VA SB494

Changes governing board member terms from four years to six years, with members limited to one six-year term before a two-year waiting period for reappointment to the same board

Requires governing boards of baccalaureate public institutions to appoint at least one nonvoting faculty representative, one nonvoting staff representative, and one nonvoting student representative elected by their respective constituencies

Mandates governing boards adopt policies defining shared governance among the board, chief executive officer, faculty, staff, and students, including consultation with faculty senates on academic policy and major academic changes

Prohibits governing boards from adopting policies that restrict expression based on viewpoint or taking disciplinary action against professors for exercising free speech or academic freedom rights

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