Board of Trustees Standing Committees
Communication Committe Committee, 2008-2009

MEMBERS

  • David Drobis, Chair
  • Margery Kraus, Vice Chair
  • Gina Adams
  • Dan Gasby
  • Nick Keating
  • Arthur Rothkopf
  • Neal Sharma

RESOURCE PERSONS

  • Cabinet Member: David Taylor, President’s Chief of Staff
  • Teresa Flannery, Executive Director of Communication and Marketing
  • University Secretary or Assistant Secretary
  • Campus Representatives to the Committee
    • Deans’ Representatives
    • Faculty Senate Chair or Chair-designated Senate Member
    • Student Government President or President-designated Student Government Member
    • Graduate Leadership Council Executive Chairperson or Chairperson-designated Council Member
    • Student Bar Association President or President-designated Association Member
    • Alumni Association President or President-designated Association Member

CHARTER

Purpose

The Communication Committee is responsible for oversight from the Board’s perspective of University initiatives, programs, and resources intended (1) to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the University, (2) to improve the University’s reputation for the quality and distinctiveness of its academic, athletic, service and cultural programs, (3) to communicate the University’s perspective and position on issues concerning it and higher education, and (4) to advocate for the University before governmental and other public bodies. The Committee will endeavor to use resources available through the trustees to assist the University in its public relations and government relations activities. The Committee will periodically assess and report to the Board on the University’s standing and relationships with its public audiences, including academia, community, and government.

Organization

The Communication Committee is a standing committee of the board, Article VII (Other Standing Committees), of the bylaws of the university:

Section 1. There shall be such other Standing Committees as the full Board shall appoint from time to time, each having such composition, duties and powers as shall be approved by the full Board from time to time. At present, the other Standing Committees shall be as follows: Academic Affairs Committee; Alumni Affairs and Development Committee; Audit Committee; Campus Life Committee; Communication Committee; Finance and Investment Committee; and Trusteeship Committee.

Section 2. Nominations of Standing Committee officers and members for two-year terms shall be made by the Trusteeship Committee for action by the Board at the annual meeting. Vacancies on Standing Committees shall be nominated by the Trusteeship Committee and approved by the Board or Executive Committee for any unexpired term. Vacancies on the Trusteeship Committee shall be filled by the Board or Executive Committee.

Section 7. The Communication Committee consists of at least four (4) trustees and is concerned with University initiatives, programs, and resources related to external communications, marketing, community and public relations, and government affairs. This committee has such powers and duties, and shall operate in accordance with such procedures, as shall be set forth in a Committee charter, and any amendments thereto, approved by the Board.

Section 10. A majority of members of any other Standing Committee constitutes a quorum at any meeting thereof. Standing Committee members may participate in Standing Committee meetings by teleconference, which shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Committee's responsibilities include:

  1. Helping to build positive relationships between the University and the media, public officials, and other leaders at the local, regional, federal, and international levels;
  2. Serving as a sounding board to review and offer advice on University public relations and marketing activities and initiatives, including marketing and advertising strategies, news and information dissemination, publications, and other external communications; and
  3. Reviewing and offering advice on policies and programs pertaining to the relationship of the University with external groups and communities