If you know of an alum who would make a great addition to the Alumni Association board, nominate him or her today. Nominations are due April 1. Click here for the nomination form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Alumni Association Board of Directors and what is its role?

The Alumni Association’s mission is to serve alumni by representing, informing, and providing opportunities for involvement to meet their interests and support the University’s evolving mission and tradition.

The association is committed to furthering the development of the university by actively cultivating involvement among alumni. The 24-member board is driven by pride in UW Oshkosh’s successes and the accomplishments of our students, and works to build connections among alumni, students and the University.

Board membership is open to all members of the Alumni Association who are excited about the University’s past, present and future. All candidates are elected through a nomination process, with members serving three-year terms.

The board of directors acts as an advisory body to university staff and, in particular, to the Office of Alumni Relations, which oversees the programs and activities of the Alumni Association. The board also assists with the planning, promotion and hosting of alumni programs and activities.

How many people serve and for how long?

The Alumni Association board is comprised of elected members, the president of the UW Oshkosh Student Alumni Ambassadors, Foundation president, the director of alumni relations and assistant director of alumni relations. Elected members serve a three-year term. Elected directors may serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms. After serving two consecutive terms, a person is eligible to be re-elected to the board after one year.

How are board members selected?

A slate of candidates is presented at the association’s annual meeting in May. Nominations from the floor are also accepted. A vote to elect the candidates is taken by the board, and requires a majority vote to pass.

How often does the board meet? Where are meetings held, and how long do they last?

The board of directors holds at least four regularly scheduled meetings each year. Meetings are typically held on campus at Pollock Alumni House and usually last two hours. Meetings are held Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings. Directors are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings.

What is the time commitment for board meetings and preparation?

Materials, typically sent via e-mail, need to be reviewed before each meeting. Such materials include the meeting agenda, committee information, program updates prepared by staff, and other information pertaining to the board meeting. Members are expected to participate in Homecoming weekend and other alumni events as needed.

How does a board member’s service benefit the Alumni Association?

Members have the opportunity to provide advice on alumni programs and activities, to share ideas for new initiatives, and to work on the enhancement and development of Alumni Association programming. In addition, members serve as spokespersons for the association and the university in their communities. Board members help shape the future direction of the Alumni Association and influence the quality of the association and UW Oshkosh.

How will board service benefit the member?

As leaders of the Alumni Association, board members have opportunities to interact with the campus community; meet with the chancellor and other senior administrators; be identified as association leaders at Homecoming and other alumni events and maintain close ties to UW Oshkosh.

What are the expectations of alumni board members?

• To attend all meetings of the Board as scheduled and any special or emergency meetings as may be required.
• To actively participate and attend committee meetings. Each board member is asked to serve on at least one committee.
• To come to meetings prepared to contribute to the discussion of issues and business to be addressed at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background support material relevant to the meeting.
• To thoughtfully review all actions taken by the Board and look to further the mission of the Alumni Association and the University.
• To represent UW Oshkosh and the Alumni Association in a positive and professional manner at all times and in all places. This task may involve talking with prospective students, meeting with or calling other alumni, involving faculty, staff, and current students and their parents in alumni activities, and attending university and alumni activities and programs whenever possible.
• To assist UW Oshkosh and the Alumni Association in identifying, cultivating, and involving alumni in areas such as hosting alumni events, student recruitment, student mentoring, job placement, and more.
• To financially support the University on an annual basis.

Board members can expect:

• Their time to be used efficiently for tasks and projects directly related to the University and the Alumni Association goals;
• Support, resources, and regular communication from the University;
• Recognition and acknowledgement for their service and commitment to UW Oshkosh;
• Networking opportunities with other UW Oshkosh alumni and friends committed to the future of the University and the Alumni Association.