We participate in formulating policies on academic, education, and administrative concerns affecting faculty.

Closing an ambiguous loophole and mandating an elected representative of the Faculty Senate and a staff representative is a good step toward ensuring proper representation.

As the faculty representative to the VCU Board of Visitors, I fully support the proposed legislation that would mandate that BOVs have a non-voting faculty member and non-voting staff member on the BOV, selected by the faculty and staff respectively as their representative. Allowing faculty and staff to serve as non-voting members of the BOV is critically important to shared governance and having transparency in higher education. In addition, allowing the faculty and staff to choose their representative allows faculty and staff to have an important voice in what happens at their universities/colleges which would, in turn, increase their engagement in the issues that are happening at their universities/colleges.

Please pass HB1467. After 20 years at a public university in VA, I am horrified at how little the board understands about the university or the work of the faculty. Requiring a member from the faculty and staff will help boards better serve our public universities and our students.