VA HB1385

Changes governing board member terms from four years to six years, limits members to one six-year term before a two-year waiting period, and requires all appointments be confirmed by the General Assembly within 30 days of each regular session.

Requires governing boards of baccalaureate public institutions to appoint at least one nonvoting faculty representative and one nonvoting staff representative elected by their respective bodies, plus at least one nonvoting student representative nominated by student government.

Mandates governing boards adopt and maintain shared governance policies requiring consultation with faculty senates on academic policy matters and before major academic changes such as program eliminations or tenure policy modifications.

Prohibits governing boards from adopting policies that restrict or censor expression based on viewpoint or for ideological conformity, and protects professors' free speech and academic freedom rights under federal and state constitutions.

Directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to coordinate training for governing board members on institutional governance, ethical responsibilities, and academic freedom obligations.