For Immediate Release

July 15, 2025

Contact:
Bob Spieldenner         
bobspieldenner@schev.edu
(804) 718-9443 (cell)   

At its meeting in Charlottesville today, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia members discussed the importance of orientation and training for Boards of Visitors at institutions of higher education. They released the following statement:

Recent events at several Virginia universities underscore the importance of effective governance and oversight across all institutions of higher education. Boards of Visitors (BOVs) play a critical role in ensuring their institutions comply with federal and state laws—including those related to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity—and fulfill their missions with integrity.

SCHEV takes seriously its statutory responsibility to train BOV members to promote strong governance, responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds, and full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies at all Virginia colleges and universities.

These topics will be addressed directly at SCHEV’s upcoming BOV orientation and training on November 12–13. As a reminder, attendance is mandatory for new appointees within their first two years of service. In light of recent developments, we strongly encourage all BOV members to attend to ensure these critical issues are discussed and understood by those charged with shaping institutional policy.

We look forward to continued annual trainings, as required by law, that will address these and any other emerging policy issues head on and help equip all BOV members with the tools and knowledge needed to support a vibrant and safe campus environment—one that is free from discrimination, grounded in merit, and rich with opportunity for all students across Virginia’s higher education system.