In assessing candidates nominated to become trustees, the Nominating Committee will thoughtfully consider a variety of criteria for each candidate which include but are not limited to their personal traits and fiduciary temperament, their willingness and ability to fulfill the duties of a trustees, the relevance of their background and how that relates to the anticipated needs of the Board and whatever other resources or experience they will bring to the board.
The following is a list of criteria the Committee considers in assessing a candidate for the Board:
I. Personal traits
a. Perspective and judgment
b. Breadth of interests and interest in learning
c. Integrity
d. Trustworthiness, including the ability to maintain confidentiality
e. Understanding and past support of the Colgate community
f. An interest in education and Colgate’s ability to realize its mission
g. Ability and willingness to consider differing points of view
h. Ability and desire to make Colgate a top philanthropic priority
j. Appreciation of the unique characteristics of an academic community
k. Ability and willingness to communicate effectively with the Colgate community
l. Transferable experience in group problem solving
m. Willingness to participate constructively in trustee and board evaluation
o. Willingness to financially support the University
II. Willingness and Ability to Serve.
The board is comprised of 35 trustees whose full participation is critical to the work of the board. Candidates should expect to serve at least six years and possibly nine. There are generally four board meetings during the year. Additionally trustees will be assigned to at least two committees which will meet at least once between board meetings. From time to time, trustees may be assigned to a special committee or asked to participate on a task force.
We understand the very busy lives led by our trustees and do appreciate their willingness to serve in this demanding position. Should there be a change in circumstance that somehow impacts a trustee’s ability or willingness to serve, the trustee should initiate a discussion with the Board Chair to consider and discuss service at a later date.
III. Professional Background
The Board strives to maintain a collective group of trustees who have the expertise and background necessary to lead Colgate through the competitive and ever changing environment in which we exist. There is, necessarily, a dedicated effort to ensure that investment management and financial expertise reside on the Board at all times. Additionally we look for other attributes that will enrich discussion, most frequently, but not exclusively, from the following professions:
a. Academic administration
b. Sciences/medicine
c. Technology
d. Real estate/development
e. Arts/humanities
f. Public Service
g. Law
h. Communications/media
i. Global/International
j. Non-profit
k. Organizational development
IV. Other perspectives and resources a. Colgate connection. An engaged connection to Colgate will amplify one’s ability to serve. The Board values a continuous and significant alumni presence of individuals with institutional knowledge of Colgate’s traditions and rich history.
b. Non-profit governance experience. Experience and knowledge of non-profit governance is likewise a positive factor in selection of trustees.
c. Philanthropic support for Colgate. An individual’s history of financial support for the school is likewise a factor considered in the selection of trustees. Because all trustees are asked to support the school to the best of their ability, and at least on par with other organizations with which they are affiliated, their history of support will be considered. Financial generosity, however, is never the sole factor considered in the choice of trustees.
d. Colgate experience. The board looks to balance board discussions by involving perspectives across class years.