University of Virginia Library

RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING INDEPENDENT STATUS FOR MARY
WASHINGTON COLLEGE

The following resolution was adopted:

• WHEREAS the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia is proud of the advancement of Mary Washington College to its present state of excellence as a component part of the University, evidenced by its offering of undergraduate degree programs in 33 fields, by its strong faculty, fine library, and handsome physical plant, and by the granting to the College in 1971 of a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; and
• WHEREAS the Board is willing to continue in this productive relationship with the College, but recognizes that certain advantages may result hereafter from separate status for the College; especially in view of the recent admission of men and the expectancy of service to the urban corridor as envisioned by the College's recent Self-Study; and
• WHEREAS the Board resolved on December 11, 1971, to request the State Council of Higher Education to study and advise the Board concerning the future relationship of Mary Washington College to the University; and
• WHEREAS the State Council, while recognizing the successful role played by the University in the development of the College, reaffirmed its policy of establishing separate governing boards for four-year State institutions of higher education; and
• WHEREAS the State Council of Higher Education adopted on January 6, 1972, a resolution recommending to the Board of Visitors, the Governor, and the General Assembly of Virginia, a separate Board of Visitors for Mary Washington College, "believing that under a separate Board, the College can more effectively serve the Commonwealth in the urban corridor of Virginia, particularly considering the elimination of a women-only admission policy and the recent admission of men";
• NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia that a recommendation be and it is hereby made to the Governor and General Assembly of Virginia that legislative action be taken to establish Mary Washington College as a public institution of higher education of the Commonwealth separate from the University of Virginia, effective not later than July 1, 1972.
• Following the adoption of the resolution, Chancellor Simpson expressed his view that the resolution was a gracious one, and that he was gratified by the thoughtful handling of the matter by the Board of Visitors.