ALTHOUGH Thomas Jefferson referred to himself as "the Father of the University of Virginia," his only official title was first rector of the Board of Visitors. Since its founding in 1819, the University has been governed by the Board of Visitors, which is chaired by the rector. The Board of Visitors -- often called just "the Board" or "the BOV" -- operates differently than most on-Grounds institutions and outside the tradition of student self-governance.
Members of the Board, many of them University graduates, have long recognized the value of student involvement in University decisions, and in 1983 they created a spot for a student member to represent the views of the student body.
This year, I have the honor of being the eyes and ears of University students for the Board, and I will be working with The Cavalier Daily, through the writing of occasional columns, to help students better understand the purpose and structure of the Board and the role of the student member. I also hope to shed some light on the issues the Board tackles at each of its meetings.
The Board serves as the corporate board for the University and is responsible for its long-term planning. The Board approves policies and the annual budget and is entrusted with the preservation of the University's many traditions, including the honor system, much responsibility for which it has delegated to the student-run Honor Committee. The Board addresses issues ranging from the cost of tuition and the design of future buildings to the creation of new degree programs and the raising of $3 billion dollars. Whatever the topic, I have learned that Board members always have the best interest of the University at the center of discussion.
The Board is composed of 16 members appointed by the governor of Virginia for four-year terms and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Appointees are eligible for one reappointment, allowing them to serve a total of eight years.
Thomas F. Farrell, II of Richmond officially took over as rector earlier this month, after serving as vice rector for the past two years. Farrell earned degrees from the College in 1976 from the Law School in 1979. He also is the father of two current University undergrads
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