The Rotunda at the University of Virginia. (Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)
Virginia’s public college employees scored a legislative victory Tuesday as the General Assembly passed a bill requiring each university’s governing board to include two nonvoting faculty and staff representatives. But whether the measure becomes law is far from certain — Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a similar proposal last year, citing cost concerns and a lack of oversight.
Youngkin argued at the time that adding representatives could drive up tuition for families and noted that these members wouldn’t be subject to General Assembly confirmation or his removal authority in misconduct cases. A narrower 2023 proposal focused solely on the University of Virginia’s board was previously stalled in a House Rules subcommittee.
Supporters say faculty and staff voices are crucial to informed decision-making. Cecelia Parks, president of the United Campus Workers of Virginia, said board meetings often fail to address key issues because appointed members by the governor lack firsthand experience in university operations.
“The people in the room just don’t have that expertise because they are not living with a lot of these issues day in and day out,” Parks told The Mercury, emphasizing that advisory members would help strengthen institutions.
House Bill 1621, sponsored by Del. Amy Laufer, D-Albemarle, would again require all public colleges and universities to elect nonvoting faculty and staff representatives to their boards.
George Mason and Longwood Universities are currently the only public institutions that allow a faculty member to sit on their governing boards.
For months, advocates have pushed lawmakers to expand that model statewide, arguing that giving faculty and staff a voice in decision-making would improve policies on retention, recruitment, and overall workplace confidence. Supporters say such representation fosters trust among employees and ensures their concerns are heard at the highest levels.
Laufer emphasized staff’s role in keeping universities running, from facility maintenance to student affairs.
“I just believe that people [who] are working with our students can add a valuable perspective on these boards,” Laufer said.
Last month, she rejected a House substitute that would have allowed governing boards to appoint faculty and staff representatives rather than letting employees elect them. While advocates want a seat at the table, Laufer said it’s just as important that they choose their own representatives.
The bill narrowly passed the House in a 51-49 vote before moving to the Senate, where it passed along party lines.
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