Structure of the University Advisory Board; Superceded by EM 03-001

From: Manuel A. Esteban, President

Subject: Structure of the University Advisory Board; Superceded by EM 03-001

With the restructuring of the University Foundation, the University Advisory Board will be separated from the Foundation structure. This Executive Memorandum delineates the purpose and responsibilities, membership, and organization of the Advisory Board.

THE UNIVERSITY ADVISORY BOARD

California State University, Chico

In order to accomplish its educational and service mission through its strategic plan, the University must regularly confer with friends and supporters about issues and challenges faced by the University. The University Advisory Board serves as an important connection between these individuals and the University. Members are selected for geographic location, academic affiliation, and constituent group membership as well as their commitment to the well-being of the University.

University Advisory Board Purposes and Responsibilities

• Advise the University on external perceptions and expectations.
• Advise the University on issues of community relations, communications, student recruitment, image, academic and professional programs, and issues brought to it by the President
• Advise and consult on all matters concerning the University and the community which the President may initiate and on matters brought to the attention of the President by members.
• Serve on campus committees and task forces as requested by the President.

University Responsibilities

• Call and manage meetings.
• Provide the members with information about the University.
• Connect members to campus.
• Introduce members to key administrators, faculty, and students.

Membership Criteria, Selection and Terms

Membership Criteria

• Members will be selected on the basis of distinguished community leadership, interest in and commitment to the welfare of the University, interest in higher education, recognized high integrity, demonstrated good judgment, ability to render sound advice, willingness to accept responsibility, and ability to assist the advancement process.
• Members should be a diverse group representing different professions, academic interests, values, and backgrounds.
• Members must be willing to attend the meetings of the Board.

Membership Selection

• Names may be suggested by Advisory Board members, faculty, and other constituencies of the University.
• The President will select nominees with the aid of Advisory Board members and other campus and community representatives as is appropriate.
• All members will be appointed by the President.
• Membership will represent all California counties within the University's primary service area and other counties and regions as reflected by the student population and identified by the President.
• Membership categories may include but are not limited to regional representatives, constituent representatives, representatives within 100 miles of the campus, donors, and friends.

Membership Terms

• The regular term of membership will be four years.
• There will be a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms for any member.

Organization (see the California Education Code relating to organization of the Advisory Board [Section 23651 et. seq. ] for more detailed information)

• The Advisory Board will meet at least twice each year or more frequently as determined by the University President.
• If possible, the first meeting of the new academic year will be held in the fall (preferably in October) and will be the annual meeting. The second meeting will be held in the spring during Founders Week.
• The President may appoint standing and special committees and may delegate these committees such functions as may be advisable and appropriate.
• Because of the need for frequent consultation on local as opposed to regional or statewide issues related to the campus, an executive committee of the Advisory Board will be appointed by the President to meet on a more frequent basis as required.
• There shall be a chair and vice chair who shall serve two-year terms. The vice chair will become chair at the end of the term of the incumbent chair or upon a vacancy. The candidate(s) for the vice chair shall be identified by a nominating committee comprised of the chair, vice chair, and university president and normally elected at the last meeting of the academic year. There will be a preference for local leadership or members who can commit the time for dealing with local issues as well as ceremonial and consultative opportunities.

Meetings

• There will be a minimum of two meetings per year.
• Meetings will be a full day in length.

Staff

• The Vice President for University Advancement and Student Affairs will serve as chief staff member to the President in support of the functions and activities related to the Advisory Board and will be responsible for providing additional staff and clerical support as required.
• The Executive Assistant to the President will be responsible for Advisory Board members' contacts with the Office of the President and for the management of the Executive Committee's consideration of local issues.