Roles and Responsibilities

The University seeks to identify potential Advisory Council members and encourage currently serving members to be engaged, effective advocates for the academic units and for the University.

As part of this process, the University has developed these guidelines to clarify what is expected of those invited to join the Advisory Councils:

  • Active and consistent attendance at Advisory Council meetings and functions (participation in other University events is also encouraged).
  • Prepared for meetings by reviewing the agenda and any supporting materials, and participation in a collegial manner in discussions at those meetings, particularly in discussions involving matters within the experience and expertise of the Advisory Council member.
  • When possible, accepting of invitations to serve in leadership positions and other special assignments, including subcommittees or ad hoc committees.
  • When asked, willingness to assist in writing the annual letter from the Advisory Council to the President.
  • Providing advice and counsel at the behest of the Dean or Director.
  • Contribution to the annual fund and to the academic unit at a level appropriate to the Advisory Council member’s financial resources and other demands on those resources. Advisory Council members are among the most valued and committed supporters of the University and its academic units, and should affirm the value of the University by helping to meet its financial needs. Individual units may set specific fund-raising targets for the members of their Advisory Councils.
  • Willingness to open doors on behalf of the academic unit to secure the financial, human, and political resources necessary for the unit to accomplish its mission and purposes successfully.
  • Advocacy for the unit within one’s sphere of influence, whenever the opportunity arises (In each case, these activities are to be undertaken in a coordinated fashion and with appropriate regard for ethical, legal, and similar considerations).
  • Maintenance of the confidentiality of any Advisory Council discussions that involve sensitive matters and of all confidential and/or proprietary information of the unit and/or the University.
  • Appreciation of the need to keep informed about the academic unit, its role within the University, and trends and issues in higher education that can affect its future.