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February 10, 2005

Hokie Day on February 2, 2005 Results

Thanks to all who participated in our Hokie Day at the General Assembly on February 2nd. We gathered Hokies from many parts of Virginia to meet with their legislators as advocates for support of Virginia Tech and higher education. The alumni and students participating represented class years ranging from 1934 to 2007 - - 73 years! Areas of the state that were represented included Northern Virginia, Richmond, Tri-cities, Tideneck, Tidewater, Roanoke, New River Valley, Emporia, Williamsburg, Lynchburg, Fredericksburg, Culpepper, Augusta, Charlottesville, Martinsville, and Danville.

The good news is that bills providing for "Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations" have advanced in both legislative houses with strong votes of support.

On Tuesday of this week, two bills - HB 2866 and SB1327 - which propose a new restructured relationship between higher education and the Commonwealth, passed their respective houses. The bills passed in the Senate with a 37 to 3 vote and in the House by 76 to 22. Both bills create a three step process for further decentralization and autonomy in managing the administrative and financial operations of all public colleges and universities (step three is essentially the former "Charter Initiative").

This legislation is critical to the future of the university and the entire system of higher education. It provides much needed flexibility and reduced governmental oversight in the areas of capital outlay, procurement, human resources, and financial management. In return, the institutions commit to certain state goals in the areas of enrollment, access, financial aid, defined articulation agreements, partnering with public education, and increased economic development activities. State institutions would receive a varying amount of autonomy based on the institutions' expertise and ability to manage operations in a particular area. The Boards of Visitors would be vested with greater authority in managing the institutions locally. The institutions would also commit to developing a six-year financial plan and to meeting certain performance standards and benchmarks in exchange for this increased management authority.

The bills now cross over into opposite houses, where they will be heard in committee before advancing to the House and Senate floors within the next two weeks. Voices of support from our alumni are still needed to reinforce the favorable momentum established by these initial votes. A call, letter or email to your legislator will have a powerful impact on the ultimate passage and adoption of this legislation.

Thanks, again, for your help and support.

Thomas C. Tillar, Jr.
Vice President for Alumni Relations

Hokies For Higher Education
Virginia Tech Alumni Legislative Advocacy