Cornell University Council
Frequently Asked Questions

What does the council do?
How long is a member's term?
Am I automatically re-elected at the end of the required two years off after my first or subsequent term(s)?
If I am not re-elected at the end of the required two years off, will I ever be able to become a council member again?
What's the annual meeting all about?
What is the "joint" annual meeting?
What happens at the joint annual meeting?
Am I expected to join a council committee?
What are the committee choices?
How do I learn more about a committee that may interest me?
How do I express interest in a committee?
What is the Administrative Board?
What does the Administrative Board do?
How are Administrative Board members chosen?

What does the council do?

The Cornell University Council is a group of alumni who have demonstrated leadership for Cornell. The university recognizes them and makes them a part of the network to which it turns when it needs help. It is more likely that an individual, based on his or her interest and expertise, will be asked to assist the university, rather than the entire council body. Council members comprise the first group of alumni the university turns to for the following kinds of activities:

responding to tasks, initiatives, and program needs of the university faculty and administrators
serving as a leader in Cornell-related alumni organizations and through financial support
serving as a Cornell ambassador and spokesperson in alumni and/or community groups
hosting events
fundraising
serving on a task force to examine a specific issue
serving on non-council committees and advisory groups at Cornell
lobbying the federal or state government

How long is a member's term?

Four years. After a required two-year period off, the member will automatically be reconsidered for another membership term. This consideration is based on continued leadership and involvement, as well as attendance at annual meetings.

Am I automatically re-elected at the end of the required two years off after my first or subsequent term(s)?

No, the election is not automatic. Everyone who completes the required two years off will automatically be reconsidered along with all the new nominees. A committee of alumni from the Administrative Board then presents a final slate of candidates consisting of those who have the most leadership activity for more than five years—at Cornell, in their business or profession, and in their community.

If I am not re-elected at the end of the required two years off, will I ever be able to become a council member again?

Yes, anyone can be nominated and will be considered for membership at any time except during their two-year break. The key to being elected a member is leadership activity for Cornell and attendance at annual meetings.

What's the annual meeting all about?

The university administration and the council's annual meeting planning committee:

plan seminars to keep alumni informed about current teaching and research at Cornell
provide opportunities for council members to discuss issues important to Cornell
provide opportunities to hear about current student life (in athletics, academics, scholarship, or other activities)
provide social settings for members to get acquainted or reacquainted with each other
plan council committee meetings to serve as a sounding board, provide advice, or work on projects needed by the department with which they are affiliated

What is the "joint" annual meeting?

The official meeting of the Board of Trustees and the Cornell University Council in joint session at each Trustee-Council Weekend.

What happens at the joint annual meeting?

The chairs of the Board of Trustees and the council give updates or vision statements, and the president delivers his State of the University address. There may also be a report on fundraising or some other issue of importance.

Am I expected to join a council committee?

A council committee is a good way to get involved in an area of the university that may interest you but in which you haven't yet had the opportunity to be involved. You are urged to complete the Volunteer Leadership & Involvement Update form mailed to you, and it will be forwarded to the appropriate committee for review. Not all committees appoint new members every year.

What are the committee choices?

Admissions and Financial Aid
Athletics Alumni Advisory
Committee on Career Services
Committee on the Arts
Cornell's Adult University
Governmental Relations
Human Resources Advisory
International Programs
Public Relations
Student and Academic Services
Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship
Technology Transfer

How do I learn more about a committee that may interest me?

Talk with staff in the council office and/or the committee chair. Chairs and committees are listed here and in the member directory, which is distributed in the fall.

How do I express interest in a committee?

Complete the Interest & Expertise form and return it to the council office. Keep in mind that not every committee adds new members every year. Also, expertise is sometimes preferred.

What is the Administrative Board?

The Administrative Board is the governing body for Council. It is composed of a chair, 3-4 vice chairs, chairs of all council committees, faculty and trustee representatives, chairs/presidents of all major alumni organizations, Cornell's executive staff, and 14 members at large.

What does the Administrative Board do?

The Administrative Board represents the larger body of council members. It meets three times a year. The university uses the board to gain insight and advice on issues facing Cornell and to help plan how to involve all council members and other alumni where appropriate.

How are Administrative Board members chosen?

Elected positions are the responsibility of the Nominating Committee, chaired by the immediate past chair of council. The committee's members are traditionally past council chairs, members at large to the Administrative Board, and officers of other alumni organizations.