Board of Visitors Meeting Notice Public Comment Period RE: Proposed Mandatory Fee Increase

The Virginia State University Board of Visitors will hold a public comment period on a proposed mandatory fee increase on Thursday, February 5th, during its Facilities and Finance Committee. The committee meeting is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. in the Gateway Dining and Event Center.  Virginia State University proposes a 0% - 5% increase for undergraduate and graduate in-state and out-of-state tuition, fees, room, and board rates for 2026-2027. The increase is to address continued inflationary pressures.

Members of the Board will be present at the meeting where University officials will provide an explanation for the proposed fee increase, and the Board will receive public comment in accordance with the Code of Virginia §23.1-307 (D)(E).  The public comment period will be the opportunity for members of the University community, as well as members of the public, to share their thoughts with Board members about the mandatory fee increase.    

Individuals who desire to speak before the Board are required to pre-register on a first-come, first-served basis for the public comment period. Speakers will be asked to specify their affiliation, if any, with Virginia State University.  All remarks must be relevant to the proposed increase in the out-of-state undergraduate and graduate tuition rates, along with mandatory fees, and those persons interested in participating in the public comment opportunity must adhere to the following guidelines:  

  1. Pre-register to speak by Thursday, January 29, 2026, by completing the electronic registration form:
    1. Scan the QR code,
    2. Use the following link https://vsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kXjcAc963MPlS6
  2. Limit comments to 3-minutes 
  3. Provide a written copy of their comments to the Board Secretary or Board Liaison  

The Board is expected to vote on the proposed increase at 1 p.m., March 20, 2026, in the Gateway Dining & Event Center. In lieu of oral comments, written comments will be accepted until March 11, 2026. Written comments can be submitted in the following ways:  

  • Email address: boardofvisitors@vsu.edu 
  • Mailing address: Board of Visitors, P. O. Box 9001, Virginia State University, VA 23806  

All comments will become a part of the public record.  The Board will not respond to oral or written comments.