Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees:

1. Approves
   1. The assumptions, principles, and values which guide the University;
   2. The vision, mission, and strategic foci of the University;
   3. Broad policy affecting the entire University;
   4. The annual operating and capital budgets.
2. Assures
   1. The financial viability of the University;
   2. The fiduciary conduct of the University.
3. Evaluates the state of the University relevant to its vision and mission.
4. Appoints, supports, and evaluates the President.
5. Preserves the autonomy of the University and informs the community of its functions and accomplishments.
6. Assures that the Institute has an effective system of governance.
7. Provides for regular assessment of Board effectiveness.
8. Advises the University of forces external to the University that may have an influence on its mission, goals, and administrative policies.
9. Assumes responsibility (with administration support) for the on-going education and development of Board members

General Responsibilities

• Believe in the value of RIT and its mission and be willing enthusiastically to further its interests.
• Take seriously one's trusteeship and work diligently to enhance one's competence and fulfillment of duties.
• To the extent of one's ability, support the University financially and assist in acquiring support from other sources.
• Become sufficiently knowledgeable about RIT to make informed policy decisions.
• Be able and willing to devote sufficient time to trustee duties.
• Participate in good faith decisions consistent with the Institution's mission.
• Provide information and advice regarding external factors influencing the mission and policies of RIT.

Specific Duties

Board and Committee Meetings:

• Maintain excellent attendance.
• Read background materials and come prepared.
• Participate in discussions according to one's knowledge, conscience, and convictions.
• Support majority decisions.
• Suggest agenda items.

Conflicts of Interest:

• Read, understand, and abide by the RIT Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Financial:

• Read and understand financial statements.

Leadership:

• Serve in leadership positions or undertake special assignments when asked, to the extent of one's ability and availability.

Orientation and In-Service Education:

• Take advantage of orientation and in-service education programs provided by RIT.
• When possible, attend the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) Conference, AGB seminars, and other programs on trusteeship.
• Read Rochester Institute of Technology: Industrial Development and Educational Innovation in an American City, by Professor Dane R. Gordon, the RIT Bylaws, and become familiar with the Trustee Manual.
• Become knowledgeable about Board policies and procedures.

Board Composition:

• Continually attempt to identify highly qualified potential trustees and refer them to the Committee on Trustees.

Knowledge of RIT:

• Become knowledgeable about the area of RIT that relates to one's Board committee assignment.
• Participate in the life of RIT. For example: attend significant campus events such as opening convocation and commencement and meet with faculty, staff, and student groups.
• Read RIT publications such as the Annual Report and News & Events.

Advocacy of RIT:

• Speak knowledgeably and positively about RIT in business and social contexts.
• Publicly speak with one voice regarding Board and University matters.
• Assist in advocating for legislation, government support, or other public assistance to benefit RIT.
• In general, use one's personal, political, or economic influence to benefit RIT.

Communication:

• Raise questions and communicate concerns to the President and other administrative officers in a timely manner.
• Encourage open communication within the Board and with the University.
• Maintain confidentiality of Board deliberations.

Fund Raising:

• Contribute personally to the annual fund and capital campaigns to the extent of one's ability.
• Assist in identifying and acquiring external resources for the University according to one's interests, abilities, and available opportunities.

Support for the Administration:

• Provide advice and support to the President and administrative officers.
• Avoid interference in administrative matters.
• Support reasonable risk-taking by administrators.
• Follow normal channels of communication and decision-making within the administration.

Policy-Making:

• Work toward consensus in policy matters.
• Gain the knowledge about RIT and the issues involved that are required to make wise policy decisions.

Avoid:

(taken from "The Model Trustee: A Job Description" by David M. Lascell and James E. Holst)

• Asking for special favors of the administration, including requests for information without at least prior consultation with the Board or committee chairperson.
• Prejudiced judgments based on information received from individuals on campus without consulting those directly responsible.
• Accepting property or loans from the Institution.
• Accepting favors or gifts from anyone who does business with the Institution, or providing them to such business.
• Benefiting financially at the Institution's expense.