BOV convenes to discuss budget and welcome ITCC

By NEPHTHALIE LAUTURE

The University of Mary Washington’s Board of Visitors met last week to discuss and plan for further cuts in state funding for the university, as well as officially dedicate the ITCC building on Sept. 18 in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

At the Friday, Sept. 19 meeting, the board received a report on a reduction plan for the university’s budget. The University plans to cut five percent this fiscal year,  totaling around $1.1 million in savings, due to the Virginia state budget shortfall that resulted in major funding cuts to higher education.

The University plans to make savings from a wide range of areas, including $110,000 from delaying software purchases, $100,000 from altering phone service, $470,000 from hiring freezes, $2,000 from reducing student work and $550,000 from the Dahlgren campus general fund.

Despite the drastic cuts to funding, the BOV said that the University is making all attempts to maintain their priorities: academics and student life

On Thursday, Sept. 18 the BOV, administration, faculty and students attended the outdoor dedication ceremony for the recently completed ITCC.

“I knew Mike Evans for 25 years at least. And the reason I am calling him out is because he worked with the architectural team that designed this building,” President Rick Hurley said at the ceremony. “I remember talking about it and where we were going to put it and I was like how in the world can he put something on this spot that’s going to look halfway decent? But, Mike, I’ve got to give it to you, you did it. And you did it well. It’s a handsome building, and we’re proud of it.”

The dedication was held outside the ribbon-clad doors of the ITCC. Students who did not formally RSVP could watch as Jonathan Levin, UMW provost, and Jeff McClurken, the special assistant to the provost for technology, shared a word on the journey of the ITCC building.

“A center for technology for not only the student who may major in computer science, but for everyone. To impact the lives of the English major or the French major just as much as someone majoring in one of the STEM fields,” said Levin

Many of the board members were very excited about the new opportunities the buildings allowed for current UMW students.

“I’m proud of this board, which always looks to the future and supports innovation,” BOV Rector Holly Cuellar said.

On Friday, the board met beginning at 8:30 a.m. to discuss several pressing matters pertaining to the university. The board discussed student affairs, the honor system, finances and facilities, academic affairs and closed with reports from president and the rector.