Board of Visitors

Student Life Committee Meeting June 6, 2024

Present from the Board

• Brentley K. Archer
• Kelli Purdy Meadows, CPA, CCIFP
• Christy Morton
• Lee Vreeland, Ed.D.

Absent from the Board

• Daniel M. Gade, Ph.D.
• Terri M. McKnight, CPA
• Sean Miller

Remote Participation

LTC (R) Boris G. Robinson - Remote participation permitted due to distance between the member’s primary residence and the meeting location pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3708.3(B)(4). Mr. Robinson participated from Round Rock, Texas.

Administration, Faculty and Students

• Dr. Lisa Duncan Raines, Vice President for Enrollment, Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness
• Dr. Kevin Hughes, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
• Dr. Rob Lange, Dean of Admission
• Dr. Ben Lynerd, Faculty Senate Representative

Call to Order

Acting Committee Chair Brentley K. Archer called the meeting to order at 1234 p.m.
Resolutions and Committee Actions There were no resolutions or formal committee actions.

Admission

Dr. Rob Lange greeted the Committee with an update on hosted student yield events and the various deadlines since the last meeting. The traditional May 1 deposit deadline for enrolling students was extended to May 15 for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filers in response to the difficulties caused by the FAFSA delays, and ultimately extended for filers not applying for financial aid as well. To better serve the new first-time-in-college (FTIC) class, the May 15 deadline was extended until June 1. Dr. Lange reported on the successful recruitment efforts for 2024-25 which yielded 360 more student applications when compared to last year, very close to an all-time high number of applications. In addition, Christopher Newport University was able to offer admission to three percent more new FTIC students as compared to the previous year, with 1,180 net deposits having been received as of June 6, 2024. Dr. Lange discussed ongoing challenges to include the impact of the FAFSA roll-out, which delayed decision making for new FTIC and their families, yield and net cost.

The grant awarded by the State Council on Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) was utilized to cover enrollment deposits for low-income students from the 17 identified schools in Hampton Roads where direct admission, onsite admission and financial aid presentations were conducted, and President Kelly approved a fee waiver to assist Pell-eligible applicants from schools not previously identified, resulting in roughly 140 new FTIC students receiving assistance with their enrollment deposits. The President also re-instituted the Dean’s Merit Award, which provided $100,000 to help bridge the gap with net cost.

Enrollment, Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness

Dr. Lisa Duncan Raines reflected on Commencement, highlighting the awarding of nearly 1,100 degrees for the academic year 2023-24. These graduates included 1,026 baccalaureate and 69 magisterial degrees. The undergraduates achieved an average GPA of 3.26, with a notable one-third graduating with Latin honors. Additionally, two-thirds of these students completed a minor, and over ten percent earned a double-major. The most popular majors among the graduates were psychology, communication studies, cell molecular and physiological biology, finance, and political science. Furthermore, 25 percent of the graduating class were participants of the President’s Leadership Program, 15 percent were first-generation college students, and 13 percent were legacy students.

Dr. Duncan Raines shared an update on the concerted efforts to navigate the Department of Education’s FAFSA process, emphasizing a proactive approach. She highlighted that Christopher Newport University appears to have been the first public institution in Virginia to issue aid offers to new students. She compared data on FAFSA filings to this time last year, reporting a six percent difference in new, first-time-in-college students, and a three percent difference in deposited students—an improvement from the 40 percent national and 20 percent statewide deficit from a few months ago. Nationally, new student FAFSA filings have decreased by 24.3 percent, yet CNU’s figures are encouraging, showing less than a 4 percent decline for returning students. The Financial Aid office’s dedication, inventive solutions, and adaptive strategies have been instrumental in supporting our students and their families through these challenges.

Dr. Duncan Raines discussed the state’s desire to enroll more students from low- and middle-income families and CNU’s effort to support that goal. Dr. Duncan Raines provided an update on the Pell Initiative in Virginia (PIV) proposals submitted to SCHEV. Of those proposals submitted last year, all were eventually approved for a total award of $760,000 over the next four fiscal years. Recently, Christopher Newport University submitted an additional five proposals for funding to increase enrollment of Pell-eligible students; SCHEV is expected to deliver decisions on those proposals within the next month.

