University of Vermont and State Agricultural College Student Trustee Selection Information File #1

UVM History 1791 UVM Founded Private institution Trustee Self Appointing 1864 Vermont State Agricultural College founded State institution Trustees Appointed by Legislature 1955 The Two Institutions Merged Created a Board of Trustees = 23 1977 Students added UVM Board of Trustees = 25

Current Board Composition Six Year Terms 9 elected by the Legislature 9 self perpetuating 3 appointed by the Governor Two Year Terms 2 full time students Ex Officio Members Governor of Vermont President of the University Rarely are all 25 at any one Trustee Meeting

Students as Trustees Student input great in the past Developed respect and trust General concept of student rights Student members as consumers It was time to formalize participation National trend Concept of shared governance Need for more diversity on the Board Provide perspective - not represent a constituent group

Roles and Responsibility of Board Legal Board of the Corporation Selection of the President Determine policy for UVM Set Mission and Direction Make major decisions (financial, land, gifts, educational policy, etc.) To bridge between the institution and society Student Trustee must do what is best for the institution, not necessarily what is best for students only

Board of Trustees Committees Trustees usually sit on two committees - committees make decisions and present them to the full Board as recommendations Budget, Finance, & Investment (BFI) Tuition and operating costs Fiduciary duties - highest return on investments Educational Policy & Institutional Resources (EPIR) Academic policy and student affairs Renovations and new buildings; technology; parking Diversity and human resources Development, alumni, community, public relations

Trustee Committees (cont’d) Audit Audit of financial activities Executive Committee Chairs of each committee; review agenda; act on behalf of the whole Board Board Governance University of Vermont Board Vermont Agricultural Board

Trustee Committees (cont’d) Campus representatives at each meeting - include student, faculty, staff, and alumni representatives Committees usually meet on Friday - full Board meets on Saturday Board meetings are usually February, May, October/ November Individual Committees usually meet outside of the scheduled Board meetings

Trustee Characteristics Can work in a collegial, collaborative manner within an established structure as a team player Shows dedication to the University Is willing to take the time necessary to attend and participate in meetings of the Board and its committees Is free of conflict to pursue the best interests of UVM Is a good listener Understands and accepts responsibility of involvement

Characteristics (cont’d) Is well respected in their own right and venue Appreciates a diversity of background that complements the University’s structure, function, and challenges and is willing to work towards that goal Has expertise in areas identified as upcoming policy concerns and issues Honesty and integrity

A Trustee Should ….. recognize that source of appointment does not create a constituency make a commitment to learn the UVM culture and act with that perspective differentiate between the role of Trustee and that of the administration and appreciate the difference be supportive of the administration in public and private carry a positive bias towards the University

A Trustee Should …. (cont’d) exhibit a commitment to attend and participate in Committee and Board meetings; as well as non- Board campus activities of students, staff, and faculty be active and engaged with members of the campus community analyze independently and question when points are not clear; insist on clear communication among Board members and from the Administration to the Board

SELECTION PROCESS Selection Committee Nine students - undergrad, graduate, and medical Legal Corporation Restrictions 18 years of age Full-time student for 2 year term Not an employee of the institution

SELECTION PROCESS (cont’d) Three (3) Information Files Applications postmarked by January 15 Paper review by Selection Committee Interviewing Selection by February 28 Term begins March 1

Thank you for your time and Any Questions?