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.