Hampshire College

A trustee should be willing:

1.  To become familiar with and committed to the major responsibilities of a governing board: a) appoint the president, b) support the president, c) monitor the president's performance, d) clarify the mission; e) evaluate and approve long-range plans, budget, appointments, degrees, major projects; f) approve the educational program; g) insure long-term viability of the institution; h) preserve institutional independence; i) enhance the public image; j) to facilitate communication between the community and the campus k) consider appeals when the board deems it appropriate; l) assess one’s own performance; m) adhere to the trustee’s duties of loyalty, fairness, honesty, and utmost good faith.

 2.  To support the institution's fund-raising efforts through personal giving in accordance with one's means (to both annual funds and capital drives), and to be willing to share in the solicitation of others.

 3.  To devote time to learn how the institution functions—its uniqueness, strengths and needs—its place in postsecondary education.

 4.  To carefully prepare for, regularly attend, and actively participate in board meetings and committee assignments.

 5.  To accept and abide by the legal and fiscal responsibilities of the board as specified by institutional charter, and state statutes and regulations.

 6.  To vote according to one's individual conviction, to challenge the judgement of others when necessary; yet to be willing to support the majority decision of the board and work with fellow board members in a spirit of cooperation.

7.  To maintain the confidential nature of board deliberations and to avoid acting as spokesperson for the entire board unless specifically authorized to do so.

 8.  To understand the role of the board as a policy-making body and to avoid participation in administration of policy.

 9.  To learn and consistently to use designated institutional channels when conducting board business (e.g., responding to faculty and student grievances, responding to inquiries concerning the status of a presidential search, etc.)

10.  To comply with conflict of interest policies and disclosure forms developed by the board (see sample conflict of interest policy and sample record forms in AGB "Guidelines for Policies Affecting Potential Conflicts of Interest" following).

11.  To refrain from actions and involvements that might prove embarrassing to the institution and to resign if such actions or involvements develop.

12.  To make judgments always on the basis of what is best for the institution as a whole and for the advancement of higher education rather than to serve special interests.

May 2003