Christopher Newport University’s Board of Visitors public comment hearing on a proposed increase in tuition and mandatory fees between zero and 3.7% as outlined in the University’s Six-Year Plan for the 2026-27 academic year will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in the Trible Library Theatre, Room 2309. The meeting will begin with an informational overview of the operating budget, how tuition and fees are set, and key factors influencing tuition and fees this year.
At the time of this public notice, the Commonwealth’s amended budget for the 2026-2028 biennium has not been finalized. The budget, and Christopher Newport's general fund allocation in particular, plays a key role in the Board of Visitors' ability to set tuition and fees. Therefore, the final decision on tuition and fee levels is contingent on the state’s final budget. The revenue generated by tuition and fees will be used to fund the university’s share of state-mandated compensation and fringe benefit increases, new facilities coming online, support student financial aid, and increased cost escalations in contractual services, as well as cost escalations in other non-personnel services. The Board meets on April 23-24, 2026, to review and approve the final tuition and fees rates.
For those interested in participating in the public comment opportunity:
- Speakers must register on a first-come, first-served basis prior to the beginning of the public comment period. Speakers will be asked to identify their affiliation with or relationship to the University when they sign up. An opportunity to sign up in person will be offered from 2:30 - 2:55 p.m.
- Following the informational overview, the public comment period shall remain available for 60 minutes or at which time all registered speakers have provided their comments.
- Each speaker is permitted a single presentation of at most three (3) minutes to offer comments and shall limit their comments to the proposal to increase tuition and/or fees. This time may be shortened based on the number of individuals signed up to speak in the time available. Speakers wishing to have their comments entered into the public record must bring a printed copy of their remarks.
- In lieu of oral comments, written comments will also be accepted through Friday, March 27, by 5:00 p.m. Enter written comments online or mail to:
Kenneth Kidd
Clerk to the Board of Visitors
Christopher Newport University
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, Virginia 23606