CODE OF EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

approved at the September, 1992 Board Meeting


  1. Consistently and faithfully prepare for and participate in all official Board meetings and functions, including committee meetings and appropriate campus events.

  2. Ask appropriate, timely, and substantive questions at Board and committee meetings consistent with one's conscience and convictions, while supporting the majority decision on issues decided by the Board.

  3. Serve the interest of the institution as a whole rather than any special interest(s). Members are chosen to meet the needs of the Board and not to represent the views or vote the interest of a particular constituency. Their value to the Board is in their individual perspective and competence, e.g., teachers, attorneys, alumni.

  4. Listen to and interpret the needs, interests, and concerns of both the college community and the larger community in the course of directing the administration and setting institutional purposes, priorities, and policies.

  5. In all Board communications, the official spokesperson for the Board will only be the Chair, or the person or persons appointed by the Chair. Members of the Board are not restrained from speaking personally provided they make it clear that they are speaking for themselves and do not represent the Board.

  6. Refer questions asked by media representatives regarding Board deliberations and decisions to the Chair unless otherwise directed by the Board.

  7. Treat discussions in Executive Sessions and Board retreats in the strictest confidence.

  8. Avoid the appearance of conflict-of-interest which might embarrass the Board or the institution. Members shall reveal these pcssible conflicts to the Board as soon as possible. Board members with a potential conflict of interest will remove themselves from both deliberations and voting on such matters.

  9. Faithfully read and understand the institution's financial statements to help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibility.

  10. Suggest possible trustee nominees to the Board who are women and men of achievement and distinction and who can make significant contributions to the work of the Board and the progress of the institution.

  11. Serve in leadership positions and ask to take on special assignments willingly and enthusiastically.

  12. Avoid asking for special favors of the administration, including requests for information without at least prior consultation with the Board or committee chairs.

  13. Avoid placing or seeming to place pressure of any kind on individual students, faculty, staff, or administrators.

  14. Avoid prejudiced judgments on the basis of information received from individuals on campus, and urge those with real or perceived grievances to follow established policies and procedures through their supervisors (all matters of potential significance should be called to the attention of the President and the Board Chair as appropriate).

  15. Bring a sense of humor and cooperation to Board deliberations.

  16. Contribute to the financial stability of the college to best of one's ability, including but not limited to annual personal giving, solicitation of funds, and other fund raising activities.