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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Thank you for your time
and
Any Questions?