Standing Committees
To operate University business efficiently, the board has established four general categories of committees - organizational, business affairs, academic affairs, and miscellaneous. In addition to a board-appointed Executive Committee, there are seven standing committees that fulfill the diverse functions in the governance of the University.
The committees are active throughout the academic year, each meeting an average of two to three times per year except for the Executive Committee which meets approximately eight to ten times a year. Committee members discuss matters under their purview and make appropriate recommendations, looking both at the long-term vision and short-term goals for their primary focus areas, as well as for the University.
Composed primarily of the board's officers and the chairpersons of standing committees, the principal responsibility of the Executive Committee includes the business affairs of the University. It is empowered to exercise all the powers of the Board, when it is not in session, subject to the following exceptions: i) making major academic policy changes or handling business affairs that have a major impact upon academic policy, ii) election/removal of the President, iii) adopting amendments to the governing documents, and iv) electing trustees.
The Academic Affairs Committee bears responsibility for reviewing and recommending programs integral to fulfilling the academic mission. Its charge includes i) reviewing proposals concerning the expansion or deletion of current academic programs, the structure and operation of new academic programs, and academic policies before submission to the Executive Committee or Board for approval; ii) consult, through the committee chair, with the Board Chair on Executive committee action with respect to tenure cases where there is disagreement between faculty and the administration; iii) serving as liaison to the University’s colleges and schools, and iv) consult, through the committee chair, with the Board Chair on nominations of persons for honorary degrees brought by the University President.
The Athletics Committee advises the board on matters relating to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and its men’s and women’s programs, assists the department in attaining and maintaining an intercollegiate athletics program of excellence, both on and off the field, oversees and monitors athletics compliance programs and investigations, and reviews and supports the scholastic performance of student athletes.
The Audit and Compliance Committee oversees the University’s internal and external audit functions, legal and regulatory matters, the compliance program, overall institutional compliance with all University, state, federal, and non-governmental agency policies and regulations, and the enterprise risk management program. The committee oversees the integrity of the University’s financial statements and reviews the annual tax return before submittal to the board and filing with the IRS.
The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the administration’s budget policy recommendations making recommendations for approval of the University’s Operations and Capital Plans, , as well as overseeing budget results compared to plan, and reviewing liquidity and financing strategies. The committee is also part of the board’s process for review of the annual audited financial statements and considers construction projects and the disposition of real assets over the board’s authorized thresholds.
The Investments Committee oversees the University’s investment portfolios, advising the administration on investment matters, and reviewing changes in investment policies, as well as establishing, modifying and approving changes in asset allocations in the investment portfolios. The committee is responsible for the engagement and termination of investment counselors and custodians.
The Nominating and Governance Committee has overall responsibility for helping the Board determine the most effective composition of the Board and developing governance practices and policies that enhance Board performance. The Committee identifies, evaluates and nominates individuals for election to the board; and reviews and makes recommendations for changes in governance, structure and operation to ensure board effectiveness.
The Student Affairs Committee advises the Board on matters relating to the Division of Student Affairs, which generally includes all areas of student life and campus environment.
