RADFORD -- Radford University’s strategy to expand graduate degree programs and increase graduate student enrollment in accordance with the 7-17 Strategic Plan gained momentum when the Board of Visitors approved the submission of a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree proposal to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV.) In the proposal, the program would start enrolling students in fall 2010.

Also at its recent regular quarterly meeting, the board set tuition and fees rates for the 2008-2009 academic year, approved a weapons policy and celebrated some exciting news about $211 million in capital investment which will fund a major campus transformation. (See related news release on facilities improvements.)

The board also announced an informal agreement with RU President Penelope W. Kyle for her retention as university president for five additional years beginning July 1, 2008.  Board member Mrs. Nancy Agee will head the discussions with President Kyle leading to a formal agreement (see related news release).

If approved by SCHEV, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree would be added to Doctor of Psychology and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in RU’s doctorate-level degree portfolio.

The DNP degree program would help meet projected demand for advanced practice nurses and alleviate some of the national nursing faculty shortage.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, tuition for in-state undergraduate students will rise by 4 percent, which will allow the University to receive at least $500,000 from the Tuition Incentive Moderation Fund established by the 2008 General Assembly. The Board also approved a 6.8 percent increase in the tuition rates for out-of-state undergraduate and in-state graduate students. Out-of-state graduate tuition will increase by 11.3 percent. Almost $250,000 of the revenue raised through the tuition increases will be used for additional student financial aid. Comprehensive fees which support programs not funded by the state such as student activities, athletics and parking will rise by 9.3 percent. Most of the increase will be used to start planning the new fitness center and an addition to the student union. The room and board cost for students living in the residence hall will rise by 3.5 percent. (See complete tuition and fees table.)

RU continues to be one of the most affordable institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, said President Kyle, and sets its fee schedule with goals of maintaining a strong academic program with a broad variety of degree options, and keeping an RU education accessible and affordable.

The new weapons policy stipulates that weapons are prohibited on campus and at any university-controlled facility unless required as part of an individual's job.  Students who have a valid reason to have weapons, such as legal hunting or competitive shooting, may check and store them at the RU Police Department.

In other business, the Board:

• approved a Workforce Transition Option for tenured faculty who meet eligibility requirements. Eligible faculty members must apply to participate in the program by July 1, 2008
• approved the awarding of tenure to 12 current faculty members and three new faculty
• approved an additional $9 million for Dedmon Center renovations. Total cost is projected at $15.7 million
• approved policies establishing a university threat assessment team and a campus committee charged with prevention of violence on campus
• adopted guidelines for projects under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) of 2002
• elected Juliann Abercrombie of Ashburn, Va., as the non-voting student advisory member to the Board
• scheduled the next committee and full Board meetings for Sept. 3 and 4, 2008