CNU places a strong emphasis on work-based learning, internships, and shadowing experiences to ensure students are well-prepared for post-graduate success. Dr. Duncan Raines affirmed the university’s commitment to liberal arts education and NACE competencies. The Center for Career Planning actively supported over 4,000 students, offering access to around 100,000 job and internship opportunities. The latest graduate outcomes survey reported a 96.4% success rate for the class of 2023, with graduates securing employment or pursuing graduate or education within six months post-graduation.

Fifteen members of Community Captains Cohort 4 have indicated their intent to enroll at CNU for the fall semester, representing the second largest cohort to date. These students have a collective high school GPA of 3.82, and three-quarters plan to live on campus. As of fall semester, 53 Community Captains will have enrolled at CNU with the first program graduates expected in December – a semester early. One Community Captain is expected to graduate in May – an entire year early.

CNU’s dedication to engagement and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is evident in our efforts to increase VCCS student transfer enrollment. Recent data show a 14 percent rise in transfer applications, a 10 percent increase in admissions, and a 20 percent growth in enrollments. The average GPA for transfers is 3.3, with a majority coming from the VCCS. We have solidified a bridge agreement with the Virginia Peninsula Community College and are nearing completion of an agreement with Tidewater Community College. The success of these partnerships hinges on our co-advising model and comprehensive transition services, which are enhanced by campus visits, events and support services. Negotiations for tailored agreements with other VCCS institutions are actively progressing.

Student Affairs

Dr. Hughes greeted the Committee with highlights from his BoardDocs submission and the high touch experience at CNU. He reported that over 600 students had received accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) this year, and over 625 students had received clinical support. Overall, the number of clinical sessions increased from 4,350 to 5,100 this year, with the most notable increase in the majority of students needing at least six clinical sessions. In addition, he noted significant growth in the number of students needing 11-15, 16-20 or 21+ sessions.

Dr. Hughes touched on some of the celebratory moments where Christopher Newport University goes above and beyond to honor our graduating seniors with special ceremonies. The University held a special ceremony for our student-athletes who could attend Commencement because of ongoing sport competitions. The ROTC Commissioning Ceremony was particularly special this year as the Brigadier General administering the oath is a CNU alumnae. Dr. Hughes elaborated on the high volume of positive feedback about Commencement – a blend of our traditional event combined with an opportunity for individual/family experiences.

With the class of 2028 visiting campus in less than two weeks, Dr. Hughes provided literature they will receive, and he commented that orientation serves as both a transition and yield event. He will provide an update at the September meeting.

Though covered in the Executive Committee, Dr. Hughes addressed the Weapons Policy adopted by the University, Policy 1080, which will soon be posted on the University website. No Board action is required. This policy indicates that no unauthorized possession, storage, use or control of weapons, firearms, or ammunition is permitted on campus.

Dr. Hughes concluded by addressing the activity on campus related to activities on April 30. With the highly publicized incidents nationally on college campuses, institutions must balance expressive rights while maintaining orderly function. Christopher Newport University has a freedom of expression philosophy statement and university policy to provide guidance. Through social media two days prior to the event, the University learned that some individuals, not limited to students, intended to practice their expressive rights on the Great Lawn. Accessing data through the various law enforcement networks, CNU was able to collaborate with other law enforcement colleagues, faculty and other campus constituents, to support this freedom of expression. Dr. Hughes shared that University Policies 7000 and 7001 address facilities usage policies and reasonable restrictions for time, place and manner. During the event, members of our Administration had opportunities to speak with students, who were respectful, eventually moving to a public sidewalk, which is permitted.

Approval of Minutes

Dr. Lee Vreeland made a motion to approve the April 18, 2024 Committee on Student Life minutes as submitted, and Christy Morton seconded the motion. The minutes were passed unanimously.

Adjournment

There being no further discussion, Ms. Morton made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Dr. Vreeland seconded the motion. Acting Chair Archer adjourned the meeting at 1:26 p.m. with all in favor.