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Southern Oregon University Advisory Board

Purposes:

1. To provide the SOU President and administration insights and information about SOU’s continuing development for the region (southern Oregon and northern California) and for the state of Oregon as a whole, including ideas about strategic opportunities for SOU to enhance its service, quality, and value.
2. To provide advice on matters of strategic planning and initiatives, including its external support and alliances.
3. To take an active role in advocating for SOU from the perspectives of many different constituencies and communities.
4. To assist the President in special projects upon request drawing on the special strengths of board members, which will include working in collaboration with others in the administration and selected faculty members. 
   [Note: The Board does not address internal institutional operations, nor does it play a governance role.]

Membership:

Membership is composed of twenty–five to thirty members, appointed by the SOU President through nominations developed with the Membership Development Committee and discussed with the Executive Committee. The intent is to have diverse and expert representation congruent with SOU’s mission, vision, programs, character, and services, as well as the geographic areas most closely served and those from which expanded perspectives are needed (from southern Oregon to the Willamette Valley, California, and national).

Members serve one 3–year term, sometimes two terms. The membership year shall be the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). The SOU Foundation Board President serves on the SOU Advisory Board as an ex–officio member.

Structure:

Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary.

Executive Director: Special Assistant to the President

Executive Committee: Chair, Vice Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, and Chairs of the standing committees.

Standing Committees:

• Institutional Positioning/Joint Outreach (with SOUF) Committee
• Government Relations Committee
• Membership Development Committee

Ad Hoc Committees:  As needed and requested by SOU President. Currently:

• Ad Hoc Committee on SOU’s Emergence in Science, Technology, and Health Professions
• Ad Hoc Committee on SOU’s Distinction in the Fine and Performing Arts

Meetings:

Quarterly business meetings of the full Board are scheduled a year out (fall, winter, spring, summer). Currently they occur on the second Tuesday of July, October, January, and April, in the afternoon from 3 to 5p.m. A reception often follows. A program segment is included to inform the Board about an area of the University, thereby building understanding about the range of programs and services. Depending on the needs of one or more members and the location/capability of the meeting, teleconference equipment is set up for those at a distance. The July meeting normally includes a 1 to 3 p.m. orientation for new members, and a dinner for members and spouses/partners.

The Executive Committee meets approximately two weeks in advance of each scheduled business meeting and on call for special consultation as needed by the SOU President.

Occasionally, a special meeting may be called by the SOU President to seek advice or advocacy on a pressing matter outside the pre-established business meeting schedule.

Member Responsibilities:

1. Participate in orientation activities when first appointed;
2. Attend a minimum of two regular board meetings/year;
3. Serve on at least one standing committee and one ad-hoc committee* (exceptions as appropriate);
4. Participate in special projects to assist the President where needed and feasible;
5. Participate in special events upon invitation, such as assisting with the President’s Community Breakfasts;
6. Participate in SOU events such as athletic events, art shows, and public lectures;
7. Be a strong, informed, and regular advocate for SOU

* Under unusual circumstances of a board member’s needs, the SOU President, SOU–AB Chair, and member may agree to have that member assign a representative in his/her organization to serve on an ad hoc committee on his or her behalf (so long as the board member and representative will be in close communication regarding the communications to and from the SOU-AB).

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