UMass Amherst Alumni Association

About Us

Elections - Board of Directors Overview

Board of Directors
As the governing body of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association, the Board of Directors is comprised of alumni whose demonstrated service and leadership display a strong understanding and commitment to the mission of the Alumni Association and the advancement of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

Board Composition
The Board of Directors consists of 34 voting members including:

• Eighteen (18) directors elected by the Alumni Association’s general membership
• Twelve (12) directors appointed by the President, including nine (9) appointments from the general membership, two (2) appointments from chartered alumni clubs or affiliate groups, and one (1) alumni appointment from the university faculty or staff
• One (1) representative of the chartered alumni clubs elected by the officers of chartered alumni clubs
• Two (2) enrolled students who serve one-year terms, appointed by the President, one of whom shall be a member of the Student Alumni Association
• The immediate past president who serves a two-year term, concurrent with the president’s term

Elected directors serve a three-year term commencing on July 1 of a given year to coincide with the Alumni Association’s fiscal year.  Although not a guarantee, elected board members may have an opportunity to run for a second consecutive three-year term or to receive a two-year presidential appointment.

Appointed directors serve a two-year presidential appointment, concurrent with the President’s term, and commencing on July 1 of a given year to coincide with the Alumni Association’s fiscal year.  Although not a guarantee, appointed board members may have an opportunity to run for an elected seat or to receive a second presidential appointment.

Officers
The Officers of the Board include the following:

• President
• Three Vice Presidents
• Treasurer
• Secretary

Officers are elected by the Board of Directors, and must be elected or appointed members of the Board at the time of their nomination.

Board and Committee Meetings
Four full Board meetings are conducted during the year in September, November, February and May, and the Alumni Association’s Annual Assembly convenes in June during Reunion Weekend.  The February meeting typically serves as the Board’s annual planning session.  Board meetings usually convene on the Amherst campus, but may sometimes convene in other central locations within Massachusetts.

The Executive Committee meets 10 - 12 times per year in central locations within Massachusetts.  The Board’s strategic initiative committees meet 4 - 8 times per year as needed and usually convene via conference call, but may at times meet in person on campus or in central locations within Massachusetts.

Failure of a Board member to maintain a minimum annual attendance rate of 50% for Board and Committee meetings will result in automatic removal from the Board.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of the six officers, the immediate past president, three at-large members from the Board and the alumni clubs representative.  The Executive Committee meets 10 - 12 times a year and is authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors when necessary.

The Executive Committee works in partnership with the Executive Director of the Alumni Association to coordinate the development and implementation of the Alumni Association’s strategic plan and related goals, and formulates recommendations for Board approval and action.  The Executive Committee assists the president in setting agendas for meetings of the Board, establishes membership rates and creates ad hoc committees as may be necessary to meet the needs of the Alumni Association.

Board Committees
Committee work is integral to implementing the Alumni Association’s strategic plan and related goals.  Each year the committees concentrate on issues of strategic importance to the growth and stability of the Alumni Association.  Standing committees are chaired by members of the Executive Committee and include Board members as well as alumni who have an interest or expertise in a committee’s specific area of focus.  All Board members serve on at least one committee.

Standing Committees

• Alumni Clubs Committee
        The Alumni Clubs Committee is responsible for the strategic development and oversight of the Alumni Clubs program.
• Audit Committee
  The Audit Committee provides independent oversight of all accounting and financial reporting procedures, internal control systems, and annual audit processes, and makes policy recommendations to ensure transparency in board governance. The Committee also assures that audited financial statements and tax reports are prepared and submitted to the proper regulatory agencies.
• Communications, Marketing & Membership
  The Communications, Marketing and Membership Committee oversees development and execution of integrated communications and marketing strategies designed to promote the Alumni Association and strengthen the membership program.
• Finance & Investment Committee
  The Finance & Investment Committee is responsible for development and oversight of investment policies and fiscal operating strategies intended to ensure the short and long-term financial stability of the Alumni Association.  The Committee also directs the monetary affairs and oversees the invested funds of the Alumni Association. 
• Honors and Awards
  The Honors and Awards Committee oversees the review and selection of all student and alumni honors, awards and scholarships of the Alumni Association.
• Nominating Committee
  The Nominating Committee oversees a fair and impartial nominations and elections process and recruits qualified and committed alumni to serve on the Board.
• Programs & Services Committee
  The Programs and Services Committee is responsible for the strategic development and execution of all student, alumni, athletics, and affinity programs and services designed to engage a broad constituent base and increase alumni participation.  
  
• Volunteer Advocacy & Public Affairs Committee
  The Volunteer Advocacy and Public Affairs Committee is responsible for the strategic development of advocacy programs, as well as the cultivation and recruitment of active and committed alumni volunteers.

Ad Hoc Committees

• Alumni Career Services Committee
  The Alumni Career Services Committee oversees the strategic development and implementation of alumni career development and networking programs and services.
• Grants Review Ad Hoc Committee
  The Grants Review Committee oversees the Alumni Association’s Grants Program, and also reviews and conducts due diligence on all funding requests made to the Alumni Association from on and off campus sources.
• Governance Task Force
  The Governance Task Force, consisting of the three vice presidents and the executive director, is charged with developing and recommending a Leadership Action Plan to the Board of Directors.